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 mice or cockroaches in our homes. Now you can get the same reassurance by eradicating your house or apartment of bedbugs prior to moving in. Canine bed bug inspections are highly effective and reliable. Be sure this inspection is conducted before you move to save you time, money, and a huge hassle.
3. Don't be shy! Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get the inside scoop on the building.
4. 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.
5. Purchase mattress and box-spring bed bug proof 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.
6. 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.
7. Try your best to not bring secondhand or used items into your home.
8. Keep your eyes out while touring a new home or apartment for any telltale signs of having bedbugs (fecal spotting, blood stains).
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.
Contact NYC Bed Bug Inspections to schedule your canine bed bug inspection today!
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-colongione/bedbugs_b_1702102.html
