Commission member introduces "Pest Free Grant" to coordinate bed‑bug remediation, education and prevention

Commission member Jess presented a proposal she called the "Pest Free Grant," a three-part program aimed at reducing bed‑bug infestations in multi‑unit housing through coordinated remediation, tenant education and prevention.

Jess said the grant concept grew from discussions with an exterminator and property managers and is intended to address recurring infestations that are costly when landlords and tenants undertake piecemeal treatments. "The Pest Free Grant, is something I came up with, working with an exterminator with problem buildings I had over time," Jess said. She described program elements as (1) remediation/extermination, (2) education for tenants and property managers on inspection and early detection, and (3) prevention measures within units and buildings.

Jess cited state law (recorded in the meeting as "RSA 540:13‑e") when describing how liability and billing for bed‑bug remediation operate under current statute: she said landlords may bill tenants in writing for costs when a tenant is found responsible under the statute and that unpaid charges can lead to eviction under existing rules. The grant is intended to reduce recurring costs and evictions by catching infestations early and coordinating follow‑up treatments over a multimonth period; Jess said effective control typically requires three to six months of follow up rather than one or two treatments.

Jess said she plans to convene two stakeholder meetings — one for property owners and managers and one for tenants — and to assemble a committee including public‑health or mental‑health representatives to discuss stigma and root causes. She did not present a budget or specific timeline at this meeting and said she would provide a timeline to the commission at a future meeting.

Ending: Commission members asked for timetable details at the next meeting and encouraged Jess to circulate meeting dates and any draft grant materials for review.