There are certain pests that can be especially frustrating to deal with in close quarters or shared living situations like multi unit apartments, and the bed bug is one of the top candidates here. If any sort of bed bug problem or infestation does take place in an apartment building, both tenants and landlords need to have a basic understanding of what should be done.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re happy to provide the very best pest control services you’ll find around Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and nearby areas, including everything from ant control and boxelder bug control to bed bug control solutions and more. We’ve assisted many clients with controlling bed bugs in apartment settings, including both tenants and landlords. Here are some basics on the possible signs of bed bugs in an apartment, their possible entry or transportation points, and the importance of also inspecting and often treating any adjacent units that have shared infrastructure if a bed bug infestation is found.
Bed Bug Basics and Signs
For those who are just learning about them for the first time, bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of animals or humans. They are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and while they do not fly or jump, they can move quickly over floors, walls and ceilings.
If bed bugs have infested an apartment unit, there are several signs that may be present:
- Bites: The most obvious sign of bed bugs is if you or someone else in the unit has bites on their skin. These are typically small, red and itchy marks that may be arranged in a line or cluster.
- Blood Stains: If bed bugs are crushed during movement on bedding or other surfaces, it can leave behind small blood stains.
- Dark Spots: Bed bugs also leave behind fecal spots that are dark, rust-colored and small in size.
- Egg Shells: Finally, if bed bugs have successfully bred in the unit, there may be some tiny pale yellow egg shells present on surfaces such as bedding or furniture.
Entry Points
Bed bugs can enter an apartment unit through several different means:
- Infested Items: Bed bugs can hitch a ride on clothing, bedding, furniture, luggage or other items that have been in an infested area.
- Shared Infrastructure: In multi unit buildings, bed bugs can travel through walls and ceilings via shared pipes and electrical wiring.
How to Approach Suspected Bed Bug Infestation
If you have noticed some of the signs listed above or have other reasons to suspect that bed bugs are present in an apartment unit, it’s important to immediately inform the landlord or property manager. They should take immediate action by hiring a pest control professional who can properly inspect and treat the infested unit and any adjacent units.
If you are a landlord, it’s important to be proactive in preventing bed bug infestations by regularly inspecting units, educating tenants on how to identify and report bed bugs, and taking prompt action if an infestation is reported. This not only protects your tenants’ health and well-being but also helps maintain the value of your property.
Professional Treatment – For Every Connected Unit
In many cases, bed bug infestations may not be limited to just one unit in a multi unit apartment building. This is because bed bugs can travel through shared infrastructure, as mentioned earlier. This means that if one unit has an infestation, it’s highly likely that adjacent units will also have the same problem.
For this reason, professional bed bug treatment is recommended for every connected unit in the building. This not only eliminates the infestation in each unit but also helps prevent future outbreaks by getting rid of any remaining bed bugs that may travel between units.
With professionals like ours at A-1 Exterminators, we can assess the full extent of the problem and provide effective treatment solutions that will rid your apartment building of bed bugs for good. We also offer preventative measures to help keep these pests from causing future problems.
It’s important to remember that bed bug infestations can happen to anyone, regardless of cleanliness or social status. If you suspect a bed bug problem in your apartment unit, don’t hesitate to contact us at A-1 Exterminators for prompt, reliable and effective bed bug control services. No matter the size or complexity of the infestation, we have the expertise and tools to get rid of these pests for good. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and treatment plan for your apartment building, whether it’s located in SLC, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City or any surrounding area!
