How do I get rid of bed bugs?

How do I get rid of bed bugs? If you see the signs of bed bug infestation, you should look closely in all areas of your home to find out if you have bed bugs.

• Identify the source.
• Use a vacuum cleaner (preferably HEPA-filtered) to remove the bugs and their cast skins from all areas where you see them or think they might be.  Do this during your initial inspection, and at least every week  afterwards
• Discard or scrub and vacuum mattresses; then enclose the mattress in a zippered mattress cover.
Wash headboards and bed frames.
• Use a high-quality silicone-based sealant. Seal shut all cracks, crevices, and entry points in walls, especially within 20 feet of any spot where bed bug bites happened.
• Do not use any insect killer on your own. It will only spread infestation.
• Contact a licensed pest control operator.
• Once clothes (e.g., bed linens, clothing, etc.) are laundered, place them in large plastic bags or tightly closed bins to prevent any bed bugs from re-infestation.
• Isolate the cleaned (bed bug free) items until bed bugs are gone.

Who is responsible for the removal of bed bugs?

In most cases, a landlord or property manager is required by law to “maintain the dwelling they own without insect infestation” (MA: 105 CMR 410.550).  It is the landlord’s responsibility to respond to any complaints of bed bugs.

If you are a tenant, contact your landlord so that they can hire a licensed exterminator to identify the insect and develop an extermination plan or IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Plan to eliminate them.

Landlord or property owner responsibilities

• Encourage tenants to report bedbugs
Respond quickly to complaints with inspection and intervention

Resident responsibilities
• Follow guidelines for reporting bedbugs.
• Cooperate with staff in controlling bedbugs.