Dealing with Persistent Bed Bugs in an Apartment Complex: What You Can Do

by Caz
(London Ontario Canada)

Reader Question: Ongoing Bed Bug Problem Despite Spraying

I have been having a problem with begbugs since moving to Canada 2 years ago.

My apartment building is for low income families and the last 2 weeks have been horrendous, I managed to get my landlord to spray again last tuesday after proving to them that I am doing what I can to combat this, ie all my clothes and soft furnishings in vacuum sealed bags, my wearable clothes are all in Ziplock bags in my dresser. I spent the week at a friends whilst they sprayed and thought by coming home on friday it would be nicer, to my horror this is not the case, the spray they used did not kill the eggs .....I was bitten again on friday night.

I went and bought yet ANOTHER box spring and mattress cover with more pillow covers and lots of rubbing alcohol. I took my bedding once again to a laundrette as the laundry in my building can transfer these critters. I am still being bitten and my landlord has told me I just have to persevere until they can spray again.

After reading up on these, if they leave it 2 weeks or longer to spray again the infestation is still going to continue as it only takes a few days for the eggs that have not died to hatch then only a few days for them to reproduce.

Please please please help, I am at my wits end and do not know how much more I can do to try to eliminate this problem. Other apartments in my building have them also yet my landlord only sprays one apartment at a time as and when they get the calls, would it not be beneficial for them to spray the whole complex.

Our Response

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s incredibly frustrating to deal with a persistent bed bug problem, especially when the issue is widespread in your apartment complex. Let’s address your concerns and offer some advice to help you navigate this situation.

Why Spraying One Apartment at a Time Isn’t Effective

Treating only one apartment at a time is a common mistake when dealing with bed bugs in multi-unit buildings. Here’s why:

• Bed Bug Migration: Bed bugs can move
  between units through walls, electrical outlets, and shared spaces. Treating one apartment at a time allows bugs to escape to untreated areas and return later.
• Reproduction Cycle: Bed bug eggs typically hatch within 6–10 days, and the nymphs can mature and reproduce within weeks. Delayed treatments allow the infestation to rebound.
• Shared Infestation: Since other apartments in your building have bed bugs, a coordinated treatment plan for the entire complex is essential for long-term control.

What You Can Do to Push for Better Management

It’s clear that your landlord needs to take a more proactive approach. Here’s how you can advocate for comprehensive action:

1. Document Everything: Keep a record of your communications with the landlord, including dates of treatments, photos of bites and bugs, and receipts for any pest control measures you’ve purchased.
2. Request a Coordinated Treatment Plan: Contact your landlord or property manager in writing and request a building-wide inspection and treatment. Emphasize that treating only one unit at a time is ineffective and prolongs the problem for all tenants.
3. Check Local Tenant Laws: Research tenant rights in your area regarding pest control. In many places, landlords are legally required to address bed bug infestations promptly and effectively.
4. Involve Public Health Authorities: If your landlord refuses to take adequate action, contact local health or housing authorities to report the issue and seek assistance.

Steps You Can Take in the Meantime

While you wait for your landlord to act, these steps can help manage the infestation:

• Continue Isolation: Keep your clothes and bedding in sealed bags and wash/dry them on high heat regularly.
• Use Interceptors: Place bed bug interceptors under the legs of your bed and furniture to trap bugs trying to climb up.
• Vacuum Frequently: Vacuum your apartment daily, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and furniture seams. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag.
• Apply Rubbing Alcohol Cautiously: While rubbing alcohol can kill bed bugs on contact, it’s a short-term solution and not a replacement for professional treatment. Avoid using it near open flames, as it’s highly flammable.

It’s clear that the current approach to treatment in your building is insufficient, and you’re doing everything you can on your end. Advocating for a coordinated treatment plan and involving local authorities if necessary will be key to resolving this issue. Let us know if you have further questions or updates—we’re here to help! Best regards,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook