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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