Updating post from Reddit.
Hello
I have ordered a replacement mattress for a new tenant after they said they noticed bed bugs and they have since asked for pest control to treat the flat also. I had no bites in there when living in there previously as a live in landlord
The tenant wasn't able to provide any proof as apparently the bugs were vacuumed up straight away. The other tenant in the flat thinks it may not actually be bed bugs so I'm wary of splashing out for the full works on fumigating the whole place twice, which is the recommended treatment, for an issue that maybe isn't there.
However, as I've ordered a new mattress i don't want that one to get infested either if it's an issue. Bit of a catch 22, anyone else been in a position like this?
Used to be a pest controller. A pest controller shouldn’t be treating without evidence. You should be able to get a search done for about £50. Have a look at the BPCA for someone reputable
Edit: not everyone reacts to bed bug bites
Thanks that’s good to know, I’ve already paid a small deposit for a company tomorrow but they aren’t on the BPCA so I might just avoid them now. Looks like my options are limited for residential on Manchester on bpca but I will try the few that are on there first thing tomorrow
There are some other accreditations but BPCA I think is the biggest. I think off the top of my head there is the NPTA too
thanks a lot. just sent you a message
Pest expert.. buy fumigating bombs.. if it is 2 bed flat i would buy 3 7g twin packs.. first day 3 of them in every room fumigate.. buy bed bug spray as well.. after fumigating spray the headboard mattress and bed base thoroughly... buy the bed bug powder ... use it for the crevices... after 15 days fumigate again.. all done!! It would cost 60 quid in total
Most bedbug treatment specialists will charge you £60 to do a check around to spot evidence of bedbugs. Do that and if they find any you can go forward with the treatment. There’s not much point in getting new mattresses as any line of treatment will need to take care of all soft furnishings anyway.
Tell him to send begbugs in a jar immediately. Begbugs !
Is the tenant from the uk ?
I honestly struggle to understand how you even perceive this as a dilemma.
What "evidence" do you expect? Why on earth would any tenant make something like this up?
Just pay to get the place treated, and act quickly. It can take multiple visits to get rid of them. Longer you leave it, the worse it will get.
I did believe her until the other tenant I spoke to said she thought she was mistaken - and we’ve both asked for pictures & not had any. Bed bugs are visible & bites are noticeable so what do you mean about what ‘evidence’
I ordered the new mattress instantly so it’s not a reluctance to solve the issue. I’m also trying to ascertain what level of treatment to pursue which is hard to do with no information
Maybe didn't like the old mattress?
Telltale markings around the trim of the mattress for one.
If the bedbugs were introduced by the tenant then it's on them to have the infestation treated.
Why? Because she wants a nice new mattress for whatever reason? Or she’s mistaken?