Every once in a while we get request for a blog post from a community member or senior service professional. Today’s blog post comes at the request of numerous older community members. Bed bugs are especially nasty pests because they can happen year-round and can be very difficult to get rid of completely. While they don’t have an active season, some estimate that their activity peaks in August, while others argue that they peak in October.
Preventing Bed Bugs
- You can buy covers for mattresses that keep beg bugs and other insects out.
- Be careful when bringing used furniture into your home.
- Vacuum often.
- If you live in a shared living space (e.g., an apartment or senior living facility)
- Consider buying a draft blocker/sweeper for underneath your front door or bedroom door.
- Be careful with laundry rooms! Take your laundry directly out of the dryer and take it back to your room. Limit your laundry’s explore to shared surfaces.
What to do if you think you have an infestation
- How to search for bedbugs (via the Canadian Government) (halfway down the page)
- What infestations look like (via the CDC) (WARNING: some graphic pictures)
- Visit The Bedbug Registry to view recent infestations in Michigan
What are your rights as a tenant?
- Michigan doesn’t explicitly mention bedbugs in state laws, but is trying to pass legislation to better define tenants’ rights.
- This blog post by MSU outlines the roles of tenants and landlords regarding bed bugs.
- Michigan State University also offers Tenant/Landlord legal advice. You can contact them at 1-517-336-8088.
- The State Office of the Attorney General can be contacted at 1-877-765-8388.
Local Resources (via Barrier Busters)
- Rose Pest Solutions- Metro Detroit West (313-582-1300)(Appointment required!)
- Ehrich Pest Control (866-846-1871)
Bed bugs can happen to anyone and are not a comment on you or your housekeeping. Don’t let shame or embarrassment stop you from getting treatment. The longer you wait to treat bed bugs, the worse the infestation can be.
