How to Spot Bedbugs in Your Home
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals that are sometimes said to resemble apple seeds in shape and size. They can easily travel from one place to another by jumping in your luggage, clothes, and even shoe soles into your home. They’re excellent hiders as they retreat into crevices and openings in your mattress during the day and come out to feed at night when you’re sleeping, a reason why they may be so hard to notice before it’s too late. Here are some common markers of the presence of bed bugs in your home:
Itchy Red Bites: Bed bug bites often appear as red, itchy welts on your skin, typically arranged in a line or cluster.
Blood Stains: Bed bugs leave behind rust-colored or reddish-brown stains on your bedding or mattress.
Musty Odor: Infested rooms may have a sweet, musty odor caused by bed bug secretions.
What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs
Notify Your Landlord: Inform your landlord or property manager about the issue in writing and keep a copy of the notification for your records.
Document the Infestation: Take photos of the bed bugs, bites, and any stains which can serve as valuable evidence.
Cooperate During Treatment: If treatment is necessary, cooperate with the pest control professionals to prepare your home for treatment.
Your Rights as a Tenant
In Los Angeles, tenants have legal rights and protections against bed bug infestations. According to the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA):
Landlord Responsibility: Landlords are generally responsible for ensuring that their rental properties are habitable, which includes addressing bed bug infestations.
Timely Treatment: If your landlord is notified of a bed bug infestation, they must take prompt action to eliminate the problem. This often involves hiring professional pest control services.
Temporary Relocation: In some cases, if the infestation is severe, tenants may be required to temporarily relocate while the property is being treated.
Conclusion
Identifying bed bug infestations may be tricky and the impacts even trickier, but as a tenant in Los Angeles, you have legal rights to ensure your living space is safe and habitable. If you find yourself dealing with a bed bug problem and your landlord is unresponsive, it's essential to seek legal advice from experienced tenant law professionals. Tenants Law Firm is here to help. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact us by calling (310) 432 - 3200 or by using this contact form.