Preventing Bed Bugs in Apartment Buildings
Educated residents know how to stop bed bugs from taking over their building.
Apartment buildings are no strangers to the battle against bed bugs. While a problem in any environment, bed bugs are particularly disruptive in shared living areas like apartment buildings, hotels, dorms, etc. These minuscule, elusive insects can infiltrate multiple units in record time.
Here is a look at bed bug prevention and control measures that can keep an apartment building bed bug-free.
Bed bug behavior
Bed bugs may be small, but they are mighty. Their nocturnal nature and blood-sucking diet make them experts at hitchhiking into apartments through various means, such as luggage, furniture, and personal belongings. Once inside, they can quickly spread from one unit to another.
A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in her short life. Those eggs take about one or two weeks to hatch, so bed bug numbers grow exponentially quickly. And they feed on human blood to survive when the residents are sleeping.
Inspections and early detection
Bed bugs are sinister, so property managers and residents should inspect for signs of these unwelcome guests whenever an opportunity arises, especially in hiding spots like mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture cracks. It's easy to act swiftly when signs are spotted before the infestation becomes widespread.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a holistic way to handle bed bugs. However, IPM isn't a specific action but a mix of tactics such as frequent inspections, proper sanitation, and some application of pesticides, but only when necessary. IPM prevents infestations in the long term and makes residents rely less on toxic and environmentally unsafe chemicals.
Educating residents
Educated residents know how to stop bed bugs from taking over their building (or at least mitigate the damage). Residents must understand how to identify these pests, the importance of reporting infestations promptly, and best practices for preventing their spread. Managers can offer tips on inspecting second-hand furniture and reducing clutter in living areas.
Professional pest control
If an apartment is already dealing with a serious infestation, it's time to call in the experts. Professional pest control services possess the expertise and tools to treat the property and prevent future invasions. Collaborate freely and closely with these professionals for thorough treatment and follow-up. The peace of mind is worth the price, even if it means paying an extra fee. After all, no one wants trespassing pests as permanent house guests.
Stop the pests!
It takes a team to stop bed bugs from invading an apartment building and calls for constant vigilance. Inspections, IPM, educating residents on preventing infestations, and seeking professional help are all pieces of a successful prevention blueprint. Everyone working together and staying informed can greatly reduce the chances of encountering these bugs in an apartment community.
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.
