Cimex lectularius, also known as the common bedbug, feeds purely on human blood and can be found worldwide. These insects are a major hassle to get rid of, and dangerous to boot.
Found mainly in urban environments, the common bedbug has wreaked havoc among society for millennia. The vampire like bugs are small in size, oval shaped, and a dark brown color, however; they swell up after feeding. They don't fly, but do have small wings and also have beak-like mouths which they pierce the skin with to suck the blood. A healthy female can produce up to 500 eggs during her short life span and produce around two to five eggs per day, making their extermination rather difficult.
These pests are built to be able to hide easily, especially during the during the day when they're not active. They can be found in your mattresses, bed frames, bedding, furniture, carpets, baseboards and clutter. Most commonly found in spring mattresses, these pests are hard to locate but you can identify them through their excrement which leave black stains or even bloodstains throughout the bed. Commonly transported within luggage, allowing them to spread everywhere, infestations have become a major problem in domestic places like households, hotels, dormitories and other places of residence. Many people do not get reactions from bedbug bite but many times, small bumps or itchy welts will appear but just because you have these markings do not mean they are from bedbugs.
How to Exterminate the Infestation
The first thing to do when you notice these awful pests is to report them to management if you're in an apartment or hotel. Management must deal with these pests immediately to insure the safety of their inhabitants. They will contact a local licensed reputable exterminator to safely and efficiently manage the problem. When dealing with your own home, you should do the same. Always a local licensed reputable exterminator. There are a few measures to prevent an infestation. Never take furniture from off the street and always check rented furniture for signs of the bugs too. When traveling, always check for signs of bed bugs too so you don't accidentally bring them home through your luggage when you come back home. If you suspect you have bedbugs, wash all of your clothes and store them in air tight containers. Do not try to handle the bugs yourself. Also, clean up! Bedbugs can hide in any small crevice or corner so the less mess you have, the less likely of having them. Rarely, do DIY (do it yourself) methods ever work even if your residence is in an early stage of infestation. Only certain pesticides are allowed to be used and if they're not don't use them because many can have a very damaging effect on your health and others around you. Simply just leave it all to the professionals.
NYC Bedbug Guidelines
There are twenty one U.S. states that have some form of bedbug laws, one of which is New York. The Environmental Protection Agency also known as the EPA has provided these laws to protect citizens. Specifically for New York, it states:
1. For housing accommodations subject to this code, an owner shall furnish to each tenant signing a vacancy lease, a notice in a form promulgated or approved by the state division of housing and community renewal that sets forth the property's bedbug infestation history for the previous year regarding the premises rented by the tenant and the building in which the premises are located.
2. Public schools; infestation of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius). In a city school district having a population of one million or more inhabitants, the principal of each public school shall provide immediate notification to all parents or persons in parental relation disclosing a finding relating to the infestation of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) in such school.
In terms of Real Estate in our bustling home of New York City, sellers are required by law to disclose any information about pest infestations. We here at Tom Crimmins Realty sell our homes and rent our rentals as if we were doing so with our own. No matter the situation, we always make sure that the property we are selling/renting are up to code and in tip top shape. If ever interested in buying, selling, or renting a home or apartment, Tom Crimmins Realty will surely help you out in the best way possible. If you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by and give us a visit. We have three offices spread through out Staten island. Our main branch is 304 Manor Road in the North Shore, our other two branches are 282 Nelson Avenue in Mid Island, and 111 Maine Street in Tottenville. Or even just call our number (718) 370-3200 if you have the time.
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