Bed bugs are a significant problem in apartment buildings. As a landlord or apartment complex owner, it’s your responsibility to take immediate action should tenants start to file infestation complaints. But why do these pests affect more than one unit at a time? How do they spread so quickly? Wagner Pest Solutions has some answers about why bed bugs spread quickly in apartment complexes.
1. The Close Proximity of Units
One of the primary reasons bed bugs spread so quickly in apartment buildings is the proximity of the units. Since bed bugs can travel through electrical outlets, pipes, and shared walls, they can easily move from one unit to another. These pests are also attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, making them more likely to infest apartments that are close to each other. Additionally, bed bugs can lay up to 10 eggs at a time, which can hatch in as little as a week, so the population can grow quickly.
2. The Frequency of Human Traffic
Another reason why bed bugs spread so quickly is the frequency of human traffic. Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, and they’re known to hitchhike on clothing, luggage, and other personal items. This means that residents who travel frequently or bring in used furniture and clothing can unwittingly introduce these pests into their homes, which can quickly spread to other units in the building.
3. They’re Difficult to Eradicate
Bed bugs are incredibly resilient pests that are notoriously difficult to eradicate. They can live for up to a year without feeding, and they’re resistant to many pesticides that were once effective in controlling their populations. Treatment of bed bugs typically involves a combination of insecticides, heat treatments, and vacuuming. However, treating bed bugs in one unit is insufficient to eliminate an infestation in the entire building.
4. Lack of Communication with Residents.
Another factor contributing to the rapid spread of bed bugs is the lack of communication between landlords and residents. Tenants need to be aware of the signs of a bed bug infestation and understand how to prevent the spread of these pests. Residents should be encouraged to report any signs of bed bugs immediately, and landlords should have a plan to deal with infestations as soon as they’re reported.
5. Lack of a Proactive Prevention Plan
The most effective way to prevent bed bugs from infesting your apartment complex is to have a proactive prevention plan. This includes regular inspections, resident education, and preventative measures such as sealing cracks and crevices.
Stop the Spread of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a stubborn pest that can be challenging to eradicate once they take hold in your apartment complex in Glendale, AZ. But when this happens, most landlords call Wagner Pest Solutions. Our expert pest solutions team knows how to handle bed bugs and stop them from spreading in your apartment complex. We even know how to take care of bees, ants, and spiders. So, request service today by calling us at (623) 466-6752.