What to do if there are bedbugs in a communal apartment? - briefly
Notify the building manager or landlord right away, demand professional extermination, and follow isolation procedures such as laundering all bedding at 60 °C and sealing personal items in airtight containers. Avoid transporting infested belongings to other units and maintain strict cleanliness to stop the infestation from spreading.
What to do if there are bedbugs in a communal apartment? - in detail
If insects are discovered in a shared residence, confirm their identity by inspecting seams, mattress edges, and cracks. Use a flashlight and a white cloth to detect live bugs or shed skins; capture a specimen for verification if possible.
Report the infestation to the building manager or landlord immediately. Provide photographs, dates of sightings, and any collected samples. Request written acknowledgment of the complaint and a timeline for remedial action.
Arrange for a licensed exterminator to treat the affected unit and adjacent spaces. Prior to treatment, remove personal items from the floor, wash all linens, clothing, and curtains at temperatures above 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable belongings in airtight plastic bags. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and baseboards thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister according to the pest‑control provider’s instructions.
Implement personal containment measures after treatment. Store clothing and bedding in zip‑lock bags, use mattress and box‑spring encasements designed to trap insects, and keep luggage off the floor. Regularly inspect seams and folds for signs of re‑infestation; repeat laundering of fabrics weekly for at least two months.
Know tenant rights under local housing regulations. Landlords are typically responsible for delivering a habitable dwelling free of pest hazards. If remediation is delayed or ineffective, file a formal complaint with the municipal health department or pursue legal remedies, including rent withholding or lease termination, as permitted by law.
Continue monitoring for several weeks. Set up intercept traps under bed legs, check them weekly, and document any captures. If new activity appears, notify the property manager promptly and repeat professional treatment as necessary.