Bed Bugs?

**banana** · 12-07-2007, 02:46 PM

Does anyone know of a frugal way to get rid of these little buggers! My sister lives in a 6 family house and so far 2 apartments have them. One got several treatments from a bug guy and it costs them 450 dollars. The other neighbor says she doesnt have the money to have it done. My sis is starting to panick cause she thinks they may be traveling through the walls. They all called up the landlord and he says it is not his problem that he will not pay for the extermination.

Is there anything that she can spray or put down in her apt to make these little buggers stay away?

Any tips would be appreciated!

TIA

**starsapphire** · 12-07-2007, 03:52 PM

Tell her to call her local housing authority to find out her rights. Years ago I lived in an apartment that got infested with roaches after some new tenants moved into the upstairs apartment above us and the landlord wouldn't do anything about it. He said they'd go away on their own. Yeah, right. We called the housing authority and they forced the landlord to hire an exterminator.

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-07-2007, 05:21 PM

What are bed bugs? I didnt thin peole got those anymore. I think she should call the houseing authority.

**CristiK** · 12-07-2007, 08:56 PM

I heard somewhere recently that these are on the rise again and they are showing up in high end hotels of all places.

**pkellyc** · 12-07-2007, 09:48 PM

I have been hearing about these. The landlord is responsible for getting rid of them. I agree call the local housing authority. They can not be gotten rid of without a professional exterminator. Over the counter bombs, powders and sprays will not work.

**dolphin** · 12-08-2007, 12:05 AM

If you can't get in touch with the housing authority tell her to try her local county health and welfare office. Landlords ARE responsible for spraying to keep your apartment pest free. Don't let him get away with it!

**banana** · 12-09-2007, 06:34 PM

Thanks all I will tell her to call!

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-09-2007, 07:02 PM

I agree with the others... secondly.. it is the landlords responsibility to keep pests out no matter what kind. Seems he's a slum lord to me. I would report him as well.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-09-2007, 07:07 PM

Excerpt:
What are your rights and obligations?
Landlords and property owners have specific legal obligations to provide safe and habitable accommodations for tenants. Certain infestations, including bed bugs, may constitute an unacceptable condition. Tenants have an obligation to cooperate with owners and landlords. This includes preparing the apartment so that the pest control operator can easily inspect the rooms and treat if necessary. Contact your state or municipal health agency or housing authority for more guidance on these issues.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/#what

**banana** · 12-10-2007, 09:28 AM

Thanks Tracy

**mom2bobsarah** · 12-10-2007, 10:10 AM

About 10 years ago we lived in a less than great apt. with horrible landlords. The neighbors below us got roaches and then so did we, the landlord did have to take care of it and they knew it. I am sure your sister's does too. Tell her to let the landlord know that if something is not done immediately she will be reporting him. As a side note she could also mention that she will report him to the IRS just in case he is not claiming that income (rent from his tenants). Most landlords do not claim this as income and it can cause a huge problem for them in terms of tax money they have to pay out. I just got done taking a tax cless, hence the information. Good luck and yes, I am just a little evil, I hate slumlords.