Bed bugs spread easily in apartments. Units share walls, hallways, laundry rooms, and sometimes pipes and outlets. One infested unit can quickly become several. If you rent, here’s what you need to know.
Questions to ask before you sign a lease
- What is your pest control plan for prevention? Ask whether the property has regular pest control service and inspections, or only calls someone after a problem shows up.
- Who is responsible for pest control? Find out who pays and who schedules treatment if bed bugs show up. Get the answer in writing or look for it in the lease.
- What happens if a neighboring unit has bed bugs? A good property will inspect the units next to, above, and below an infested unit, not just the one that reported it.
If you find bed bugs in your apartment
- Tell your landlord or property manager in writing right away. Keep a copy and note the date.
- Take photos of bugs, stains, or bites.
- Don’t move furniture out or sleep somewhere else in the building. That can carry bed bugs into other units.
- Don’t use bug bombs. They can push bed bugs through the walls into your neighbors’ units.
- Follow the prep instructions from whoever does the treatment.
If your neighbor has bed bugs
Ask management whether your unit will be inspected. Check your own bed, couch, and recliner for signs, and keep an eye out for new bites over the next few weeks.
Read more: Bed bugs in apartments and Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check your lease, and for legal questions, talk with a lawyer or a tenant resource.
Landlords and property managers: call Tulsa Bed Bug Specialist about treating your units and inspecting the ones next door.
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