Bed Bug Solutions

I was in a suite today that the tenants attempted to eradicate the bed bug issue on their own, baseboards with powder along them, bed bug cups with massive amounts of powder in them, dead bugs on the box spring and floor (Raid or Dr. Doom) and live nests on the couch. The building manager was trying to keep her cool, but in frustration told me she was very disappointed that they hadn't informed her what was going on....it's a bigger job for treatment and threatens tenants around them. There is a huge need to be honest and upfront about the problem and work on solutions together, not blaming or finger pointing or hiding it.

Kudo's to the many caretakers, building managers and landlords who sometimes work tirelessly with their tenants in bug related issues. There can be few who understand what an infested suite can mean to a whole floor or building...it affects everyone. I met a RM today that was so appreciative of the bit of information I gave him that he even wanted me to write a memo for him to pass on to the tenants in preventative care and awareness. That's what I mean!

A bit of prevention goes a long way to being "bug free" in your suite or home. Learn to regularly check mattress and box spring, couch or rocker. Throw out clutter, organize a bit and simplify...don't be afraid to suggest this to friends too! Hot wash and dry clothing and bedding and throw out the Raid! There are also many great websites online to step you through the process of what to do when you do find a bug (or two).

How much should a landlord, or resident manager tell their tenants of bed bug issues in their building....is it better to be open about it or keep issues hushed up...and what does the law require. I faced this today and am almost decided that to face the issue with honesty, education and a calm demeanor would go a long way to helping the tenants deal it in a better fashion too.

The question is, do you pick off that bed bug on your client's neck or ignore it and keep listening to what they are talking about?

[Bed Bug Supplement] The Clutter Conundrum - PCT - Pest Control Technology How to deal with clients’ overwhelming amount of stuff, and why you might not have to.

The question "Do cockroaches eat bed bugs" has come up alot this week, as I am inspecting a local apartment building infested with both. Now I know!

What eats bed bugs? Learn about natural enemies of the bed bug It's often asked, do spiders eat bed bugs? Do roaches eat bed bugs? This article will explore what eats bed bugs and if it is a viable extermination option.

One question I've had is "should I caulk, tape or plug up my baseboards to prevent bugs from spreading into my suite, from the suites beside me?" After time spent in many suites so far, the caulking, taping, glueing, etc around baseboards have been pretty crappy attempts at keeping bed bugs out. Plus the landlord won't be too happy. Anyways, the risk of bugs coming in from infested suites through gaps in tape and caulk is high, especially if your neighbor is spraying Raid or Dr. Doom! Talking to your landlord about addressing the next suite over, putting traps or cups under your bed legs and regular hot drying will work far better then plugging up the baseboards.

Can we play "spot the bed bug"? Took out these traps the other day (they had been there a month) to see if the tenant had a bed bug problem....well, I was able to count only 3 bed bugs, all the rest were cockroaches...literally hundreds of them.

Current senario: Landlord is informed there is bug in tenants suite. He gives some spray and says, just use this it will eliminate the problem....2 months later, the tenants arm is covered with bites and swollen, live bugs are crammed in the mattresses piping. "Can you call an exterminator, I need help!". A quick glance around the suite, and the landlord says....there is no problem, get over it. Doe one make a rukus to the RTB and risk getting evicted? move? or pay for your own treatment? The fear, frustration and desperation are real for many, many people in Winnipeg.

I will be putting up a website in the next couple of months, any comments or insights on what information/photos or topics would be welcome!

Just figured out what this is, from a bedroom today. It doesn't bite and it's not a bed bug....it's a carpet beetle larva! Neato, eh?