WHAT ARE BEDBUGS?
Bedbugs are mostly nocturnal, apple seed-sized insects with flat, rusty-red oval bodies. They often hide in cracks within furniture, floors or walls. When they feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red.
WHAT DOES A BEDBUG BITE FEEL AND LOOK LIKE?
Most bed bugbites are initially painless, but later turn into large, itchy skin welts. These welts do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites.
ARE BEDBUGS DANGEROUS?
Although bedbugs are a nuisance, they are not known to spread disease.
HOW DOES A HOME BECOME INFESTED WITH BEDBUGS?
In most cases, people carry bedbugs into their homes unknowingly, in infested luggage, furniture, bedding or clothing. Bed bugs may also travel between apartments through small crevices and cracks in walls and floors.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME IS INFESTED WITH BEDBUGS?
You may notice itchy skin welts. You may also see the bed bugs themselves, small bloodstains from crushed insects, or dark spots from their droppings. It is often hard to see them because they hide in or near beds, other furniture, and in cracks.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF BEDBUGS?
Homeowners should hire pest control professionals licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to get rid of bed bugs.
The pest control company should:
• Inspect your home to confirm the presence of bedbugs.
• Find and eliminate their hiding places.
• Treat your home with special cleaning or pesticides if necessary.
• Make return visits to make sure bed bugs are gone.
IS IT NECESSARY TO USE PESTICIDES TO GET RID OF BEDBUGS?
The best way to get rid of bedbugs is to clean, disinfect and eliminate their hiding places. Since bedbugs can live for several months without food and water, pest control professionals may use a pesticide. Talk with the professional about safe use of pesticides and make sure he or she:
• Uses the least toxic pesticide.
• Follows instructions and warnings on product labels.
• Advises you about staying out of treated rooms and when it is safe to re-enter.
• Treats mattresses and sofas by applying small amounts of pesticides on seams only. Pesticides should never be sprayed on top of mattresses or sofas.
Information provided by the New York City Health Department.
Local News
Bedbug facts
- Local News
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3 local museums to offer free admission to military
Three local institutions are participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums nationwide that offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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Tourism season shapes up for events, businesses
With only a chance of showers in the Memorial Day weekend forecast, people who discussed the beginning of the summer season said things should get off to a good start.
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Southside Oneonta to see new stores open
Developer Tasi Karabinis said he has tenants for two of three store sites in a recently expanded property on Southside Oneonta.
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Otsego reps sink dive team proposal
COOPERSTOWN -- Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. said he has been hoping his department could get the green light to enhance its ability to respond to watery emergencies by launching a dive team.
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Five Greek houses have special-use permits renewed
ONEONTA _ Five Greek houses recently had their special-use permits for the next academic year renewed by the city.
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Cuomo unveils exhibit honoring N.Y.'s role in Memorial Day
An exhibit honoring New York's role in the Memorial Day holiday was unveiled today in Albany.
- Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Local farmers meet Gibson
In the topsy-turvy world of New York dairy farming, there are never any easy answers. That was what one retired farmer and Otsego County Farm Bureau member had to say Tuesday night. The Bureau held its annual Rural Urban Dinner at Brooks' House of Bar-B-Q -- an event that featured Patrick Hooker, Director of Agribusiness Development for the Empire State Development Corporation, and Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, as speakers.
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On The Bright Side: Area teen crowned N.Y. Maple Queen
A Harpersfield teen is the new New York State Maple Queen. Deidra Hill proved to the judges at the American Maple Museum in Croghan last Saturday that she has what it takes to be a top ambassador for the state’s maple industry.
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Walton man gets maximum in stabbing death
A former Florida man guilty of the stabbing death of Tyler Warner has been sentenced to a maximum term of five to 15 years in prison.
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Otsego GOP endorses Long in Senate bid
COOPERSTOWN -- The Otsego County Republican Committee has endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Wendy Long in her bid to unseat incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., the committee Chairwoman Sheila Ross said Tuesday.
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Arson suspect to have mental-health review
A local man charged with attempted arson will have a mental health evaluation, an official in Oneonta City Court said Tuesday.
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Upstate man dies of injuries after logging accident
An upstate man severely injured volunteering to clear a forest trail in Colchester has died of his injuries.
- Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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Area students to highlight growing veggies in festival
Next Wednesday will be a day for gardening in Cooperstown. It is the date of the annual Spring Festival at the elementary school's Kid Garden and the start of a new initiative to involve the whole family in gardening called Growing Community.
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New Chamber head outlines plans for economy
Barbara Ann Heegan plans to take an inventory of the local economy by stopping in at businesses _ small, medium and large _ in her role as executive director of the Otsego County Chamber.
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State to stop fingerprinting food stamp recipients
The state will no longer require fingerprints for food stamp applicants and recipients, according to a media release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
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Hill hopefuls Tyner, Schreibman may debate
COOPERSTOWN -- Democratic congressional hopeful Julian Schreibman said Monday he will accept an invitation from the Otsego County Democratic Committee to debate rival candidate Joel Tyner "as long as we can straighten out all of the logistics of it."
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Attorney: Kennel owner doesn't want to pay upkeep tab
A lawyer for embattled kennel operator Frank Popolizio said Monday he will oppose an effort by the Susquehanna SPCA to force the Worcester-based dog dealer to pay the costs of feeding and housing dozens of seized dogs being held as potential evidence in the case.
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Woman, 22, killed in two-car accident
A two-car crash in northern Otsego County on Saturday claimed the life of a Herkimer County woman.
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Chobani plant evacuated after ammonia leak
The Chobani plant in New Berlin was evacuated after an ammonia leak at about 9 a.m. Monday, according to published reports.
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'Go Green' course for kids starts in July
A summer program for area students will focus on "green" topics, and how scientists think and work.
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3 local museums to offer free admission to military
