My neighbor has bed bugs, what should I do?

Don´t panic! Start with the steps below:

1. Inspect your home. Check your mattress, bed frame, furniture, and baseboards for signs of bed bugs (small reddish stains, black dots, or live bugs). Use a bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasement. Keep bedding off the floor.

2. Check the wall facing your neighbour. Use caulk to seal visible cracks and crevices, check electrical outlets and other possible connections to prevent bed bugs from spreading into your space.

3. (obvious, but…) Don’t borrow or accept furniture, clothing, or other household items from your neighbor until you are sure they are pest-free.

4. Make sure your neighbor hasn’t stored any furniture in the hallway. Remove immediately if you see anything outside your neighbor’s door.

5. Buy and place active bed bug traps under (or close to) the bed. IF the bed bugs have spread, your bed is the first place they will gravitate to.

6. Make sure your neighbor hires a professional exterminator. Bed bug infestations (more than 20 bed bugs!) are very difficult to control without expert help

7. Finally, make sure property management or landlord is informed so they can address the issue building-wide.