HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF BED BUGS One important thing to impress upon residents is the danger of bringing in secondhand furniture, particularly if it’s been sitting outside. “That’s probably one of the easiest ways that [bed bugs] get brought in,” says Zachary DeVries, associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky.
Ben Hottel, entomologist at Atlanta-based pest control company Orkin, suggests the following strategies that properties can use to prevent bed bug infestations:
Conduct regular inspections. “It’s best to first look for actual live bed bugs and then signs of bed bugs such as blood stains, fecal matter and discarded exoskeletons,” Hottel said, noting that these signs could also be attributed to other insects. Promote cleanliness. Hottel recommends encouraging regular vacuuming and washing of bedding. Eliminate hiding places. This includes filling in cracks in plaster or drywall, removing wallpaper and repairing loose molding. Encourage residents to use special bed covers. These are designed to protect mattresses and box springs, and to make inspections and treatments easier.
It is a tenant’s responsibility to report the presence of bed bugs as soon as they are discovered. In turn, the landlord is legally responsible to quickly take appropriate measures to eliminate the bugs. They must take the issue seriously, respond swiftly and communicate with other tenants, since bed bugs can travel from one unit to another and are difficult to eliminate. Including this Bed Bugs Addendum with your lease agreement can also help set clear expectations.
In California, landlords are required to provide this disclosure at lease signing, but educating tenants about the risks and their responsibilities is a best practice regardless of where your property is located. Legally, landlords are responsible for covering the costs of bed bug elimination. In some states, tenants have the right to withhold rent until the issue is fully resolved and may seek compensation for damaged belongings or relocation expenses.
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