Helpful Bed Bug Tips for a Property Manager
Bed bug infestations can wreak havoc on the value of a property. Therefore, knowing how to deal with these pests is essential for a property manager. With the rise of bed bug infestations in the country, an issue may be just around the corner.
Here are some bed bug tips for a property manager to prevent or deal with any infestations.
Preventing an infestation
Knowledge is the best weapon to battle pest infestation. Learning about the origins and behavior of bed bugs is the first line of defense for preventing these insects from entering a home.
Most bed bugs are brought in unwittingly to a property from second-hand items like furniture and clothing. If a property manager can't prevent tenants from taking in used items, it's best to treat them beforehand. Bed bugs are sensitive to heat. Prolonged washing in hot water along with at least 30 minutes in a hot dryer will kill eggs and larvae.
Inspect beds, mattresses, and couches thoroughly before being brought into the property. This may take time and effort for both tenants and the property manager, but it will prevent headaches in the long run.
Detecting bed bugs
Property managers should familiarize themselves with the telltale signs of a bed bug infestation. Although small, bed bugs are large enough to be visibly detected, and they like to hide in crevices and seams of furniture. Bed bug bites show up as small welts. However, they don't immediately itch, which prevents victims from waking up during feeding.
Bed bugs leave bloodstains when they feed and fecal stains once they are done. Checking the furniture for stains is one of the best ways to detect a current infestation.
Property managers should also encourage tenants to report signs of an outbreak immediately. Like most pest infestations, it's best to attend to the problem as soon as possible.
Treating an outbreak
Always consult local authorities about treatments for bed bug infestations. Some ordinances detail the responsibilities of both tenants and property managers when it comes to reporting and treatment of an infestation.
Never attempt to deal with the problem personally, as DIY treatments can worsen the situation. Some widely available sprays and chemical treatments may cause the insects to hide deeper in furniture, making professional treatments harder.
Hire professional help
If an infestation has been confirmed, it's best to hire a professional pest management service to deal with the problem immediately. The longer bed bugs are left to fester, the harder and costlier it gets to eradicate them. Property managers should spare themselves the headaches of repeated infestations by having experts come in and eliminate these annoying pests.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
