Top Ten Bed Bug Prevention Tips Before You Rent

Before signing the lease on your new rental apartment, here’s a handy list of preventative measure you can take so you can sleep tight the first night in your new place.

1. If you live in a big city, check the Bed Bug Registry for recent reports in your building.
2. Ask management how they handle bed bug infestations within the building.
3. Know the signs of bed bugs and carefully inspect your new unit before signing a lease. A fresh coat of paint will cover up signs of bed bugs.
4. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get the inside scoop on the building.
5. Check the apartment garbage bins for discarded furniture with bed bug spots on mattresses.
6. Seal the baseboards on outside walls with caulking to prevent bed bugs coming in from your next-door neighbour.
7. Purchase premium mattress and box-spring encasements that will not rip easily.
8. Cut down on clothing and clutter before you move.
9. Use a reputable moving company and ask what steps they take to ensure the truck is bed bug free before loading your belongings.
10. Heat second hand clothing in the dryer and spray any second hand furniture before you bring it into your home.
11. Don’t panic! If you discover you have bed bugs, find out if renting a bed bug heater is an option for you to kill the adults and eggs in one treatment.