Knowing the hassle that bed bugs create [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug ], I wanted to share the website and resources below~
The Bedbug Registry [http://www.bedbugregistry.com ]
The Bed Bug Registry is a free, public database of user-submitted bed bug reports since 2006 and the website has collected about 20,000 reports covering 12,000 locations.
And here are some great tips from Michael Broder, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-broder/33/70/422
The good news…bedbugs can be eliminated from multifamily buildings and rental apartments. But it does take a lot of work to completely removed them.
#1. Make sure you are really dealing with bedbugs. Other insects or outside sources can cause irritations similar to bedbugs.
#2. If bedbugs are confirmed, all adjoining units should be inspected. This actually is a law in NYC. Bedbugs can easily travel through adjoining units and wall voids. Also, while some people immediately experience a horrible reaction from bedbug bites, others have absolutely no reaction at all. It is not uncommon to find an adjoining space that actually has a more severe problem but was not aware of it…because they had no reaction.
#3. In most cases, all furnishings can stay. With proper treatment, beds and furniture can be saved.
#4. But, if it is necessary to remove any beds or furniture, they need to be completely wrapped in plastics before removing them from an apartment. If not…you can just be spreading adults, nymphs and eggs throughout the rest of the building.
#5. For treatment, our company developed an intensive Four Step Treatment Program:
==>>Treat wall voids first…to prevent movement out of that rental unit to adjoining units.
==>>Hepa vacuum visible adult bed bugs.
==>>Steam heat bedding, box springs, couches and carpeting. High heat will kill all stages from egg to adults.
==>>Do chemical treatment to cracks and potential nesting sites in the bed frame, headboard, nightstands and any potential crack in the living areas.
For myself and my team…we have found amazing and permanent results. Usually with 2 to 3 visits. But, we investigate like crazy. Every day we find new areas where bed bugs can live. From inside a screw, to the decorations on a lampshade, or even inside of curtains and blinds. Literally anything.
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Your take on the resources above? How are you and your team addressing bed bugs? Is it working? Do you have a special clause in your leasing agreements—related to who pays for what…if/when bed bugs appear?
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Posted by Patricia McLoughlin