Guide to Treating Bed Bugs in Austin

table of contents

• Overview
• How to Treat Austin Bed Bugs Yourself
  
• Local Exterminators (recommended)
• Austin Government Resources
• Austin Hotel Bed Bug Reports
• Free Treatment Tips Brochure
• Austin Apartment Owner Responsibilities

overview

According to one Austin based bed bug exterminator, calls are up 1000% in 2016 when compared to 2006. Reports include all types of housing such as co-op housing that is part of the University of Texas to the Riverlodge apartments in the Northwest corner of the city. Use this site to learn about bed bug treatment, prevention, extermination and government resources.

We also have a list of recent Austin bed bug hotel reports. There have been over 900 reports in the Austin area.

Steps for killing austin bed bugs in homes and apartments

If you live in a private home or apartment, here are a few ideas for killing bed bugs. Apartment owners should check with landlords first to determine if they will pay for or are responsible for treatment. We always suggest using a professional since bed bugs are one of the hardest insects to treat. It is possible to treat a small infestation yourself, but not recommended.

If you do decide to do it yourself, here are some tips.

1. Clean/Launder
   
   All items from the room to be treated should be removed. Only remove items in sealed plastic bags to avoid dropping bed bugs. Place washable clothes in one bag. Wash in the washing machine using hot water. Follow by 30 minutes in the dryer.
   
   Vacuum any bed bugs that you can spot and then dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside of the home.
   

Steam Heat from a Hand Held Steamer is a chemical free and effective way to kill bed bugs and bed bug eggs.

2. Use Bed Bug Sprays and Dust

Two types of bed bug sprays are needed to kill bed bugs. Purchase a knock down spray to kill bed bugs on contact and a residual spray for killing action that will last for several weeks. The most economical way to do this is with a kit that includes the two sprays and bed bug dust. 

The dust is a natural product that will kill any insects that come in direct contact with the dust field. It is applied after the use of sprays. 

Treat the mattress first using a mattress safe spray. After treatment remove from room and treat the box spring. Next treat nearby furniture until all areas in the room are treated. 

See our complete guide to bed bug treatment for more details on how to do it yourself.

Apartment owner rights and responsibilities

Common Bed Bug Hiding Places in Bedroom. Once found each area must be treated.

Unless your rental agreement specifically states that that landlord or apartment manager is responsible for any treatment costs, the rental owner has the right to require the resident to pay for all reasonable costs of cleaning and pest control treatment incurred by the rental owner for treating the dwelling for bed bugs, if asked. Likewise, if bed bugs are confirmed in the dwelling after the resident vacates, he or she may also be asked to pay for cleaning and treatment costs.

Residents may also be held responsible for lost rental income and other expenses incurred by the rental owner to move or relocate residents in adjacent dwellings in order to perform pest control treatments in other dwellings.

If the resident fails to pay for any of these costs, he or she would be in default, and the rental owner would have the right to terminate the resident’s right of occupancy and to exercise all rights and remedies under the lease contract. Failure to vacate the dwelling after the right of occupancy has been terminated can result in the resident being liable for holdover rent according to the TAA Lease Contract.

 The resident must promptly notify the rental owner of any known or suspected bed bug infestation in the dwelling or personal property; of any recurring or unexplained bites or skin irritations that may be caused by bed bugs or any other pest in the dwelling; and of any discovery that might indicated the presence of bed bugs.

Source: Texas Apartment Association

austin exterminators

Bed bugs exterminators in Austin  can cost $1,000 for the typical home or apartment. Also each exterminator will use different mechanical and non mechanical (heat, steam, vacuuming, carbon dioxide spray) bed bug treatment methods.

Because of this, is pays to get quotes and ask questions from several local exterminators. We suggest starting with members of the Home Advisor Network (1.877.233.1145), as members are pre-screened and must be licensed and insured.

You can also search our local bedbug exterminator listings.

Another good source for licensed exterminators and consumer reviews is Angies List.

local bedbug attorney

If you are experiencing an apartment bed bug infestation it is a good idea to consult with an attorney that can review your rights. The Stern law firm has specific experience with bed bug legal cases in Austin.

Stern Law Group - (877) 661 - 9900

Government resources

Texas Health and Human Services Commission just dial 211 or 877-541-7905.

Texas Department of State Health Services

Austin texas bed bug hotel reports

These recent hotel bed bug reports are from actual consumer experiences. Since only experts can truly identify bed bugs, note that each incident could be caused by other insects or problems.  That said, if staying at one of these hotels, be sure to inspect the bed for any signs of fecal stains (brown or black marks on sheets or along seams of mattress.)  If you see signs of bed bugs, immediately report the problem to management, and request a room as far as possible away from the room (avoid rooms directly next to, above or below).

brochure

Free brochure from the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department on Bed Bug Abatement & Prevention Guide.

Click to Call For A Free Bed Bugs Inspection at
(877) 673-2704