What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs

Any landlord for an apartment or other facility is likely to have to deal with bed bugs at some point. Here are some tips and resources for you to get ready or to take action if you already have bed bug issues.

• Be prepared
• Respond effectively
• Additional resources for landlords
• Handouts for your tenants

Be Prepared

• Find out what laws or regulations apply to your location. There could be reporting requirements, response requirements, etc.
• Educate yourself and train your staff on how to identify bed bugs and inspect for their presence.
• Make a plan for preventing bed bugs. Include steps such as:
  • Conducting detailed inspections when tenants depart.
  • Providing guidelines for tenants on preventing bed bugs.
  • Instructing staff and tenants on what to do if they find them.
  • Provide a flyer or brochure to current and prospective tenants explaining your policies and guidance on bed bug management. Examples can be found in the EPA's Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse.
  • Emphasize the importance of quick reporting of any bed bug sightings.
  • Don't blame the tenant for the problem, since often there is no fault involved.
    • A culture of blame can cause residents to delay reporting (which leads to more extensive infestations, which are far more expensive to control).
    • Be multi-faceted and use integrated pest management techniques.
    • Make residents aware of basic prevention and management techniques.
    • Encourage residents to prepare for treatment.
    • Include physical means of removal, such as careful vacuuming of the affected area (and disposing of the vacuum bag to an outside disposal area).
      • Bringing in a qualified pest management professional to assist.
      • See the resources listed below for assistance in developing your plans for preventing and managing bed bugs.

      Respond Effectively

      • Inspect promptly when bed bugs are reported.
      • Involve residents in the process. Their cooperation is vital to success.
      • Evaluate adjacent units for possible infestations.
        • Some researchers recommend treating all adjacent units (both sides, above and below) to improve odds of successful control.

        Additional Resources for Landlords

        The following links exit the site

        • Bed Bug Action Plans for Apartments (pdf) (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
        • Bed Bug Control in Multi-Unit Facilities (pdf) (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
        • What's Working for Bed Bug Control in Multifamily Housing (pdf) (National Center for Healthy Housing)
        • Protocols for the Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs in Multi-Unit Housing (pdf) (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Services)
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Bugs (pdf) (Massachusetts Department of Public Health)
        • Michigan Manual for the Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs (pdf) (Michigan’s Bed Bug Working Group)
        • Information from HUD related to bed bugs:
          • Bed Bug Guidance for Private Multi-family Housing (pdf)
          • Guidance on Bed Bug Control in Public Housing (pdf)
            • Prevention and Safe Removal of Bed Bugs (attachment to Guidance on Bed Bug Control in Public Housing) (pdf)

            Handouts for Your Tenants

            • Bed Bug Prevention, Detection and Control
            • Simple Ways to Avoid Bed Bugs During Moving and Storage (pdf) (New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
            • Got Bed Bugs? (Penn State Extension)
            • Bed Bugs Home
            • Learn about Bed Bugs
            • — Characteristics of Bed Bugs
            • — Finding Bed Bugs
            • Protecting Your Home
            • Protecting Yourself in Public Places
            • Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
            • — Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control
            • — Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs
            • Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse
            • Bed Bug Product Search Tool
            • Finding Help with Bed Bug Problems