Bedbugs: Back in New York City

While talk of bedbugs may have been common or even part of a funny joke in the 1950's, the tiny blood-sucking bedbugs have once again become an epidemic in New York City. The little pests have invaded even the cleanest and most expensive apartments in neighborhoods around New York. In fact, a councilwoman from the Upper West Side has called for a citywide bedbug task force to address the problem. As a leading provider of first-rate pest control in New York City, Expert Exterminating can handle any type of bedbug problem from a single room occurrence to a full infestation.

Below are some details on bedbugs and how to deal with them.

Do You Have Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are wingless, rust-colored insects about the size of an apple seed that hide in cracks and crevices. They love to live in bedding and on mattresses, where they have easy access to food (i.e. you). Other living areas favored by bedbugs include:

• Between wooden floorboards
• In wall cracks and crevices
• In carpeting
• In the seams and cracks of furniture, particularly bed frames
• Under loose edges of wallpaper
• Behind peeling paint

Bedbug Bites

The first signs of a bedbug infestation are usually bites. Bedbug bites are generally painless, though itchy and annoying. They tend to start as swollen wheals, then fade to red marks and gradually disappear over a few days.

Experts suggest washing bedbug bites with antiseptic soap to avoid infection. The itching can be treated with calamine lotion or anaesthetic creams.

How Bedbugs Spread

Bedbugs often spread by hitching rides on people's clothing. They jump from host to host when people brush up against each other in crowds (yet another reason to keep your distance on the subway).

They also spread through mattresses. Reconditioned mattresses often spread bedbugs into stores and homes, while bedbugs can spread when old and new mattresses are transported in the same truck.

Experts say the recent comeback is said to be primarily the result of increased global travel, along with the banning of potent pesticides like DDT.

Getting Rid of Bedbugs

Getting rid of bedbugs can be tricky. In proper conditions, adult bedbugs can survive without a meal for a year or longer. However, these annoying pests can be eliminated, usually with the help of a professional exterminator.

At Expert Exterminating, we specialize in bedbug identification and eradication and other types of pest control, and proudly serve the five boroughs of New York City. Our fully qualified bed bug exterminator will visit your location and determine the safest and most effective eradication treatments available to eliminate your problem.