UNPLEASANT BUT IMPORTANT: NEW BED BUG WEBSITE

Learn how to prevent a bed bug infestation--or what to do if you've already got them--on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's new bed bug website. The site has information for the general public, home owners and tenants, landlords and building managers, health professionals, commercial buildings, visitors and travelers, schools, and shelters and group homes. It has a pest management professionals guide and links to the city's bed bug laws, such as the rules for throwing away mattresses and box springs.

Another section on the site is Myths & Facts, such as

• Only dirty, cluttered homes get bed bugs. False.
• If I see bite marks I have bed bugs. False.
• Bed bugs are only found on the bed. False.
• Products can claim to be effective for bed bugs without proof. True.

Previous blog posts about bed bugs:

Bed Bug Resources Online

Wrap Mattresses and Box Springs

WRAP MATTRESSES AND BOX SPRINGS

As of December 3rd, all mattresses and box springs that are being thrown away must be fully encased in a securely sealed plastic bag to help prevent an increase in bed bug activity in New York City. It doesn't matter if the bedding is infested by bed bugs or not--it must still be enclosed in a plastic bag.

Failure to encase bedding can lead to a $100 to $300 fine. Summonses will begin being issued on January 3rd.

The Sanitation Department suggests that you put the bag on the mattress or box spring before you take it out of your home and put it on the curb.

The large-size bags that are needed should be available at department stores, home improvement centers, home supply businesses, hardware stores, and online. Most bedding stores will remove your old bedding when you buy new bedding from them.

BED BUG RESOURCES ONLINE

If you have bed bugs in your home, you shouldn't think that it says anything about you personally or about the cleanliness of your home. It just means that bed bugs travel easily from one place to another. In New York City, bed bugs are a major problem; they've been found in apartments, houses, stores, schools, and hospitals.

If you see bed bugs anywhere,
call 311 immediately to report it!

Landlords in New York are now required by law to tell potential tenants about any previous bed bug infestations in the building. The law went into effect in June.

And a few days ago, New York City announced that it will begin an educational campaign on how to better combat bed bugs. It will also coordinate efforts between city agencies better, create a new health department task force, and establish an online bed bug portal.

Several websites have helpful information about dealing with bed bugs:

• Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely: A Guide for Property Owners, Managers and Tenants
• Bed Bugs in New York City
• NYC Laws and Resources
• Bedbugger.com