how to prevent bed bugs in an apartment

Replacing your mattress every 2-3 years. Using a protective cover to encase your mattresses and box springs will... 3. Generally, after informing your landlord, they’ll take the appropriate measures to inform other tenants about the infestation. If your locality requires tenants to handle bed bug infestations, check your renter's insurance policy. What Is the CORT Personal Service Guarantee? You can ask that identifying information be left off the notice. It may also cover damage to your property that bed bugs cause, including the replacement of bedding if it's been advised by a professional. Why Choose International Furniture Rental? Pay careful attention to areas closest to your bed. There's a cultural stigma surrounding bed bug infestations. Do what you can and let professionals handle the rest. Install door sweeps or weather stripping on the bottom of doors to eliminate or limit the bed bugs from moving to other areas. However, if the infestation occurs in multi-unit dwellings, the responsibility lies with the owner. In other words, they’re as tough as any monster Hollywood can dream up. Hunt for bed bugs using a flashlight, looking for small reddish spots on bedsheets or mattresses; round, dark spots that look like ink; or tiny eggs, eggshells, and pale yellow skins. Place slices of cucumber inside a clean aluminum can. However, it's the spread of bed bugs that can be more concerning. For good measure, consider also washing any curtains, rugs, throw blankets and pillows that might have also been exposed in your bedroom. Their simple presence can cause a fair amount of anxiety. From “Night of the Living Dead” to “28 Days Later,” its a zombie movie staple to watch the heroes get to work fortifying their house against the zombie hoards. We'll occasionally email you properties matching your search criteria and will never share your email without your consent. You can reach us at 1-800-APARTMENT or Buy a bed bug-proof mattress cover or protector that will encase the entire mattress, not just the top portion. Keep in mind that your first responsibility is to yourself and safety. Keep in mind that these are only viable options if your local laws deem the landlord responsible for handling the pest problem and they fail to do so in a timely manner. However, if you've taken the steps above and think you'll be able to handle any bed bug-related anxiety, then it's best to sleep in your bed until it's treated by a PCO. Examine furniture near the bed (nightstands, etc.). Registered Users Enjoy Many More Features. Here’s the sort of vigilance you’ll need to avoid introducing bed bugs into your apartment: In “Poltergeist,” a family beset by unwanted visitors — who lurk inside their TV and closets — goes on the offensive to rid the evil spirits from their home. That's a lot of alliteration stuffed into such a small package. Removing clutter also removes bed bug hiding places. Pros and Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment, Pros and Cons of Renting an Apartment vs. Buying a House, Renting an Apartment Without US Citizenship, Renting Apartments and Credit: A Guide to Credit Scores and Reports, Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Furnished Apartment Search, Top Questions to Ask on an Apartment Tour, Townhouse vs. They can cause stress, stigma, and suffering. There are various sprays you can use to bed bug-proof your mattress. Although it may seem a little bit too extreme to replace your mattress... 2. Register before 2021 and automatically be entered to, Davina Ward is a contributing author at Apartment List and freelance writer specializing in real estate and digital marketing. New York City laws state that landlords are responsible for eradicating bed bugs in any dwelling. Many bed bugs in apartments are found in couches and upholstered chairs. In a home with more clutter, bed bugs have more hiding spots and can be more difficult to detect. Sometimes, the only thing left to do is move out after your lease is up, especially if you suspect the infestation’s “ground zero” is located elsewhere in your apartment building. They board up windows and nail doors shut. As you can see, it's a simple fact that being human attracts bed bugs. But as anyone who has ever faced a bed bug infestation knows, true terror is much smaller and far more insidious. If they’ve recently fed, there will be a dark spot beginning at their tail end and extending upwards. However, knowing how to deal with them calmly is the only surefire way to avoid being overwhelmed by the little vampire-esque insects. Have a thorough bed bug inspection of suspected unit and surrounding units to determine the extent of the problem. That’s because they can vastly differ between localities. However, bed bugs are just as likely to infest the cleanest of houses as they are the dirtiest. She received her B, How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Apartment, COVID-19 Tips: Staying Healthy in a Busy Apartment Building, What to Do if you Find Bed Bugs in your Apartment. Vacuum couches, chairs and recliners thoroughly before pest control service. However, in the case of bed bugs, it's usually nobody's fault. (Click here for tips on hiring an exterminator.). How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation 1. On the western side of the state, Erie County law states that tenants are responsible for handling an infestation if the property has only a single unit. Like vampires, bed bugs feed on human blood. A few simple precautions can help prevent bed bug infestation in your home: Inspect the luggage rack in your hotel room for bed bugs. legal and privacy link, © 2020 CORT Business Services, Inc. All rights reserved. However, that’s not what invites them. When to Report Your Landlord & Look for Apartments. Here are some tips to help you prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. They generally leave tell-tale black droppings on mattresses, cluster in groups during the day, and reside in crevices in or around the bed. Check for the bed bugs themselves in mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. Nashville Moving Guide, The Benefits of CORT Furniture Rental for Military Members. Equal Housing Opportunity. Check secondhand furniture, beds and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home. If a pest infestation occurs due to landlords failing to provide a home that's secure from pests, then the tenant can take action. Check out these common bed bug lookalikes to be sure that you're not mistaken in your identification. The mixture of the scents will keep roaches at bay. Why Rent Furniture Instead of Buying New? Double-bag and discard the vacuum bags in an outdoors dumpster immediately to avoid reintroducing or spreading any bed bugs caught in the vacuum. Bed bugs are small, brown insects that most commonly take refuge in the beds of unsuspecting homeowners and renters. Scientists suspect they’ve even evolved to evade the harmful effects of certain insecticides. It's best to check your local laws to determine who’s responsible for handling pest infestations. Additionally, landlords should work to emphasize that cleanliness does not impact one's ability to get bed bugs. There's nothing you can do to eradicate the infestation. But they can go months without eating, hiding in mattresses or even behind wallpaper. The following suggestions will ensure you have far more success.