As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that your properties are free of pests. Unfortunately, bed bugs are one of the most challenging species to handle. Once an infestation occurs, bed bug exterminators stress the importance of acting quickly. Here are three steps you need to follow to keep your spaces clean and free of issues.

3 Bed Bug Tips for Landlords

1. Schedule an Inspection

If a tenant or maintenance worker has reported problems with bed bugs, you need to contact a professional immediately. A bed bug exterminator can verify if there is or isn't a problem, and determine the extent of the issue. Next, you'll need to arrange inspections in surrounding units to find out if the infestation is contained to one apartment or has spread to, or from, others. 

2. Secure Professional Treatment

Treatment needs to occur as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your tenants. The exterminator uses a combination of tools including insecticides to eradicate the pests. Work with tenants to schedule convenient sessions, since all people and pets will need to be out of the property for a few hours while the treatment occurs. 

3. Advise Tenants on Best Practices

To ensure the effectiveness of the procedure, ask your tenants to complete a few simple steps within the home. Bed bugs love clutter, so the majority of non-furniture items must be removed from the floors and around baseboards. Additionally, all linens and clothing need to be washed in hot water and dried. Mattresses are typically a more significant challenge because the pests can burrow deep within the padding or box springs, but a specialty encasement can trap them. However, tenants may need to dispose of mattresses if they cannot be adequately cleaned.

If your rental property is experiencing a bed bug outbreak, contact the team at RemTech Inc. in Eagan, MN, for help. Landlords and businesses across the Twin Cities area turn to these commercial pest control specialists for fast, dependable, and affordable treatments. Learn more about their bed bug exterminating services online, or request your inspection today by calling (651) 600-9983.