Nova Extermination was mandated to intervene in a mixed-use building in Varennes, on the South Shore, combining commercial premises on the ground floor and several apartments on the upper floors. This type of structure, which is common in commercial arteries in municipalities such as Varennes and the areas bordering Verchères, presents particular challenges: residents of the apartments above can be affected independently of commercial activities, and pest management must take into account two different types of clientele and regulations. A tenant on the upper floors had reported active bed bugs, and the preliminary inspection had raised the question of potential spread to other units in the building.
Inspection by separate areas
Our technicians structured the inspection in two phases: a full inspection of the four apartments on the upper floors, and a check of the common areas and storage spaces on the ground floor to rule out any risk of cross-contamination. In the apartments, the inspection confirmed an active infestation in two second-floor apartments, with significant concentrations in the bedrooms. The other two dwellings had some slight traces at the edge of the cupboard, suggesting a recent migration through the party partitions. The commercial ground floor, whose activities involved customer service with waiting areas, did not reveal the presence of bedbugs, which allowed the treatment to be concentrated on the residential floors. This methodical approach is characteristic of our approach to bed bug extermination. Our exterminators in Varennes are familiar with this type of mixed building.
Simultaneous processing of affected dwellings
To avoid any risk of migration from one dwelling to another during treatment, we planned a simultaneous intervention in all four dwellings on the same day. The two heavily infested homes have benefited from a complete heat treatment, with equipment deployed in each bedroom and living room. The two dwellings with slight traces received a preventive treatment by spraying residual insecticide and applying diatomaced powder in the wall voids, baseboards and junction areas with neighbouring dwellings. The building’s common areas, corridors and stairwell, have also received a residual treatment targeted at areas of frequent contact. This comprehensive and simultaneous approach minimizes the risk of reinfestation by migration from untreated housing, as demonstrated by our realization in a multi-unit building context. We have also documented a comparable approach in our residential and commercial building implementation.
Coordinated tracking and document management for the property
Follow-ups at two and four weeks confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment in all dwellings. A detailed intervention report was given to the owner, including the mapping of the treated areas, the products used and prevention recommendations. This document is valuable for the management of the property and can be passed on to tenants and potential future buyers. The landlord was also advised on putting clauses in the leases regarding the prompt reporting of any pest problems and the prohibition of uninspected second-hand upholstered furniture. The implementation of a building-wide pest prevention plan was formally recommended. For situations requiring restoration after a severe infestation, our unsanitary cleaning service can complete the extermination. Nova Extermination supports owners of mixed-use buildings in Varennes and the entire South Shore in the integrated management of their buildings.