Nobody ever wants to hear about bud bugs and now your Hermitage rental property has an infestation. What are you supposed to do? First of all, you have to remember to not put the blame on the residents. Remember that they’re just as eager to eradicate the bedbug infestation as you are. Bed bugs are so common and sometimes there is literally nothing that can be done to prevent them as they are not attracted to dirt but to human beings. Their presence is so common that even 5-star hotels and airplanes have them, so being clean is not always a guarantee that they won’t invade.
If you have any idea about the hiding spot of the bed bugs then go ahead and dispose of that. Bed bugs tend to hide in places where humans tend to sleep such as beds or couches. But their favorite place to hide is in mattresses. They can also hide in clothing, luggage, and even baseboards. Bed bugs are excellent travelers. They hop into boxes or suitcases and take a trip with you, then reproduce as soon as they’ve moved into their new home.
You better make these common items the first items to clean. If your resident has moved out, that makes things very easy. Just make sure that the property is vacuumed using a vacuum with a disposable bag, which you should remove and bag again when you are done. A steam cleaner can also be used to clean wooden and upholstered furniture, and cracks in the walls. If, however, you still have current residents with a bed bug infestation, have them start by deep cleaning all the places bed bugs might hide. Giving your residents a cleaning checklist for bed bugs and offer to help them find a professional company that can help get the job done correctly is also a good idea.
You will need to get your residents to clean all of their bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and then dry them on the highest drying setting. Have them put their clothing and bedding in sealed plastic bags and vacuum. Next, ask them to declutter as much as possible, pulling everything out of closets and drawers and off of shelves. They’ll have to clear out of the apartment while the apartment is being treated, but depending on the measures used, they may be able to come back later that same day.
Mattresses need to be scrubbed with a stiff brush and then vacuumed thoroughly. This includes removing the backing from box springs and vacuuming inside as well as out. Then, mattresses should be sealed in tightly-woven plastic covers for at least a year. Bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding, so plan for that too.
Bed bugs can also hide in any cracks in plaster or under peeling wallpaper, so it’s important to check for these potential hazards regularly and to get them repaired promptly. If these items aren’t already part of your current property management plan, consider hiring a property management company with experience dealing with bed bug infestations in Hermitage.
Beyond cleaning and repairs, bed bugs are most effectively eliminated by using an experienced pest control professional. Using pesticides in the bedroom can be dangerous unless done correctly. This is where an experienced property management company can be your best resource.
At Real Property Management Investor’s Choice, we have the information and expertise you need to address a bed bug infestation quickly and effectively. Our property managers will work with you, your residents, and expert service providers to get your property back to bug-free in no time. Let us manage your rental properties, so you can enjoy your life! Contact us online or call us today at 615-810-9578!
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