Pests can sometimes find their way into homes, for example through luggage, used furniture, or food products. At TYS, the pest situation is similar to that elsewhere in Turku and Finland.
Pest control in TYS apartments has been handled by Anticimex for over ten years. Anticimex uses a wide range of methods for preventing and controlling pests. A good example is the use of specially trained bed bug detection dogs to confirm suspected infestations.
Pest Situation Under Control
According to Anticimex Regional Manager Tapio Itäsola, the pest and bed bug situation in TYS apartments is under control and does not differ from that in Turku or other large cities in Finland. For many, the most feared pest is the bed bug, which is associated with strong perceptions and concerns.
“Bed bugs can occur in any space where people spend time. They are not an indication of the cleanliness of the apartment or the resident’s lifestyle,” Itäsola reminds.
The pest situation in TYS apartments does not differ from that in Turku or other major cities in Finland. The image shows an Anticimex technician installing rodent control equipment. (Picture: Anticimex)
Turku is a lively student and tourist city, which increases the risk of pests, including bed bugs, spreading. Itäsola notes that the number of bed bug control cases in Turku has increased in recent years, as in many other places, especially in large cities.
“The good news is that awareness of bed bugs has improved, and when cases are detected and reported early, they can be effectively brought under control,” says Itäsola.
Inspection and Control Always Free for Residents
If a tenant suspects pests in their apartment, they should immediately submit a fault report through the Tenant Pages. Anticimex inspections and any necessary pest control are completely free of charge for TYS tenants, and no penalties are incurred.
After a report is made, an Anticimex specialist will visit the apartment and inspect whether pests are present. In suspected bed bug cases, a trained detection dog may be used. If pests are found, control measures will be initiated.
“Control is always planned on a case-by-case basis and may include heat treatment, mechanical control, and controlled use of pesticides,” Itäsola explains.
You don’t need to be alarmed if an Anticimex vehicle appears in your yard. The image shows an Anticimex bed bug detection dog used to help confirm suspected infestations. (Picture: Anticimex)
The duration of treatment varies from a single visit to multiple control or follow-up visits. Tenant will receive clear instructions throughout the process. If you notice an Anticimex vehicle in your building’s yard, there is no need to be alarmed.
“An Anticimex vehicle in the yard does not mean there are pests in the building. We carry out a wide range of inspections, monitoring, control, and preventive measures in TYS properties. It is also important to note that pest control visits are always private matters. We are bound by strict confidentiality and do not disclose the reasons for or locations of individual visits to outsiders,” Itäsola states.
Pests often enter homes unnoticed:
- with used furniture and items
- through luggage when traveling
- with food products
- through building structures
You can prevent pests with careful precautions:
- do not bring abandoned furniture home, for example from waste collection points.
- if you acquire used furniture, inspect it before bringing it indoors – especially seams and structures. Signs of bed bugs may include small black spots (droppings) or blood stains.
- check your luggage after traveling and wash textiles at 60 °C or freeze them at at least −18 °C for one week. The same applies to second-hand clothing.
Do this:
- submit a fault report through the Tenant Pages immediately if you suspect pests – early reporting is the best control method.
- wait for Anticimex’s assessment and follow their instructions.
Pest control is free of charge for TYS tenants, and reporting does not lead to any penalties.
Do not do this:
- do not attempt to control pests yourself using store-bought products.
- do not remove furniture or other items from your apartment to other places for example waste collection points.
