You’ve just had a nasty surprise! Your Castro Valley rental property has a bed bug infestation. Now what? First things first, don’t blame the residents. Bed bugs have been found almost everywhere, including 5-star hotels and even airplanes. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt, but to human beings, and cleanliness isn’t always a guarantee they won’t invade.
If you have any idea about where bed bugs like to hide, getting rid of them can be aa good start. Bed bugs like to frequent their stay in beds, and will eventually work their way into mattresses, bedding, and other furniture, like couches. They can also hide in clothing, luggage, and even baseboards.
It would then make the most sense to first make sure that these items are cleaned first as they would be the first in line for an attack. If your resident has moved out, that makes things easier for you. Just make sure that the property is vacuumed and cleaned thoroughly with hot water. If, however, you have current residents with a bed bug infestation, have them wash all bedding and then deep cleaning all the areas bed bugs might hide. Might also be a good idea to provide your residents with a cleaning checklist for bed bugs and let them know you will help them find a professional company that can help get the job done correctly.
You will need to get your residents to clean all of their bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing a washing machine under hot water and then put the laundry in the dryer under a medium or high setting for at least 20 minutes and up to 45 minutes. For stuffed animals, shoes, or anything else that can’t go in the washing machine, they will need to run them through a dryer cycle on high for another 30 minutes.
Mattresses need to be scrubbed with a stiff brush and then vacuumed thoroughly. This includes removing the backing from box springs and vacuuming inside as well as out. Then, mattresses should be sealed in tightly-woven plastic covers for at least a year. Bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding, so best plan for this too.
Bed bugs can also creep in any cracks in plaster or underneath peeling wallpaper, so it’s fairly important to check for these potential hazards every so often and to get them repaired promptly. If these items aren’t already part of your current property management plan, consider hiring a property management company with experience dealing with bed bug infestations in Castro Valley.
Beyond cleaning and repairs, bed bugs are most effectively eliminated by using an experienced pest control professional. Using pesticides in the bedroom can be dangerous unless done correctly. This is where an experienced property management company can be your best resource.
At Real Property Management Masters, we have the information and expertise you need to address a bed bug infestation quickly and effectively. Our property managers will work with you, your residents, and expert service providers to get your property back to bug-free in no time. For more information about our property management services, please contact us online or give us a call at 510-398-8704 today!
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