HOUSTON—Since bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, no one is keeping track of the cases in the Houston area, but a few outbreaks were found in Southwest Houston.
Tenants at one apartment complex are moving out or throwing their beds away to try and get rid of the pesky bugs.
Erin Mills, an Entomologist at the Museum of Natural Science, described what bed bugs look like.
“It’s got an oval shape. It’s very flat. It’s bigger than a flea or a lice or something like that.”
Banning strong pesticides and world travelling are the culprits for the resurgence of bed bugs in the United States.
“It’s not a huge outbreak but they have gotten tougher and they’re a lot harder to treat,” said Mills.
Now we’ve learned that The Houston Apartment Association is gearing up for more problems. They have created a new “Bed Bug Addendum” to attach on leases.
“If they’re moving in with bed bugs, they are letting owner know that they might have infestation,” said Aimee Arrington with the H.A.A.
“Also it’s letting the resident know that if there is a bed bug problem during their lease term, whose responsibility it is to pay for it.”
Since most apartments will only pay for what they call “reasonable” pest control, you’re probably on your own if the bed bugs end up at your place.
Experts suggest using steamers or hiring a pro to “cook” the bugs out with heat The cost to get rid of bed bugs could run at least $600.
If you want to check out bed bug tips from the Houston Apartment Association, click here.
