Bed bugs are an annoying pest and once they enter any home it is very hard to get rid of them. Only because of their high reproduction rate and small size they stop the owners of getting rid of them. However, there is nothing such that can’t be solved. Bed bugs can be gotten rid of by using the correct methods and the eventual equipment. Bed bugs infestation has become a wide and popular problem throughout the country.
As stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the population of bed bugs has grown drastically. Although the insects are not very famous for communicating the disease its bite causes itching and may cause some sensitive reaction to some people, which further can escort to various other infections.
HUD accepts many reports of bedbug epidemics in Public Housing properties and that too in various divisions. HUD is working very closely with other federal services to control the infestation and to prevent the population of bedbugs.
Prevention of Bed Bug Infestations
The only possible way to manage the bed bug is to prevent the epidemic from occurring in the very first place. HUD is working to share and develop recommendations to prevent the infestation. The preventions are as follows:
- Educating people through raising awareness on the prevention of bed bugs
- A thorough investigation of the infected areas
- Returning from a trip, check your luggage and clothes for bed bugs
- Before bringing items to home check for any sign of an infestation of bedbugs
- Identifying the pest correctly
- To eliminate the bed bugs habitat
- Using pesticides according to the instructions given
- Keeping records- as to when and where the pests were found
In addition to these PHA’s (Public Housing Agencies) are strongly encouraged to take some preventive steps:
- Training to the staff to identify bedbugs, and to perform ongoing prevention. When there is a high risk in the community there should be periodic building inspections.
- Encouraging the residents to actively engage themselves in the prevention of bed bugs.
The HUD should respond to any reporting of bedbugs with urgency. Within 24 hours HUD should make contact with the tenant, providing them full information on the prevention and control of bedbugs. Measures should be discussed with the tenant before the inspection has to take place.
HUD provides efficient tools to the tenants to help to safeguard their properties from infestation. For example, HUD may offer bed covers, climb up interceptors, or any other things which are necessary for the prevention of bedbugs.
Tenants are strongly recommended to report the suspicion of any possibility of bedbugs in the house or the property to the property manager or landlord. It is the responsibility of the landlord or property manager to help you out in getting rid of the bed bugs. Untimely reporting allows the pests to be recognized and treated before they speedily increase their population. Residents are the very first line of protection against bedbugs. Bedbug invasion may cause several health issues, including physical discomfort and even lead to stress, and anxiety on the part of the residents.
