A significant hurdle in the war on bed bugs is the financial burden treatment options can place on a family’s finances. For many, hiring a professional pest management company to assist with the problem is just not an option. Fortunately, there are ways to combat bed bugs without bringing in a professional. Greatest success will likely be achieved if homeowners take a multi-tactic approach, using a variety of methods together to fight bed bugs. Integrated Pest Management for the win!
With proper education, correct application of treatments, and rigorous on-going screening, home-owners can succeed in gaining control over a bed bug infestation.
DoMyOwn.com offers homeowners DIY products, and quality education, to combat bed bugs. Kits designed to combat pesticide resistant strains of bed bugs start at $60, and each kit provides IPM solutions. From simple solutions to industrial strength tools, it is an excellent resource.
Remember, safety first homeowners! Bed bug treatments do come with risks that if not strictly followed, can lead to disaster. Of course you can always ask pest control for help, just mind you, depending on the severity of the infestation, a bed bugs treatment could be costly.
Does home and renters insurance cover bed bug treatments?
No. Individual homeowners and renters will be unlikely to find an insurance policy to cover costs incurred due to a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs, like other pests -rodents, ants, and termites, are considered by insurance companies as part of routine home maintenance costs, and are, therefore, not covered. WillisTowersWatson was one of the first insurance companies in North America to offer bed bug insurance to clients. Since then, other major insurers Aon, have added similar policies to their coverage options for businesses.
Who is legally required to pay?
In North America, landlords are typically required to foot the bill. Bed bug remediation cost is a hot button issue between landlords and tenants, specifically, who is responsible for paying the bill? As that falls in the vast landscape of tenant-landlord regulations, the laws about who is accountable for what varies between regions. In Canada, landlord-tenancy acts are determined at the provincial level. In the United States, they are established at the state level. Generally speaking though, bed bug removal is the responsibility of the landlord; it is considered part of regular home maintenance. The specifics of that responsibility do vary, so it’s best to consult your local tenancy laws to see what applies to your area.
