C and E Pest Management

Left untreated, bed bugs can spread quickly in multi-dwelling housing.  Both the housing and health codes require that property owners address infestations promptly. The surest strategies to keep bed bugs from spreading are prevention, early detection and rapid treatment.  As a tenant, the first action you should take if you believe that you have bed bugs is to notify your landlord.  As a landlord, the first action you should take is to conduct an inspection of the reported condition. Knowing what to look for is key! The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Bed Bug Website at http://nyc.gov/bedbugs  provides detailed information for tenants, property owners/agents and homeowners on how bed bugs thrive, how to recognize and inspect for their presence, steps to take to prevent them from infesting a home, how to safely rid an area of bed bugs if they do occur, and how to select and work with a pest management professional. You can also go to the Department of Hous

Pest Management Plan Guidelines If you were ordered to write a Pest Management Plan (‘Plan’) to correct pest infestations or conditions conducive to pests, the following guideline will help. You must keep a copy of your Plan at the property where the infestation or conditions were observed, and make a copy available upon request to the Department and to occupants of the building. If you own a commercial or residential property, you will need to post a sign at the entrances of your building that informs users of the building (1) that a Plan is in effect (2) how to report the presence of pests, and (3) where they can go on the premises to review a copy of the Plan. Persons who should know about the Plan include building occupants, building managers, and pest control firms and professionals that may provide pest management services to the building. The following information must be included in your Plan: (1) General property information a. Property name, address, telephone

Make sure you really have bed bugs, not fleas, ticks or other insects. You can compare your insect to the pictures on our  Identifying bed bugs  Web page or show it to your  local extension agent . (Extension agents are trained in pest control issues and know your local area.) Don't panic! It can be difficult to eliminate bed bugs, but it’s not impossible. Don’t throw out all of your things because most of them can be treated and saved. Throwing stuff out is expensive, may spread the bed bugs to other people's homes and could cause more stress. Think through your treatment options -- Don’'t immediately reach for the spray can. Be comprehensive in your approach. Try other things first. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques may reduce the number of bed bugs and limit your contact with pesticides. If pesticides are needed, always follow label directions or hire a professional. There is help available to  learn about treatment options .  (4 pp, 480 K,  Abou