Bedbugbuzz's Blog

New Video Features BBBNY

bedbugbuzz — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:11:08 +0000

www.Howdini.com has posted an excellent, comprehensive, 3-part video all about bed bugs. Bed Bug Busters NY is featured in the segment on preparing for treatment:

http://www.howdini.com/howdini-video-13790585.html

Check it out!!

Beware

bedbugbuzz — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:33 +0000

There are an awful lot of companies out there claiming that they can get rid of your bugs. But I just ran across a company (that I will not name) that says it can treat for bed bugs without the home being properly prepared. They said they only treat the area where their dog alerts (this is a topic for another discussion: should exterminators have their own dogs or is this a conflict of interest?) They seemed completely unaware or perhaps even ignorant of the fact that the bugs are excellent at hiding and can detect food (a blood meal) up to 25 feet away, which is the size of most NYC apartments. If the place where they are found is the only place treated, who is to say that there aren’t others hiding?

So be careful before handing over your money to a company that promises to eliminate your bugs without proper preparation!

Holiday Entertaining Tip

bedbugbuzz — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:19:40 +0000

Put a coat rack in the hall for your guests’ coats instead of throwing them on the bed – one less chance of bringing in unwanted “guests”!

Junk Luggers Part 2

bedbugbuzz — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:43:55 +0000

Here’s the second part of Junkluggers blog entry about us:

http://www.junkluggers.com/blog/2010/12/the-low-down-on-bedbugs-part-ii-of-ii/

Junk Luggers

bedbugbuzz — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:21:23 +0000

We just got profiled in the Junklugger’s blog, giving the lowdown on bed bugs for their readers. We discuss what renters should do when inspecting a new apartment, and the differences in landlord disclosure laws in rentals and condos/co-ops. We talked about how (supposedly nocturnal) bed bugs will shift their hours so that they can get at you when you’re sleeping – even if you try to sleep during the day. We also discussed what preventitive measures you can use when your neighbor has bed bugs, and how you can prevent their spread into your own apartment space.

Too many books?

bedbugbuzz — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:01:03 +0000

We’ve been reading Jeri Dansky’s blog – she’s an organizer whose blog is a terrific source for all sorts of organizing information. I especially like her take on book collections, which are the most challenging thing to deal with when preparing an apartment for bed bug treatment. We know it’s an unpleasant thought for bibliophiles, but bed bugs can hide in books.

New NYC Mattress Disposal Law

bedbugbuzz — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:11:38 +0000

As of December 3, 2010, New York City will require all mattresses and box springs put out for garbage collection to be covered in a sealed plastic bag. This rule is designed to prevent to spread of bed bugs throughout the city.

You can read the NYC Department of Sanitation press release regarding the new mattress disposal law here as well. Under the new rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring out in a proper bag can result in a $100 fine.

Publicity

bedbugbuzz — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:31:03 +0000

Wow! A Page One article in the Wall Street Journal! Then many many news providers both online and in print picked it up. To read some of them go to the “more press” page of our website: www.bedbugbustersny.com

Is there anyone out there who has bed bugs and who would let a TV crew into your home to film the preparation process? It seems there a few production companies interested in a “reality show” based on our work! Talk about your 15 minutes of fame…

Be a detective

bedbugbuzz — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:58:20 +0000

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites (some sources say 50%). And women seem to react more visibly than men, though this is purely anectodal. Check your mattress regularly for tiny black specks or tiny blood spots. Also check behind picture frames hanging over or near the bed – or sofa.

There was a bit of bad press about canine bed bug detection services in the NY Times, but as long as you stick with the reputable ones (call us for recommendations: 646-567-9850), they are still an excellent resource in finding the critters. Use a canine service not associated with an exterminator so there is no conflict of interest. It’s a good idea to have the dog handler do a visual inspection to confirm, but since even an expert can’t always see the bugs, this should not be a determining factor in trusting the dog.

Myths

bedbugbuzz — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:44:22 +0000

Myth #1: Using your building’s laundry room will spread the bugs.

Truth: With care, this will not happen. If clothing and linens are transported in sealed plastic bags and placed directly into the dryer, any bugs will die in 30 minutes on the high setting.

Myth#2: “They’re only in one room – I don’t have to prepare the WHOLE apartment.”

Truth: Bed bugs can detect food (your blood) up to 25 feet away. That is the size of most NYC apartments. And they love to hide in all sorts of places.

Myth #3: Bed bugs only happen in dirty apartments.

Truth: They do not distinguish between clean and less-than-clean homes. We have worked in pristine homes in luxury buildings – homes with full-time housekeepers – as well as apartments which have been neglected.

Myth #4: “I can’t visit my friends!”

Truth: With care, you can avoid taking them with you when you leave home. “Care” is the operative word here; wear only freshly dried clothing and inspect bottoms of shoes and spray with 91% alcohol to avoid tracking them through your building and into others’ buildings. When entering your home or your friends’ home, place your purse, backpack or briefcase in the kitchen or bathroom.