If you’re a landlord you already have a lot on your plate. The last thing you need to deal with is a bed bug infestation of any type.
However the possibility is all to real to ignore. As a landlord, you should definitely be prepared for this possibility and know how to respond to the problem when it has been identified.
How to Prepare for a Bed Bug Infestation
There is absolutely no denying that they exist. If you don’t consider the possibility of a bed bug infestation, you are less likely concerned with it and therefore, you may not do anything to prepare for the possibility or you may simply ignore it all together, even after a tenant has mentioned that they think they may have a problem with bed bugs.
However, we have a few steps that can help you to remain alert and prepared for a bed bug infestation.
- You need to know how you are required to report a bed bug infestation in your area
- Learn what you need to know about bed bugs and educate your property management on how to do the same
- Create a strategy to prevent bed bugs from coming into your building. This also requires you to have every unit thoroughly inspected after a tenant has moved out.
- Have a policy written that you can provide to your tenants if they should experience a bed bug infestation
- Never blame the tenants because they will not want to tell you about the problem if they fear being blamed for the problem
- Encourage tenants to report any sign of a bed bug infestation.
This may sound like a lot but once it becomes a routine process, it will get a lot easier to do and to follow through with. You can’t afford to avoid the situation because doing so will only make the problem worse.
- Have the tenants show you where the problem is
- Evaluate the problem yourself
- Find the source of the problem
- Immediately treat the source so that the problem doesn’t spread
“Landlords and a Bed Bug Infestation” was first published by westchestercountypestcontrol.com