Massive surges in bed bug infestations have been reported globally in recent months. Paris, a city of over two million, has reported infestations in apartment buildings, hotels, movie theatres, and other communal spaces. Despite the city’s attempt to control the spread, these notoriously difficult-to-eliminate pests have become even more of a problem, with some types showing resistance to traditional pesticides. If you rent an apartment or travel often, knowing how to protect yourself and your home from bed bugs is more important than ever.
Bed Bug Clause in Rental Leases
When you are looking for a new place to call home, it is imperative that before signing a lease, you know what your landlord’s responsibilities are and what yours are as a tenant. Leases can vary state by state in terms of what they are required to include. The same is true for pest control clauses. You may be worried when you see a bed bug clause in a lease agreement. However, you should take this with comfort. It shows that your landlord is taking a proactive approach to bed bug infestations. Apartment buildings are often filled with communal spaces that increase the risk that an infestation can occur by being brought in by one tenant and spreading throughout the building.
When reading through a lease, be sure you understand what to do at the first sign of a possible bed bug problem. Some leases, for example, will certify that your living space is bed bug and pest-free on move-in day. If an infestation does occur in the building, you should report it to management as soon as possible in writing. Failure to report an infestation in a timely manner can lead to a wider outbreak or even leave you on the hook financially for some of the costs of bed bug extermination. By understanding your lease terms, tenants can empower themselves in the event of an infestation.
Proactive Steps to Prevent an Infestation
Bed Bugs typically infest a residence by hitching a ride on your clothes, luggage, or used furniture. When staying in a hotel, you should inspect beds and furniture for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Bed bugs often hide in cracks, and crevices of furniture and bedding and can be challenging to spot. However, they are visible to the naked eye and will often leave brownish-red stains on furniture and bedding. Even if you don’t see any signs of bed bugs, it is a good idea to exercise caution.
Never place your luggage on a bed, couch, or chair in a hotel room. This can be an easy way for bed bugs to hitch a ride home with you after leaving a hotel. Keep luggage zipped up and secured when not in use. For added protection, use plastic bags to store clothing. When you get back home, wash your clothes with hot water to kill any possible bed bugs hitching a ride. If you are buying old furniture or renting furniture, use a steamer to kill any bed bugs that may be hiding. Taking these simple steps can greatly reduce the odds of an infestation occurring.
Treating a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are notorious for being difficult to treat. Leave the infestation to the pros and report them as soon as you detect signs. If you suspect bed bugs in your home, purchase cheap glue traps from hardware stores and place them near your bed and furniture for confirmation that an infestation has occurred. Use steamers on furniture, and wash the bedding in hot water to kill bed bugs and larvae. Several pesticides are available in the forum of foggers, but these require the home to be empty of people and pets for extended periods after use. Diatomaceous earth is a natural approach that kills bed bugs and serves as a barrier to prevent re-infestation. The best option for renters is to inform management in writing when they detect an infestation so that professional exterminators can eliminate the outbreak.
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