"Learn how to prevent, exterminate, and read the most recent information and news. Recent reports from local pest control experts in the Portland area indicate that the problem is growing in the City and throughout Maine. Infestations are not officially tracked by state government. The bed bug laws in Maine lead the nation in terms of the protections they provide for tenants. Landlords are required to pay for all treatment and must arrange for treatment within 10 days after bed bugs are found in any apartment (see end of this page for detailed information)."
According to a story in the "The Portland Press Herald - Maine Sunday Telegram" the Bed Bug problem has spread to Portland.
A recent story describes the use of Beagles to sniff out the distinct odor of bed bugs in homes and apartments. According to Mark Adelson, who is the deputy director of the Portland Housing Authority, the majority of their $1,000,000 pest control budget goes toward fighting bedbugs and other similar pests/insects.
Steps for Eliminating Bed Bugs From Your Home, Office or Apartment
As mentioned later on in this post, the Maine Department for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hiring a Maine bed bug exterminator instead of treating the problem yourself. We suggest getting a few quotes (Home Advisor will provide up to 3 free quotes for Maine residents) as each exterminator will use different methods. Costs are approximately $750 or more and requires 2 to 3 treatments.
An alternative is to to and treat the problem yourself. This is possible, however, it is important to buy the correct combination of products. The best starting point is to buy a kit, as they include detailed instructions and products that have been selected for their effectiveness. There are two types of kits available, one that uses organic bed bug products, and or an insecticide based bed bug kit.
For detailed instructions on how to remove bed bugs yourself visit our page "How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs"
Maine Government Resources
Check to see if your Maine Pest Control contractor is licensed by on the Internet at the Maine Board of Pesticides Control.
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
City of Portland Health and Human Services Department - Brochure With Helpful Bedbug Tips (PDF)
Portland Bed Bug Pest Control Experts
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hiring a licensed exterminator to treat bed bug infestations. The easiest way to identify pre-screened, licensed and experienced exterminators is to contact or visit the Home Advisor (1.877.233.1145).
You can also search our database for Maine bedbug exterminators.
To find a licensed bed bugs portland pest control expert and consumer reviews you can also look on Angies List.
Landlord and Tenant Laws in Portland
There are Maine bed bug laws which protect tenants (Title 14 M.R.S.A. §6021-A - in effect 7/11/10). If a tenant informs a landlord (oral or written) that there is a bed bug problem in their apartment, the landlord must inspect the unit in 5 days after notification. If bed bugs are found, then the landlord must arrange for treatment within 10 days.
If you are planning to rent an apartment, landlords in Maine are required to disclose if any adjacent units have bed bugs or if there was bed bugs treatment including the date of treatment.
Landlords are not allowed to rent apartments if they know the unit currently has bedbugs.
Bed bugs Portland and Maine tenants have to inform landlords the minute they even suspect that a bedbug problem exits. Tenants must allow landlords to inspect their apartment for bedbugs if requested. There are some limits in terms of what the landlord can inspect, such as the bed and upholstered furniture. Tenants are required to comply with landlords treatment plans, failure to do so can result in tenants being responsible for the costs of treatment.
If landlords do not treat the bed bug problem, they can be fined $250 or be liable for higher damages. Tenants that do not provide reasonable access to the apartment for bed bugs inspection or treatment can be forced to comply (14 M.R.S.A. §6030-A)
Ask a Question or Share Your Bed Bug Experience With Others
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