Bed bugs can be a serious problem, especially in densely populated areas (such as large cities) as well as buildings such as theaters, hotels, apartment and other housing complexes where people are in close proximity to each other.

Housing apartments and complexes (condos, federal housing, nursing homes, etc.) present a particular set of problems because of the shared walls between rooms.  Bed bugs can easily migrate from room to room, making containment difficult without sealing up an entire wing for treatment.

So if you live in one of these larger buildings, or happen to own or manage one, you should be aware of the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) guidelines for dealing with bed bug infestations, and they adjust these guidelines to meet the current conditions of infestations.

Below are the following guidelines for how HUD plans to keep bed bugs out of homes:

–      Raising awareness through education on the prevention of bed bugs

–      Inspecting infested areas and the spaces around these areas

–      After a trip, checking for signs of infestation on clothes and luggage

–      When secondhand items are purchased, they should be inspected thoroughly before they are brought into the home

–      If an infestation is suspected, the pest should be properly identified

–      All pest infestations should be recorded with the date and location

–      Clutter should be kept clean to minimize bed bug hiding spots

–      Eliminating bed bug habitats

–      All pest infestations should be cleaned appropriately

–      Pesticides should be used according to their label instructions

–      Following up with pesticide treatments and inspections

There are also some differences across public housing, so it’s important for tenants to be familiar with the responsibilities of the owner. For example, The Office of Public and Indian Housing says that tenants who report a bed bug problem should be contacted within 24 hours of the report and will receive information about the control and prevention of bed bugs. If an infestation is confirmed, treatment will start within 5 days, and treatment will be covered.

For tenants that reside in apartments or condominiums, it’s important they review their contract to be familiar with the details of bed bug infestations, such as whether the tenant or landlord is responsible for the treatments.

With Section 8 homes however, the contract is less detailed, and measures for bed bug infestations must be discussed with the owner.