If you think bedbugs are a problem of the past, think again. These tiny, stubborn pests are making a massive comeback, and rental properties are among the hardest-hit areas. Unlike cockroaches or ants, bedbugs aren’t a cleanliness issue—they hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and furniture, spreading rapidly before anyone notices. If you manage apartments or rental homes, ignoring the risk isn’t an option.
A single bedbug complaint can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation, costing thousands in extermination and potentially damaging your reputation.
How Bedbug Infestations Start in Rental Properties
Bedbugs are masters of stealth. They don’t come marching in from the outside like ants or rodents. Instead, they catch a ride on people and belongings. A resident could unknowingly bring them in after a hotel stay, a trip on public transportation, or even from a friend’s infested home. Second-hand furniture is another common culprit—mattresses, couches, and chairs can all harbor these pests.
The problem is that bedbugs don’t just stay in one unit. Once they establish themselves, they start moving. They crawl through tiny cracks in walls, along electrical wiring, and even through shared laundry rooms. By the time one resident reports bites, the infestation could have already spread to multiple units.
Why Bedbugs Are So Hard to Get Rid Of
Unlike other pests that respond well to sprays or traps, bedbugs require a strategic, multi-step approach. Standard bug sprays won’t cut it because these pests have built resistance to many common pesticides. They also hide deep in furniture, baseboards, and even inside electrical outlets, making it nearly impossible to reach them all in one treatment.
Another challenge? Their life cycle. Bedbug eggs are tiny and resistant to most treatments. Even if an exterminator wipes out the adults, eggs can hatch days or weeks later, starting the infestation all over again. This is why professional treatments often require multiple visits.
Signs of a Bedbug Problem
Catching a bedbug infestation early is critical. The longer it goes unnoticed, the worse it gets. Here’s what to watch for:
Resident Complaints About Bites
Bedbugs feed at night, leaving behind red, itchy bites in clusters or lines.
Small Dark Spots on Bedding or Furniture
These could be bedbug droppings.
Shed Skins and Tiny White Eggs
Evidence that bedbugs are breeding.
Live Bugs Around Mattress Seams or Furniture Crevices
If residents spot even one, there are likely more hidden nearby.
Unfortunately, not all residents report bedbugs right away. Some don’t realize what they’re dealing with, while others may hesitate, fearing they’ll be blamed.
How to Protect Your Rental Property from Bedbugs
Preventing bedbugs is easier (and far cheaper) than dealing with a full-scale infestation. The key is a proactive approach rather than waiting for a resident to sound the alarm.
Educate Residents on Prevention
Bedbug prevention starts with awareness. Many residents don’t realize how easily these pests spread. Providing simple guidelines can help:
Be cautious with second-hand furniture. Inspect any used items before bringing them inside.
Check for bedbugs after traveling. Inspect luggage and wash clothes in hot water after hotel stays.
Avoid setting bags or coats on public seating where bedbugs might be lurking.
A friendly reminder in newsletters or lease packets can go a long way in reducing risk.
Routine Inspections and Early Detection
Regular inspections of high-risk areas—such as furnished units, shared laundry spaces, and hallways—can help catch infestations before they spiral. Some property managers also schedule professional bedbug inspections once or twice a year as a preventive measure.
If you manage apartments, consider installing mattress encasements in furnished units. These special covers make it harder for bedbugs to hide and easier to spot them early.
Have a Clear Bedbug Response Plan
If a resident reports bedbugs, quick action is essential. Ignoring the problem or waiting too long only allows the infestation to spread, turning a minor issue into a full-blown crisis. Having a structured plan in place ensures an immediate response:
1. Verify the Infestation
Work with a licensed pest control professional to confirm the presence of bedbugs.
2. Treat the Affected Unit and Surrounding Areas
Since bedbugs spread easily, nearby units should also be inspected and treated if necessary.
3. Follow Up with Additional Treatments
Because bedbug eggs can survive initial treatments, follow-up visits are crucial to ensure complete eradication.
Professional Pest Control Is Non-Negotiable
DIY solutions won’t work against bedbugs. Over-the-counter sprays might kill a few, but they won’t wipe out the infestation. Plus, improper treatments can make bedbugs scatter, pushing them into other units.
This is where Pest Share makes a difference. Our service ensures property managers can get immediate, professional treatment without worrying about high, unpredictable extermination costs. Instead of scrambling for a pest control company at the last minute, you have a solution ready to go the moment bedbugs appear.
Why Bedbug Prevention Should Be a Top Priority
Some property managers make the mistake of thinking bedbugs are just another pest issue, no different from ants or roaches. But bedbugs come with unique challenges. Unlike other pests, they trigger strong emotional reactions. Residents panic at the thought of bedbugs in their beds, and an infestation can quickly turn into a public relations nightmare if not handled properly.
There’s also the financial risk. If an infestation spreads, you’re not just looking at the cost of treatment—you may have vacant units, lost rental income, and even legal disputes if residents feel the problem wasn’t addressed quickly enough.
Stay Ahead of the Bedbug Problem
Bedbugs aren’t going away, and the worst thing a property manager can do is assume, “It won’t happen here.” The reality is that even the best-maintained properties can get bedbugs. The difference between a minor issue and a costly disaster is how quickly you respond.
By educating residents, conducting regular inspections, and having a plan in place, you can minimize the risk and handle infestations before they get out of control. And with Pest Share’s services, you’ll have the professional backup you need without breaking the budget.
Stay proactive, stay prepared, and don’t let bedbugs take over your rental property.
