As a landlord, you go to great lengths to ensure your properties are safe for tenants. But there’s one threat that still haunts even the most prepared landlord: Bed bugs. According to this PestWorld survey, almost 97% of pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the last year, and even more unnerving, 66% of those professionals indicate the prevalence of bed bugs is increasing. So what do you do to protect your tenants and your property? Keep reading to learn more about these pests and how to manage them effectively.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically about the size of an apple seed and are nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and coming out at night to feed. Bed bugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.
They are known as impressive “hitchhikers” and can travel long distances attached to suitcases, clothes, and linens. Other interesting facts about bed bugs:
- They have been around for more than 3,000 years.
- One in five Americans have had a bed bug infestation in their home or have known someone who has.
- Bed bugs are typically found in couches and bed frames. But they can be in unexpected places, too, like stuffed animals and purses.
Where Are Bed Bugs Most Prevalent?
The top three places where pest professionals report finding bed bugs are:
- Single-family homes (91%)
- Apartments/condos (89%)
- Hotels/motels (68%)
The incidence of bed bugs is three times higher in urban areas than in rural areas. This is due to larger populations, apartment living, and increased mobility, which all aid in the rapid spread and breeding of bed bugs.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be difficult to spot due to their small size and nocturnal habits. And, they are often confused with other pests. A majority of pest professionals who ended up treating bed bugs were initially called out for a different pest. The majority of these calls were about fleas and cockroaches.
However, there are several signs that can indicate the presence of bed bugs:
- Bites: Red, itchy bites on tenants, often in a line or cluster, can be a sign of bed bugs.
- Stains: Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by crushed bed bugs.
- Exoskeletons: Shed skins or exoskeletons in areas where bed bugs hide.
- Eggs: Tiny, white, and oval-shaped eggs or eggshells found in mattress seams, furniture, or other hiding places.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
Before we share prevention tips, it’s important to note you should never feel embarrassed if one of your properties has bed bugs. It’s not in your control, as anyone can bring a pregnant female into a property anytime. But, these tips will help you to prevent bed bug infestations in your rental properties:
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of units, especially between tenants, to catch infestations early.
- Education: Educate tenants on how to identify bed bugs and encourage them to report any signs immediately.
- Protective Measures: Recommend bed bug-proof mattress covers to tenants.
- Clutter Reduction: Encourage tenants to reduce clutter, which can provide hiding places for bed bugs.
- Travel Precautions: Advise tenants to inspect luggage and clothing for bed bugs after traveling.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs or Bed Bugs Are Reported
If bed bugs are found in a unit, it’s important that you act quickly and decisively:
- Take Immediate Action: Do not attempt DIY treatments, as they can spread the infestation. Contact a professional pest control company like Ford’s Hometown Services immediately.
- Get Professional Treatment: A pest control professional will assess the situation and implement an appropriate treatment plan, which may include heat treatments, chemical treatments, or a combination of methods. One of the keys to eliminating bed bugs is the importance of multiple service visits. Be sure to ask your pest control company about follow-up visits. At Ford’s Hometown Services, we often will treat up to three times to ensure bed bug elimination. Many other companies simply do not provide follow-up visits and trust that a single spraying visit will do the job. That’s just not the case.
- Secure Tenant Cooperation: Work with tenants to prepare the unit for treatment, including laundering bedding and clothing, and reducing clutter.
Helping Tenants Prepare for a Bed Bug Treatment
If you are a landlord with units that may be infested with bed bugs, you have different rules to follow than a normal homeowner when prepping for bed bug treatment. A professional pest control company like Ford’s Hometown Services will ensure that you are provided with the necessary preparation sheets for tenants. This ensures your tenants understand the steps that need to be done prior to each service visit and what is to be expected after each service visit.
Protect Your Rental Properties and Your Tenants
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause discomfort and allergic reactions. And, the psychological impact of a bed bug infestation can also be significant, leading to stress and anxiety for you and your tenants. From routine inspections to dealing with an infestation, Ford’s Hometown Services can help. In fact, we have had a 100% bed bug extermination success ratio over the past 15 years. Call us today at 800-649-9992 or get an online quote.