How to make sure the apartment is bug-free? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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How to make sure the apartment is bug-free?

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S_David

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Posted 10 months ago
Wed Jul 18 2012 5:38:31
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Hello all,

I am looking for a new apartment, and I am concerned about the bed bugs, since my last apartment was infected. How can I make sure that the new apartment is bug-free?

Thanks
P Bello

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Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 10 months ago
Wed Jul 18 2012 6:07:32
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Some comments/suggestions for your consideration:

> Know the telltale signs so you know what to look for. Check the areas that are often times missed which may have remaining signs of bed bugs including but not limited to: behind outlet covers, along the carpet tack strip, electrical fixtures, wall hangins if present, smoke alarms, etc.

> Ask the residents you might encounter when on the property about any past history.

> Ask the leasing agent if they've ever had a problem and what there bed bug policies are, if any. Also ask if they have a written policy?

Questions for all:
A) Suppose they tell they did have a prior problem and that they have a "state of the art" bed bug program/policy?

B) What if they tell you that they've never had a problem but don't have a bed bug program or policy because they've never needed one?

C) What if they tell you that the have a few units that have had bed bugs but that they have a good pest professional who has been able to remediate them successfully?

Which is the best choice? We have to be realistic, there are going to be places that have had bed bugs in the past and those that have not.

Hope this helps ! paul b.
S_David

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Posted 10 months ago
Wed Jul 18 2012 13:17:34
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Thanks for your helpful comments.

The questions are:

1- Can I check the apartment before I sign the lease? If yes, I am not an expert, so can I ask a professional to do so?

2- What if I asked the landlord and he said there is no bed bugs, and then after signing the lease I found some?

3- I heard that bed bugs is very difficult to get rid of, which is true based on my experience, where many treatments could not get rid of them. Then, if the landlord said there are a number of apartments are infected, but we can get rid of them, should I believe him/her?

Looks like not an easy job to know if an apartment is bugs-free, does not it?

Thanks
P Bello

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Posted 10 months ago
Wed Jul 18 2012 17:43:11
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Dear s-david,

No, it's not easy but I wouldn't say that it's exactly difficult once a person is trained and knows how & what to do.

The questions I posed above were somewhat rhetorical however, they underscore the problematic nature of bed bugs and bed bug issues.

You have rights as a consumer. It is likely much easier to assert your rights prior to signing on the dotted line and/or paying any money than after.

Can you hire a pest professional to inspect an apartment you are interested in? Yes, you probably can.

However, doing so has its own set of issues as well:

> How the inspection service agreement is written.
> What warranties are offered?
> What if bed bugs are missed during this inspection?
> Other issues.

Hope this helps ! paul b.