One of the increasing problems for New York City dwellers is the infestation of bed bugs.

What are bed bugs?  Bed bugs are small, oval, wingless insects that reach about 1/4 inch in length. They have flat bodies and are reddish-brown in color.  They may sometimes
be mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches. Bed bugs live by feeding on the blood from humans or animals. Its name comes from its preferred habitat: mattresses, sofas, and other furniture. Since bed bugs don’t hatch very often and don’t have to eat for a very long time, they can survive in an around the bed area, mostly in cracks and crevices, without a host.

How did bedbugs get into my place?  Bedbugs are usually brought in from the outside, such as on clothing.  They can also crawl in from pipes from a neighboring apartment that
is badly infested.

What can I do about it?  It’s best to leave the elimination of bedbugs to the expert. 
Over-the-counter methods are not effective.

How do I prepare for extermination day?  Make sure there is plenty of space for the exterminator to work. Clear off anything on the floor, empty dresser and night table drawers, take the sheets off the bed and place all clothing and bedding in a dryer. By placing in a hot dryer for 20 minutes, the high temperatures will kill the bed bugs and eggs.

What methods are used to get rid of the bed bugs?  There are two solutions: chemicals and steam. The best route is steaming the mattress followed by putting on a mattress cover.  The mattress is put into a giant baggie which prevents bedbugs from getting into
the mattress.