Avoiding Bed Bugs in Your Next Apartment

While you may not have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with bed bugs, preventing them in your next apartment is a no-brainer. Bed bug infestations are not only challenging to eradicate but can also lead to various problems, including allergic reactions, skin infections from scratching, and emotional stress including anxiety and insomnia.

Here are some strategies and insights to consider for steering clear of these pests.

Awareness is key

The first step in avoiding bed bugs is to be well-informed. The funny thing about bed bugs is that in all my years of living in Toronto, people seem to fall into two categories – those who are acutely aware of the issue and those who are entirely oblivious to it. Unfortunately, discussing them can often be seen as taboo or something people would rather avoid.

In any given apartment complex, you might encounter residents who have suffered for months trying to get rid of bed bugs, while others may not even be aware of an infestation. When we lived in Boston, we never heard of bed bugs, but later discovered that it is infested.

People tend not to discuss bed bugs until they personally experience an infestation, which is why you might have been surprised to see bed bugs in Paris making an appearance on the media recently.

No location is immune

Bed bugs are typically associated with travelling and a high volume of people. You’re more likely to experience this issue in an apartment complex where hundreds of families live than in the basement apartment of a duplex. Contrary to common misconceptions, bed bugs are not solely linked to dirtiness or poverty – anyone can be affected by them.

Resistance

Bed bugs are notorious for their resilience and ability to develop resistance to pesticides over time. This means that even if a building has been treated for bed bugs in the past, it\’s still possible for a new infestation to occur, which can be even harder to control or eradicate.

Natural processes like heating, steaming, and the use of diatomaceous earth may work better than chemical treatment.

Research potential apartments

When searching for an apartment in Toronto, be sure to read Google reviews, bed bug registry reports, and local news. Chances are previous tenants mention bed bugs if they\’ve encountered them. How property management deals with the issue is more relevant than if they have ever had them.

Toronto is so infested that we wouldn’t be surprised to learn if most buildings have experienced a bed bug outbreak over the past few years. Toronto is one of the most bed bug-infested cities in North America, right after New York City, so don’t discard a potential location just because it had bed bugs in the past.

Orkin Canada, a pest and wildlife control services organization, revealed that Toronto was the city in which it carried out the highest number of commercial and bed bug treatments in 2022.

Bed bug infestations seem to be more common in densely-populated buildings, particularly purpose-built rental complexes. Apartments with active property management often have better control over bed bug proliferation. Ask property managers how they deal with the issue to get more insights into their level of preparedness.

Buy a steamer and stay vigilant

Upon moving into a new apartment, make it a habit to check your mattress regularly, especially when changing your sheets. Bed bugs are not fans of heat, so using a steam cleaner to sanitize your mattress can be an effective preventative measure. Also, the internet and YouTube provide endless advice to best fit your routine and lifestyle.

Nobody thinks of moving trucks

Moving trucks can be a source of bed bugs, as many are not cleaned as often as they should be. When moving, use plastic bags to protect your mattress and minimize the number of items you transport in the moving truck. This is both cost-effective and reduces the risk of bed bug issues.

Shared laundry facilities

We never got them from shared laundry facilities, even going every week for over five years, but we took some precautions. We would always put things in the dryer for more than 30 minutes, use facilities during downtime, and avoid hanging around too much. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, and they can easily travel from one location to another by latching onto clothing, bags, or personal items.

In conclusion, while bed bugs may not have been a concern for you in the past, it\’s important to stay informed and be proactive when searching for your next apartment. By being aware, vigilant, and selective in your choice of home, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering these pests.

Make it easier for your property manager or landlord

Per Ontario laws, landlords must ensure that their properties are free of pests, so it is their responsibility to deal with infestations and bear the costs. You should immediately inform your landlord, your superintendent, or property manager if you see any signs. As a tenant, you are responsible for cooperating with your landlord’s efforts to control bed bugs.