Tenant Rights

A number of homes we search and service are rental homes and we often get questions from tenants regarding their rights and the responsibilities of Landlords. Here is a great article that is relevant to Alberta: The full article can be found here

Tenant Remedies

Q.I am having a problem with bugs in my apartment building. I have told my landlord several times about the number of ants in my apartment but he has not done anything about it. Is there anything I can do?

A.Yes. If your landlord ignores the problem, you can contact Alberta Health Services and make a complaint. A health inspector will investigate and has the power to order that the matter be dealt with in some way. The law prevents your landlord from evicting you because you made a complaint.

Your landlord has an obligation to make sure the premises comply with public health requirements at all times. One of these requirements is to ensure premises are free of pest infestations.

If a health inspector investigates, the inspector can serve notice on your landlord to fix the problem. If your landlord ignores the order, you can either apply to court to end the tenancy, or serve your landlord with a 14-day notice that you are going to end the tenancy. Your notice to end the tenancy will become void if:

• your landlord fixes the problem within 14 days; or
• your landlord serves you with a Notice of Objection to your notice.

If your landlord serves a Notice of Objection, you would have to apply to court to try to enforce your original notice to end the tenancy. Given the time and expense of this process, you might want to consider simply serving your landlord with notice to end the tenancy. You can serve notice to end the tenancy at any time, providing it complies with the rules that apply to your periodic tenancy.

Alberta Health Services has created some helpful Fact Sheets that may help you deal with infestations:

Bedbugs Fact Sheet 

Bedbug Clean-up and Prevention

Cockroaches Fact Sheet

House Mouse Fact Sheet

We have successfully worked with tenants and landlords in a number of situations and were able to mediate a great resolution for all parties involved! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

info@progressivemaintenance.ca

www.progressivemaintenance.ca

1 800 449 0806/ 403.707. 8200

If you think you are too small to be effective,clearly you've never been in bed with a Bed Bug

I wanted to spend some time today talking about what makes Progressive Maintenance different then other Pest Control Companies in Alberta- (and throughout Canada for that matter!)

We offer an Integrated Pest Management Control Approach focusing on:

- Prevention
- Multi Layer or Multi Step Solutions
- Targeted and Residual Treatment
- Shared Responsibility between Us (Progressive Maintenance) and you ( the Client)
- Proven and Effective Pest Management with goals for a long term solution

Our Goal is to create a sustainable company that provides safe, natural and effective pest control solutions as well as empowering homeowners to take control.

We promise to work with you to help you rid your home of Bed Bugs. We will listen to your concerns and find the best possible solution. We understand that each situation is different and we do not have a one size fits all approach!

Feel free to Call, Email or Check us out online we'd love to hear from you.

P.1 800. 449. 0806/ 403.707.8200
E. info@progressivemaintenance.ca
w. www.progressivemaintenance.ca
f. www.facebook.com/progressivemaintenance

Bed Bug Line Up

We get lots of questions regarding what bed bugs look like so I'd like to spend a few minutes looking at Bed Bugs and other bugs that are often mistaken as bed bugs.

Presenting the "line up"

(with thanks to www.buggide.net for their expertise and pictures)



        (Bed Bug)                                                            


    (Lady Bug)



 (Ticks)

 (Beetles)


If your home has been invaded by bugs other then bed bugs we can help! Our specialty is Bed Bugs but that doesn't mean you are on your own if you have an infestation of ticks or Beetles or any other creepy crawlers.  Feel Free to contact us

info@progressivemaintenance.ca
www.progressivemaintenance.ca
1 800. 449. 0806
www.facebook.com/progressivemaintenance

Man's Best Friend... Bud Bug's Worst Enemy

I was reading an interesting article on Bed Bug K9 units and came across this list, which I want to share with everyone. I think the part about Dogs being honest is really true. Out K9 has no interest in money - just a pat will do!

Why Use a BedBug Dog? See Below! Less Expensive.   Bedbug detection Dogs generate quicker and moreaccurate results, which leads to lower remediation costs for homeowners and insurers. For schools, hotels, commercial and government buildings, cost savings can be quite substantial. Cutting-Edge Technology.  The "Nose" is cutting-edge technology and thelatest trend in the home inspection industry. It's the only inspection tool that candetect and pinpoint sources of bedbugs - critical information for lowering costs. Proven and Trusted.  "Man's best friend" has been used for years by military and law enforcement agencies to detect bombs and drugs, among other things. Dogs are Honest.  Dogs are trained to work for food and love... and NOT for profits. Greater Peace of Mind.  Research supports that if the dog finds bedbugs, there's a high statistical probability you should investigate further. If the dog doesn't find bedbugs, you can know with greater certainty that your home, office or school is safe from bedbugs. Hard Workers.  In Germany, government authorities have found that a typical office building search of approximately 200 rooms can take one dog eight hours to complete. Effective Problem Solvers.  For REALTORS® concerned about escrow timelines, Bedbug Dogs can quickly and more accurately inspect a home, which gives both parties the feedback they need to quickly and effectively resolve issues. To access the website and author click here

If you've found a bug, or have been bitten and are wondering what to do next, call to book an appointment with KIA our BedBug Dog.  She is honest and hard working, and will help you find Peace of Mind.

Progressive Maintenance

1 800 449 0806

info@progressivemaintenance.ca

www.progresivemaintenance.ca

www.facebook.com/progressivemaintenance

Bed Bugs on the Move??

In our part of Canada, its that time of year where we pull out our camping gear and and begin preparing for our yearly camping trip. If your trip is anything like ours it usually ends in snow and one or more of the campers sleeping in the vehicle, promising they will never go camping again.

This spring, we've noticed a spike in people having Bed Bugs in their holiday trailers, and even pesky bugs hiding out in sleeping bags!

Bed Bugs have the ability to go more then 6 months between feedings so, like your camping gear, can emerge from hibernation hungry and ready to go in the spring.  If you are purchasing a used trailer we'd recommend having our K9 unit through the trailer prior to your first camping trip. This way if there are bugs treatment can be completed before you head out- ensuring you won't have to contend with Bed Bugs while out on the road.

We also recommend covering your mattress in the holiday trailer. These mattress covers are very effective in protecting you from being bitten at night.


If you'd like to have our K9 unit through your Holiday trailer, Motor home, or camping gear, we currently are running a spring special! When you call the office to book mention this blog post and receive 10% off your search, and we will include some free laundry bags.

w.www.progressivemaintenance.ca
e. info@progressivemaintenance.ca
f.www.facebook/progressivemaintenance
p. 1 800 449 0806/ 403 707 8200

Take Care!

Monday Morning Check List

I've been thinking for awhile about the bed bug epidemic and its occurred to me that we seem to be taking a reactionary approach. We wait until we have signs of having bed bugs before we take action - I believe that if we are going to get a handle on the bed bug problem we have to start taking a proactive approach.

So, I've complied a Monday Morning Check List to help you and your family stay bed bug free!

1. Reduce Clutter -  Clutter makes a great home for bed bugs. If you haven't used an item in your home for 3 months chances are you might not need it.  Even the pile of magazines and trinkets behind your favorite chair could be come a new home for the bugs

2. Remove any items from under your bed - The most likely location for Bed Bugs is in your bed - and storing items under your bed encourages bed bugs to move right in.

3. Use a mattress cover! Mattress Covers will prevent new bugs from entering in and hiding in your mattress, and prevent bugs that are already in your mattress from escaping and feasting on you for their midnight lunch. (you can order mattress covers from our office which will be delivered to your door)

4. Vacuum - Throughly vacuuming your carpets, drapes, bedding, furniture and baseboards will help to remove any eggs, feces and bugs that may be present. Ensure that you place the vacuum bag or contents of the canister in a sealed bag and place in an outdoor garbage immediately.

5. Heat- Wash and Dry your bed linens monthly on the highest heat setting the fabric will allow for. After completing a hot wash - use the highest setting on your dryer (if possible) and dry your items for a minimum of 45 minutes. Bed Bugs have limited defenses against heat.


If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of having bed bugs- don't panic. We are here to help and will see you through to a bed bug free home.



W. www.progressivemaintenace.ca
E. info@progressivemaintenance.ca
P. 1 800 449 0806

A Little Thursday Humor

While scouring the internet for a little inspiration for today's blog, I came across a company who offers more then just traditional bed bug treatment.

M&M Environmental Store has created a unique line of tee shirts that bring into focus the wide spread problem bed bugs have become, and have found a way to creatively incorporate a little humor along the way.

This was my personal favorite, You can check out their website for their full line and to add a little humor to your Thursday

 (The line at the bottom says *"I'm Bed Bug Free")

If you've found yourself in the unfortunate position of not being Bed Bug Free, call, email or check us out online so we can help you rid your home of these nasty little bugs.


web:           www.progressivemaintenance.ca
email:         info@progressivemaintenance.ca
phone:       1 800 449 0806/ 403 707 8200