What should you do if there are bedbugs in the neighboring apartment? - briefly
Contact your landlord or property manager promptly, request a professional inspection, and follow any quarantine or treatment instructions they issue. Keep personal items sealed and avoid moving belongings into the infested unit to prevent spread.
What should you do if there are bedbugs in the neighboring apartment? - in detail
If a unit adjacent to yours is confirmed to have a bed‑bug infestation, immediate action protects your living space and prevents spread.
First, verify the problem. Request visual confirmation from the neighbor or property manager, and, if possible, obtain a professional inspection report. Documentation of the infestation establishes a factual basis for subsequent steps.
Next, inform the landlord, property manager, or homeowners’ association in writing. Include the inspection findings, dates of discovery, and a request for prompt remedial measures. Written communication creates a record and triggers the building’s pest‑control protocol.
Protect your apartment by implementing the following measures:
- Inspect seams, mattress tags, and baseboards for live insects or shed skins.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor cracks thoroughly; seal the vacuum bag or empty canister into a sealed plastic bag.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in certified bed‑bug encasements; keep them sealed for at least a year.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and utility openings with caulk or expanding foam to limit migration routes.
- Reduce clutter that could harbor insects, and store items in sealed containers.
Coordinate with the building’s pest‑control provider. Request that treatment covers both the affected unit and adjacent areas, including common walls, ceilings, and shared plumbing. Insist on a documented treatment plan, specifying insecticide types, application dates, and follow‑up inspections.
After treatment, conduct a second inspection of your own unit. Look for signs of activity for at least two weeks. If any evidence appears, repeat the protective steps and notify management for additional treatment.
Maintain a file of all communications, inspection reports, and receipts. This record supports any future claims for repairs, relocation assistance, or compensation under lease agreements or local housing regulations.