There is nothing like your first night in a new house or apartment. That is, of course, after you have unpacked and organized all of your belongings. The question remains though: Have you checked for those creepy critters called bedbugs?
Now more than ever, new renters and homeowners are becoming more and more concerned with the history of bedbug infestations within their new home. Not all landlords and homeowners share if they have or had a bedbug infestation in the past with prospective buyers or renters. Additionally, the current owner or landlord might not be aware that they currently have a bedbug infestation.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure you are not moving into an infested apartment or home:
1. Call your local, non-emergency information hotline to find out what the laws in your state are regarding tenant notification of current and previous bedbug infestations within your building and apartment.
2. Conduct a pre-purchase or rental bedbug canine inspection. For decades we have worried about termites in our homes. Now you can get the same reassurance by eradicating your house or apartment of bedbugs prior to moving in. Be sure this inspection is conducted before you move to save you time, money, and a huge hassle.
3. Before moving into your new apartment, speak with management and ask how they handle infestations within the building. Do your research online to find out if the building has been previously infested by reading tenant reviews.
4. Don't be shy! Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get the inside scoop on the building.
5. Create a bedbug barrier within your apartment by using an over-the-counter bedbug spray like Pronto Plus. Pronto Plus kills bedbugs and their eggs on contact and helps you stay bedbug free.
6. Don't be fooled -- Freshly-painted walls and refinished floors will not rid your apartment or home of bedbugs if they are currently living there.
7. Purchase mattress and box-spring encasements, as well as cut down on clutter within your apartment or home. It's best to keep items out from under your bed, where bedbugs can easily hide.
8. If you are using a moving company, ask it what steps it takes to ensure the truck is bedbug free before loading your belongings. You can even have the truck inspected by a bedbugs-sniffing canine prior to the moving company visiting your home or apartment.
9. Try your best to not bring secondhand or used items into your home. If you must have that item, utilize a bedbug barrier spray on the item prior to bringing it inside.
10. Keep your eyes out while touring a new home or apartment for any telltale signs of having bedbugs. To learn more about obvious signs, check out this article about identifying bedbugs.
Lastly, take a deep breath. Moving can be stressful, but if you keep this list in mind, you'll be ahead of the game. Remember that while this might seem like another task to add to your moving checklist, doing your due diligence will allow you to sleep tight. And of course, don't let the bedbugs bite.
Michael Colongione is a spokesman for Pronto Plus®, distributed by Insight Pharmaceuticals. The advice and opinions he expresses in this article are his own.
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For more on bedbugs, click here.