There must be cooperation among tenants and the management staff in multiple dwelling facilities. A bed bug management program must be coordinated for the entire building as well as the individual room or person. If bed bugs go undetected for long periods of time, they can very easily spread through walls and on electrical and plumbing conduits.
Cooperation from the tenant includes:
- Following the pest reporting procedures
- Cleaning and preparing the room/apartment for treatment
- Taking measures to avoid reintroduction of bed bugs
Building management must ensure that tenants are aware of these procedures and are provided with the necessary contact information they need to report a complaint. Complaints must be addressed in a timely manner. Most building managers cannot deal with a bed bug infestation without the help of a pest management professional (PMP). The PMP should be involved at an early stage. Professionals know how and where to look for bed bugs, and can thoroughly assess an infestation to ensure the right measures are taken.