Bed Bugs New York

" Bed bugs New York continue to be a problem. NYC has all of the characteristics which lead to bed bug problems including a high number of hotel guests potentially bringing bedbugs from other locations and apartment living which makes it difficult to both exterminate bed bugs and identify the source of the infestation. Recent reports of difficulty in killing bed bugs due to pesticide resistance is also adding to the problem. The only good news is that as of 8/30/2010 New York state law requires landlords in New York City only to disclose an apartment buildings history of bed bug problems. Legislation is expected within 12 months that will apply to the rest of New York State."

The Number of bedbug-related complaints to New York City's 311 government hot line during fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008) climbed almost 34% over the previous fiscal year according the policy advocacy organization formed in 2008 dedicated to New York City bed bug problems New York vs Bed Bugs. In 2008 the hot line received 9,213 complaints vs. 6,889 in 2007. 2009 bed bugs complaints in New York are even higher at10,985 complaints and 4,084 violations. In fiscal year 2010, 31,719 bedbug complaints were reported to 311, up +19% from 2009.

The numbers under report the problem since they only reflect calls to the city's 311 hot line, which is largely used by people that rent. Home owners tend not to call, so are not represented in the numbers.

There are so many complaints that the New York City council has passed legislation to form a committee to look into the bed bugs New York problem. The council is considering moves such as banning the sale of used mattresses. The extent of the New York City problem is repeated in press around the world including this recent article in Consumer Reports titled New York City's bedbug boom.

In September, 2009 the New York Post reported that an expert on Mayor Bloomberg's advisory board stated that "...bedbugs have staged a comeback and are spreading at an alarming rate."

Problems have even been reported in a popular clothing store, where a Hollister was closed due to bed bugs (7/1/2010) and more recently in a Victoria's Secret location.

In July 2010 the New York City Bed Bug Advisory Board release their Bed Bug Advisory report. A PDF of the " Recommendations for the Management of Bed Bugs in New York City" can be downloaded here(PDF). The report includes suggested best practices for tenants and guidelines for the disposal of bed bug infested items.

Avoid Bed Bugs When Buying a New Home in New York

Bed bugs New York is becoming part of the prepurchase inspection process for homes or apartments. Many prospective buyers are checking condominium and co-op association minutes for references to bed bug problems. If a building was treated, check to make sure that all apartments were included. Individual homeowners may opt out, potentially allowing the problem to continue in the building. Even if there was a problem, it may not be reflected in the minutes due to poor record keeping, so be sure to ask.

Every attempt to rid an apartment building for bed bugs will be noted. Home inspectors are now adding bedbugs to their inspection checklist.

When buying a home, a seller does not have to disclose a previous bed bug problem, however, legally they do have to let you know when directly asked.

This is not true when renting. The New York State "right-to-know" law requires that landlords in New York City disclose a buildings bed bug history to potential tenants. Commercial landlords, those that rent to businesses are not required to disclose problems. ((A10356b)

How to Kill - Bed Bugs New York

If you live in an apartment building and you believe that bed bugs are in your apartment only, then a do it yourself approach might be worth trying. Homeowners can of course give it a try themselves and then turn to professionals who can be found here, which provides list of local bed bug experts.

You can opt for a professional inspection first. These cost approximately $75 - $300 or more. Bed bug sniffing dogs are often used as well, since bed bugs give off a raspberry like odor. If a dog is used, expect to pay $300 - $500.

If an apartment is empty, a device called a Night watch can be used to attract bed bugs as proof of their existence in an apartment. It needs to be placed in a room for 2 weeks and obtained from a pest control company. The device itself costs $649 to purchase.

The most effective way to rid your home of bed bugs is to arm yourself with information and the right products including sprays, powders, a steamer to kill bed bug eggs and bed bug proof mattress covers. All can be affordably purchased in a kit from companies such as All-Stop.

For detailed information on eradicating bedbugs, read how to kill bed bugs. The simple steps are to:

1. Clean Everything - You'll find up to 85% of bed bugs near the bed. Be sure to vacuum all areas, check all objects and bag anything that can be carried to a washing machine and cleaned.

2. Treat - Use mattress safe products to spray all surfaces with products such as Benzarid or Bug Patrol spray.

3. Steam - Use a steamer to kill any eggs and the bed bugs themselves. Sprays will be ineffective against eggs since they don't penetrate the shell. Steam all cracks, fabric seams etc. Open a window to avoid the formation of mold from the dampness.

4. Dust - Use a natural dessicant dust dust spread around the room which will come in contact with any bedbugs that hatch from bedbug eggs that were missed. When renovating, the dust can be placed inside walls to prevent bed bugs from moving from one room or apartment to another. It lasts forever and will kill bedbugs on contact. It can be easily used under furniture and in areas where liquids are dangerous such as around electrical outlets.

5. Seal the Mattress - Buy a zippered bed bug mattress cover (must say on the label) to trap any bed bugs that are still in or around the mattress such as this one offered by Amazon.com.

If you have carpet, beside vacuuming consider using a carpet cleaner mixed with a strong disinfectant such as PuraCleenRX to kill any eggs (it can also be missed into the laundry. Test an area of the carpet to avoid discoloring.

When disposing of any item that contains bed bugs make sure it is sealed and marked with a sign warning others not to take these items and re-use them. This is particularly the case when disposing of furniture or a mattress so that the bed bugs New York problem doesn't get any worse.

Bed Bugs New York - News Stories

Law requires New York landlords to tell tenants about bedbugs
- CNN

Bed Bugs in the Duvet
- New York Magazine (5/2/10)

Bed-Bug Sniffing Dog
- MYFOXNY.com

Sleeping with the Enemy (Bed Bugs)
- New York Times (2009)

Boro with the most bedbug calls: B'klyn 42% jump in complaints to 311
- New York Daily News (2009)

Beds bugs are infiltrating hotels, news that is starting to make it around the world according to this
- BBC Radio 1 report.

UK Tourists bring Bed Bugs back from NYC to UK
- Nigerian Best Forum

BBC warns visitors to New York City to be wary—of bedbugs, not muggers - - Consumer Reports

Bedbug epidemic attacks New York City

When You see Garbage Bags that look like this, watch for bed bugs.

Buying and Selling in Bedbug City
- New York Times (8/23/09)

Bugs bite at Health Offices
- New York Post (9/25/09)

BedBugs New York Government Resources

To check for a licensed bed bugs New York exterminator and to report a Bed Bugs New York problem:

New York Entomological Society's Special Meeting on Bed Bugs (2010)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

NYC 311 - Information on how to file a NYC bed bug complaint

New York City Schools Bed Bug Kit

Bed Bug New York Apartments Hotels

To see if the New York apartments hotels you are planning to say in have a had a bed bug problem see the site Bed Bug Registry. Just enter the name of the hotel name or apartment address.

Published Bed Bug Reports in New York:

New York City Health Department Offices (9/25/09)
John Jay College of Criminal Justice North Hall

New York City Bed Bug Pest Control Companies

When hiring a pest control company to fight bed bugs New York, experience does count since part of the challenge is knowing where to look. There are over 1,000 pest control companies in the New York Metropolitan area. A well known reputable company is essential to quickly treating the problem.

Here are a few suggestions for finding a bed bugs New York company. Since extermination is expensive, be sure to get more than 1 quote. Check for the cost of an on-site evaluation and home inspection and and guarantees that are provided.

1. Get a quote from an experienced national firm and 1 or 2 that know your neighborhood

National firms have a developed set of expertise in fighting the problem. We suggest calling Terminix at 877.291.4849. They provide a free home inspection and evaluation.

Compare rates provided to a local New York pest control company. Local NYC bed bug companies have experience with insecticides and may have equipment that has been effective in your specific neighborhood. Check our list of local NYC bed bugs pest control experts by clicking here. You can also use Service Master to Find Local Pest Control Services, which will provide up to 4 quotes for free.

2. Use Angies List

To find a licensed bed bugs New York contractor and consumer review (s) for a pest control expert you can also check the customer reviews on Angies List . There is a small fee for Angie's List, however, the cost is small compared to the cost of treating a home.

You can check on the any bed bugs new york pest control company by contacting the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation or call (718) 482-4994