Bed bug infestation is becoming a thing of urgent concern in New York. Some of the cities are experiencing a bed bug crisis, and Buffalo happens to be one of them.
Bed bugs can easily get distributed in areas with many populations. This is especially true if most of the people living in populated areas are not aware of the dangers of bed bug infestation.
Most people are not aware of how severe bed bug infestation can get. Some do not even know what the insect looks like, and this may be one of the causes of the rising bed bug crisis.
The bed bug epidemic in Buffalo is not only affecting private buildings, some commercial buildings are also being affected. Different reports have been made, about the infestation of bed bugs at the Tesla factory in Buffalo. Some other commercial establishments like hotels and business organizations, are also battling with the bed bug crisis.
Due to the severity of the bed bug crisis in New York, some laws were created to control the further spread of the parasites.
New York Law on Bed Bugs
The New York law on bed bugs is for tenants and building owners. In New York, bed bug infestation is a class B violation. Property owners are given 30 days to eliminate bed bugs from their properties and also take strong measures to prevent the infestation from happening again in the affected area.
The law states that;
- Tenants have the right to a bedbug-free environment.
- Building owners must give their tenants a written bed bug history notice. The written note should include any infestation of bed bugs in the house.
Here are some prevention methods for both tenants and building owners stated in the law.
For tenants:
- Report any cracks or holes in the building to the landlord. Ask the landlord to seal up the cracks and other holes, to prevent bed bugs or other pests from entering your home.
- If you have been around bed bug-infested areas, ensure that you wash and dry your clothes immediately after you take them off, for at least 30 minutes on high heat.
- Do not bring furniture found on the street into your home.
For the landlord:
- Landlords should provide information about bed bugs to tenants, and if necessary, educate them on what bed bugs look like, and the harms they can cause.
- Landlords are required to encourage their tenants to report bed bug sightings to them, as soon as they notice it.
- Once an apartment gets infested with bed bugs, notify and inspect other units around it.
- Hire pest exterminators as soon as possible to help exterminate the bed bugs.
- Ensure that the exterminators hired are professionals. This shouldn’t be a problem for you, as there are many professional pest control companies in Buffalo. You can easily get pest control and exterminators in Williamsville, and other areas in the city.
- Go for a pest control company that provides warranty and follow-up visits.
- Tenants should be given upfront notices about the planned use of pesticides.
- Properties should be properly inspected, to ensure that it is bed bug-free, before accepting new tenants.
This law applies to all the cities in New York including Buffalo. Currently, the NY law on bed bugs is being enforced in Buffalo to assist in handling the multiple infestations in the city.
While the authorities are trying to handle the bed bug crisis in the city, you can also take some preventative measures.
You can ensure that your home is bed bug-free by doing the following:
- Vacuum your home regularly
- Wash and dry your clothes on high heat regularly
- Avoid bed bug-infested areas
- Avoid taking exposed items into your home
- Occasionally employ the services of pest control professionals.
Generally, you need to be cautious. Bear in mind that with the increasing cases of bed bug infestation in Buffalo, the bugs can be anywhere.
Conclusion
Buffalo is on the list of the cities with high cases of bed bug infestations in NY, and this calls for concern.
Bed bug crises in a city as populated as Buffalo can easily circulate the city if not properly handled.
Aside from the NY bed bug law, more measures need to be taken, to ensure that the distribution of bed bugs is curbed before it gets out of hand.
Please note that severe cases of bed bug infestation are required to be handled by professional exterminators. Trying to exterminate the pests yourself will most likely be futile.
