How Many Treatments Are Needed to Eliminate Bed Bugs From an Apartment? What to Know

by kayla
(Lewiston maine)

I've been treated once a month for the past 3 months now they are going to do a 4th one. It has improved a little bit. But they don't really focus on other apartments. I live in a duplex apartment building.

My question is how many times do they have to spray my apartment within a month or every couple weeks a month? And shouldn't they spray my whole duplex building so they don't spread in all the other apartments?

Our Response

Hi Kayla, thank you for your question. Bed bug infestations in multi-unit buildings like duplexes can be particularly tricky to manage. Let’s address your concerns about treatment frequency and whether other units in your building should also be treated.

How Many Treatments Are Typically Required?

• Multiple Treatments Are Common: Bed bugs are resilient pests, and multiple treatments are often necessary to eliminate an infestation completely. Three to four treatments are not unusual, especially in severe cases.
• Frequency of Treatments: Treatments are typically scheduled every 2 to 3 weeks to coincide with the bed bug life cycle, targeting newly hatched bugs before they can reproduce.
• Improvement Over Time: It’s a positive sign that the situation has improved, but persistent activity suggests that the infestation hasn’t been fully eradicated yet.
Should the Entire Duplex Be Treated?
• Yes, Whole-Building Treatment Is Best: In multi-unit buildings, bed bugs can easily spread between units through walls, ceilings, and shared spaces. Treating one unit while ignoring others risks re-infestation.
• Landlord Responsibility: Landlords are typically responsible for ensuring that bed bug infestations are addressed across all affected units. Check your local housing regulations for specific requirements in your area.
• Collaborative Approach: Coordinating treatment for all units in the building is the most effective way to prevent the infestation from spreading or recurring.

What You Can Do

1. Communicate with Your Landlord: Request that the landlord treat the entire building, not just your unit. Explain that treating only one unit may not resolve the problem fully.
2. Document the Issue: Keep records of all treatments, communications with your landlord, and any evidence of ongoing bed bug activity.
3. Contact Local Authorities: If your landlord refuses to treat other units, report the issue to your local housing authority or public health department. They may intervene to ensure the problem is addressed properly.
4. Prepare Your Unit: Continue to follow the pest control company’s preparation guidelines, such as decluttering, washing fabrics in hot water, and vacuuming regularly.

When to Seek Legal Advice

If your landlord is not addressing the infestation adequately, consult tenant advocacy groups or legal aid organizations in your area. They can advise you on your rights and help you take appropriate action.
While multiple treatments are often needed to fully eliminate bed bugs, addressing the entire duplex is essential to prevent the infestation from spreading or recurring. By working with your landlord and following the steps above, you can improve the chances of resolving the issue completely. Let us know if you have further questions or updates—we’re here to help!

Best regards,

Jeff,
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook