What Are the Responsibilities of Assisted Living Facilities Regarding Bed Bugs?

Responsibilities of assisted living facilities regarding bed bugs include getting rid of them as well as other infestations. Most cities require landlords, property owners and other housing managers to keep the premises in a livable condition. In 21 states, the property owner must provide bed bug control in assisted living facilities, apartments, public housing and other group settings.

Assisted living facilities must take legal steps to get rid of bedbugs. They should only use pesticides approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and must follow the label instructions closely. Using unapproved methods, such as rubbing alcohol, diatomaceous earth, helium, propane and carbon dioxide, endangers the residents and the property.

Do-it-yourself heating and freezing treatments also pose serious hazards. Ideally, the facility should hire a professional pest control company that uses comprehensive integrated pest management strategies.

Staff members should have training that includes how to detect bed bugs and what to do if they notice signs of an infestation. For example, they should check for red skin bumps around residents’ feet. Every time a resident leaves, the staff should perform a detailed inspection to improve the chances of detecting and removing pests before they spread to other areas.

Bugs often hide in the crevices of mattresses and other soft furniture. Check the policy at your assisted living facility to make sure it covers these important components of bedbug control. Staff members should know where to report a bedbug infestation and understand that they must do so immediately to prevent further spread.

Residents should clean and declutter their personal spaces to help stop the spread of bedbugs in assisted living. They should also regularly vacuum the carpet, upholstered furniture and mattresses and wash the bedding often. If you see signs of a bedbug in your assisted living community, report it right away.