What should be done about bedbugs in an apartment? - briefly
Notify the property manager immediately and arrange for a certified pest‑control treatment, then isolate and launder all clothing, bedding, and soft items at temperatures above 60 °C. Seal infested items in plastic bags and keep them out of other rooms until the extermination is confirmed complete.
What should be done about bedbugs in an apartment? - in detail
A confirmed infestation demands swift, systematic action. First, verify the presence of bedbugs by inspecting seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, and baseboards for live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting. Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to improve detection accuracy.
Document findings with photographs and note the exact locations. This evidence supports communication with the property manager or landlord and, if necessary, legal proceedings.
Notify the landlord in writing, attaching the documentation. Request a written response that outlines the landlord’s plan, timeline, and responsibility for treatment, referencing local housing codes that obligate landlords to provide a pest‑free dwelling.
Prepare the unit for treatment:
- Strip beds of linens, pillowcases, and mattress covers; place items in sealed plastic bags.
- Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (minimum 120 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstered furniture thoroughly; immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Move personal items away from infested zones, sealing them in airtight containers.
- Repair or discard heavily infested furniture that cannot be treated effectively.
Engage a licensed pest‑control professional. Require the provider to:
- Conduct a comprehensive inspection and produce a written treatment plan.
- Use an integrated pest‑management approach, combining heat treatment, approved insecticides, and encasements for mattresses and box springs.
- Provide a schedule that includes pre‑treatment preparation, the treatment itself, and a post‑treatment follow‑up inspection.
After treatment, maintain vigilance:
- Continue weekly vacuuming of all floors and upholstered surfaces.
- Inspect sleeping areas weekly for any resurgence of insects or eggs.
- Use bed‑bug interceptors under each leg of the bed to monitor activity.
- Keep clutter to a minimum, as excess items create hiding places.
If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable period (typically 14 days after written notice), consider filing a complaint with local health or housing authorities and, if needed, pursue legal remedies to compel remediation and recover costs.