Oh No You Have Bed Bugs? As a Tenant You Have Rights in Or and Wa

Bed bugs. They're a big problem in the states of Washington and Oregon. Just the phrase bed bugs leaves many people feeling uncomfortable. So how do you know if you have a problem with bed bugs?

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?

Extermination experts from the Yakima Valley say if you think you have a problem you need to look for signs of a bed bug infestation.
Some of the signs? Every time you're in bed you get itchy skin. You see smears of blood on your sheets from insects being crushed. Possibly the most obvious sign you have bed bugs; You see dark fecal droppings on your sheets and bed bug skins. But the most convincing sign is finding an actual live bed bug.

IF I FIND A BUG HOW DO I KNOW IT'S A BED BUG?

What does a bed bug look like? They're described as oval rusty-red colored bugs with no wings. They're the size of an apple seed. You'll have to search for them because they hide in bedding, furniture, floors and walls.

IF YOU RENT YOUR HOME OR APARTMENT YOU HAVE LAWFUL RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON

If you rent your home or apartment you don't have to live with bedbugs. In both the state of Washington and Oregon you have rights that protect you. To put it simply according to the Landlord-Tenant Act, bed bugs must be controlled by the landlord before you move into the dwelling. The rules say the landlord must continue to control the bed bugs except when the infestation is caused by the tenant.

LANDLORDS MUST TAKE SPECIFIC ACTION BEFORE YOU MOVE INTO A DWELLING THAT HAD BED BUGS

Officials in both states urge landlords to be aggressive in treating the problem using professionals. They're required to not ignore nearby dwellings that could also contain bed bugs. Landlords can't rent a space that had bed bugs until they've been eliminated and no evidence of bed bugs can be found. The National Pest Management Association says
landlords need to develop a written "bed bug action plan." You can find their guidelines at http://www.pestworld.org.

LOCAL EXPERTS SAY WATCH WHAT YOU BRING INTO YOUR HOME

Officials at Yakima's Weaver Exterminating say be careful with the things you buy at yard and garage sales. If you purchase used furniture, mattresses, blankets, pillows or sheets always look for signs of bed bugs.
MORE TOP STORIES FROM LANCE:

• Yakima Man Lucky To Be Alive After Near Cougar Attack
• The Top 3 Preferred Ice Cream Flavors in Washington State
• 3 Top Counties in WA Where People Are Overdosing and Dying