5 Steps to Keep Bed Bugs Out

The old saying goes, “Good night, sleep tight… don’t let the bed bugs bite…”

And if you live in New York, you may know more about that than you care to admit. From the story of your “friend’s” apartment to the recent closing of the AMC in Times Square, it’s no secret that bed bugs are a problem in the City, and the recent New York Times article has everyone thinking twice. As Brick Underground notes, they’re not just at flea markets, and heat-treating your luggage isn’t enough. They can come across the hallway, through the wall, and thwart your best intentions (go ahead and shudder). They enlisted the help of “pest management guru Gil Bloom,” whose credentials include being the entomologist behind Standard Pest Management and an alumnus of the Mayor’s bed bug advisory board- meaning, he knows more about bed bugs than you ever want to.

Here’s a summary of what he told Brick Underground:

1. Keep Your Landlord Honest

Renters: Your landlord is required to eradicate all bed bug infestations in the building. And if there is a bed bug infestation in one building, all connected buildings need to be inspected until a clean one is found, to know where the edges are. If your landlord doesn’t inspect? He/she can be found liable in housing court for negligence.

Owners:  It’s the co-op board’s responsibility for apartment and most condo owners. Of course, they have the property value incentive that should keep them on top of the issue.

2.  Build Your Moat

Whether you do it yourself or hire an exterminator, you need to defend yourself against the bed bug forces that may be lurking across the hall.

Dust: Buy a one-pound bag of diatomaceous earth dust (food or insecticide grade, not swimming pool) for around $15 online http://www.standardpest.com/Pest-Control-Products.html or at the hardware store. Then put it in every single crack and crevice in your living space. Yes, it’s a lot of time and effort. But think of the time and effort you’ll have to put in if they get in…

Seal: After dusting, seal any and all cracks and gaps with sealant caulk.

Spray: Spray the baseboard and molding perimeters. Bloom recommends Bedlam.

3.  The Early Warning System

A great set of recommendations for what to do to know as soon as possible:

* Bed bug traps beneath your bed legs. Bloom recommends ClimbUp Interceptor traps or Bed Bug Barrier.

* Buy and use a boxspring and mattress encasement that is certified as bed bug proof. Keep your blankets away off of the floor and your bed away from the walls and other furniture.

* Get a “passive monitor and check it periodically. Bloom recommends BB Alert Passive Bed Bug Monitor or the CatchMaster Bed Bug Detection System. If you’re really concerned, go for the active version:

BB Alert Active Bed Bug Monitor.

4.  The Laundry Room…

If your building is infested, be extra-careful in the laundry room. Definitely avoid communal folding tables or anything shared. That cold wash cycle? It won’t kill bed bugs. And your dryer needs to be on high heat for an hour.

5.  Suspect Your Friends…

Ok, that’s a little extreme. But in times of heightened bed bug awareness, meeting outside your building is a good plan. And understand how bed bugs travel- in your backpack, your purse etc. rather than on you. So if you do visit, don’t take a bag, and maybe have your friends check theirs at the door.

Photo Credit: Sappymoosetree

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