Roaches & Bed Bugs?

Question

I am helping a client with selling and gathering bids. When I first viewed the place was covered with roaches and bed bugs. They are doing treatments but they won't be done till end of August and into September (it's multiple treatments). As far as rehabbing do you wait till treatments are done or rehab during it? I haven't ran into one as bad as this so curious what others have experienced.

Amit Patel · Answer

Hey Caleb,

In a case this bad I would wait until the treatments are fully finished and the pest company gives a clear report before starting any real rehab work. Moving cabinets, pulling baseboards, or opening walls while treatments are still ongoing can spread the insects and undo a lot of the progress the company is making.

Bed bugs especially need the full treatment cycle and proper follow up before you disturb the space. Once you have written confirmation that the property is clear, do a thorough deep clean and then move into the remodel. Coordinating the timing with the pest control company so they know the schedule helps a lot.

Richard F. · Answer

The more tearout you can do the better, those cockroaches are all up inside the walls. Make certain you have no plumbing leaks or water intrusion seeping into hidden places attracting them. Bedbugs are difficult, but if the place is empty for reno, and this is a detached home, should not be a big deal. In apartment buildings you need to treat a couple units on all sides to eventually get them out.

I always spread some boric acid (it is a powder) before installing carpet, under cabinets before install, and under/behind appliances as preventative measure for cockroaches.

Caleb Brown · Answer

Thank you both! @Amit Patel & @Richard F. It was nasty