Nothing is more terrifying for both landlords and their tenants staying in a unit than learning that the rental is infested with bedbugs. These vermin can be invisible for long periods of time without showing up. As soon as summer comes around, the heat can cause those eggs lying in wait to hatch, causing a nightmare for both parties. In order to prevent any major troubles, here are what Prescott-Russell landlords need to know about bedbugs:

Disaster Preparedness

One of the first things any landlord should do when renting out units is to know the rules in Ontario about bedbugs. Since bedbugs can cause health problems and reactions, you must follow rules about reporting the incidents and responding as required by your region. Some places will also regulate which pesticides can be used against bedbugs, so it is important to check out the Department of Housing and Urban Development section dedicated to controlling bedbugs in public units.

(To know about US regulations, check out the Public Housing Environmental and Conservation Clearinghouse: Integrated Pest Management manual, as well as the Regulation of Bedbug Pesticide information).

Also, you should create pamphlets and flyers related to how to deal with bedbugs that you can pass out to the tenants. Be sure to explain the policies you set forth for managing bedbugs. These procedures should also be known by any and all staff, who will be playing a role in preventing and managing the issue should it occur. 

Encourage tenants and staff to prepare for treatments and continue with upkeep of the apartment. Have the proper goods ready, including vacuums.

Rely on Professionals

You certainly want to hire a professional group that understands how to deal with bedbugs in a quick and efficient manner. Always be sure to hire professionals who are documented and experienced. You should ask them about their strategies for cleaning apartment buildings, how they go about searching bedbugs, the materials they use to get rid of them, and if they too have materials to pass out to your tenants.

In short, don’t simply hire a group that is going to come in, spray everything with dangerous pesticides, and then leave.

Respond Professionally and Promptly

First, never blame the tenant for the problem. Bedbugs can come in from anywhere, even just the outdoor lot around the building. If you do blame them, this can draw out the process or even make the tenant wary of reporting the infestation in the first place.

Instead, inspect the unit as soon as an issue has been reported. Be sure to involve the tenants in the process, since it is them who seals the success of the extermination. When you find evidence of bedbugs, you have to notify other units about the problem so that they too can have their space checked out. Stopping the spread of bedbugs before they start is pivotal.

Once the units have been treated, be active with monitoring them for any sign of recurrence. You want to make sure that the bedbugs have all been killed.

Staying ahead of bedbugs is one of the most important factors in ensuring that you won’t have to deal with an infestation. Be prepared in case bedbugs do show up, know the laws, and be able to respond quickly and rapidly. Remember not to blame anyone. Have everyone involved, and the problem will soon be resolved.