Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug pest control firms (PCOs), Bed bug k9s, etc.
Anyone use Dial A Bug? good/bad? Any reccomendations in NYC for under $1,000
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gloriaBK
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Jul 1 2010 22:06:09
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We are a couple in Brooklyn without a ton of money. One of us is a 20-something cancer-survivor so chemicals make me a little nervous. We have a bed bug infestation. (have visibly seen bugs, many eggs in several spots) Our first time dealing with anything like this. The research alone is driving me crazy.
I called about 10 different companies that service Brooklyn, NY, some of which I found here (thank you!) I understand that there are somewhat 'greener' methods available. I am especially interested in steaming and I am under the impression that by doing so you can use less pesticides and still be effective. I am also happy with what I hear about D.E. I could go on and on....
Long story short...once I narrow it down to the companies that could do somewhat of a greener method and sound legitimate....most are over $1,000 dollars. I think my landlord will kick in about $400-500 but I still have to buy the mattress covers, do a ton of laundry, etc... I don't think we can do that and pay rent. We are both taking off work tomorrow to prepare the apartment and hoping to have our first treatment on Saturday.
I finally found this company: Dial A Bug Pest Control of NY, Inc. (dialabug.com) and their sister website: http://www.dialabedbug.com/
They said they'd do 2 treatments in our 2 bedroom 900 sq ft apt. (we have a roommate) $800 for cryonite and chemical or $625 for steam and chemicalThat seems reasonable but despite a lot of certifications and years in business I'm not able to find much online in the way of reviews. I am soooo tired of doing research.
Does anyone have any experience with them for bedbugs?
Does anyone know of a better/cheaper/greener option?
Any help is greatly appreciated. Telling me to look up this tag: nyc pco won't help. THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE! THIS SITE IS AWESOME.
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Jul 1 2010 23:04:40
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I'm not in a position with regard to PCOs, but the talk here has been that Cryonite, while "sexy" has not been as great as expected. If you get to choose steam vs. Cryonite, I'd choose steam (but I don't have the expertise in this).
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gloriaBK
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Jul 1 2010 23:22:46
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Thanks, cilectro...I've also heard better things about steam.
However, I have a great deal of electronics in close proximity to the bed where the infestation is. For example, My computer: (notice all the holes in the front) sits on the floor just 2 feet from the bed.
So I was thinking to use the steam on bed/boxspring but to use the Cryonite on the electronics. Does that make sense?
Anybody heard anything about this company: Dial A Bug Pest Control of NY, Inc. (dialabug.com) ?
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Jul 1 2010 23:29:06
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You probably can't steam a computer. You'll need to ask the PCO about Cryonite. You also may have the option of fumigation with Vikane gas (a carry in to the fumigation provider). Some pros IIRC do not treat electronics, with the viewpoint that it's not the preferred place for bugs to harbor and/or that (unless you're moving), bugs will eventually emerge from the box, to be poisoned (or shredded by the silica that's often used in treatment).
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gloriaBK
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Jul 1 2010 23:36:19
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Isn't fumigation like the type you mentioned very expensive?
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 0:00:21
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You'd best ask the provider, but I'm suspecting that they might be able to do a computer for less if you bring it in...if you really need to treat the computer.
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gloriaBK
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 10:03:19
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Based on the ratio of views to responses I'm assuming no one has any experience with "Dial a Bug"
If any one does please contact me.OR...
If anyone has any somewhat green suggestions for PCOs (something involving steam in the NYC area) for under $1,000 please contact me, ASAP!
Thanks,
Gloria
[Admin's note: email deleted at user's request; please use PMs instead.] -
Just use the easy button
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 10:27:21
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Most people would not bother to post a positive review after a good experience with a PCO. Although they we’re happy with the service and treatment They may just be too busy to bother, however someone who has had a bad experience with a PCO will make sure of letting as many people as possible know of it.
You should ask them for references, check the Better Business Bureau and such. I think it’s pretty safe to assume that a company who has been around for that long without any negative feedback, or reviews throughout the internet is a good PCO.
You should look for a PCO who will answer all of your questions without a problem, have the answer for you that you’re seeking and seem very knowledgeable. A wouldn’t hire a company who has a problem answering your questions, and just don’t know the answer to them. Either way you should go with the company you feel most comfortable with. A PCO who is licensed, registered, insured and with licensed technicians.
Hope this helps I found this link with reviews in google
< ^ > (•¿•) < ^ >
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 11:30:52
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Gloria: you have a private message waiting.
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bugnut
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 12:33:06
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Gloria,
I have NOT done Vikane, but would have my whole house if I could afford it. Check our Bed, Bugs & Beyond - they will pick up your stuff, put it into a "container" then Vikane the container and return to you. This may be a good way to handle the electronics and smaller pieces of infested furniture. However, you do want to hold off on re-introducing the fumigated items into the apt. until you know it is "clean"
This is an expensive proposition all around. I have spent at least $2000 to date (including K9 inspections - very expensive) and I am still scratching, but closer to eradication every day.
FYI - my PCO used Phantom, Bedlam and Delta Dust. You may want to do a bit of research on them. As they say, there is no magic bullet, but these are fairly good weapons. I can't say what the long term exposure risk will be, but short term there have been no issues.
Good luck - check back here often - you are not alone in this!
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 13:07:42
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Just use the easy button - 2 hours ago »
Most people would not bother to post a positive review after a good experience with a PCO. Although they we’re happy with the service and treatment They may just be too busy to bother, however someone who has had a bad experience with a PCO will make sure of letting as many people as possible know of it.I think this is true to a point, but note there are both positive and negative reviews of many other NYC PCOs on this site. No one has mentioned using dial-a-bug.
You can click NYC PCOs to read about other firms. [Update: oh, sorry, I see you have already decided that was not helpful.]
And a hint: if you do, keep in mind that some people come on the forums to post once about a firm. We hold those types of reviews in some suspicion (some people are encouraged by a firm to post a positive message). If someone has other threads to their credit, they're looked upon as more convincing. You can see someone's number of posts under their name next to any post.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 13:47:39
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Also, Gloria, I sent you an email.
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cilecto
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 20:02:18
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Gloria: what about a particular PCO do you find attractive?
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Jul 2 2010 20:10:18
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Gloria,
You said the tag "nyc pco" does not help.
But did you actually try "nyc pcos" which is the tag I recommended, and which has lots of user recommendations?
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gloriaBK
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Jul 5 2010 20:53:35
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Thanks for all your help...
Actually, I'm going with Jeff of A3 Superior http://www.bedbugsite.com/
I was trying to go with something cheaper (aka something I could actually afford) but... I can't tell you how much less stressed we are, now that we know we are going with a real professional who knows exactly what they're talking about.
Ever since deciding to go with Jeff, we have so much more peace of mind.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Jul 6 2010 4:23:27
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Well, this is a new one: tag spam.
I have removed the following tags from this thread:
# Yes I have used dial a Bug [×]
# THEY are very responsive [×]
# I would highly recommend them [×]To the person who added these -- and you know who you are -- do not do this.
If you want to use tags, read this thread and learn to use them properly.
Tags only work if you use the same terms others are using (DE, diatomaceous earth, dogs, pyrethroids, NYC, Toronto, etc.). If you input sentences or complex thoughts, they will be useless as your post will likely be the only one so tagged.
If you want to comment on a PCO's work, you should reply to the thread and state your opinions. They don't hold any weight if they come in tags.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Jul 6 2010 4:26:32
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Gloria,
I am glad you found a company you are happy about working with.
There are many threads in NYC PCOs about A3 Superior (a.k.a. AAA Superior).
Are they going to do thermal or traditional treatment?
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buggyinsocal
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Jul 6 2010 13:41:18
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I know you've already found a PCO you like (the disadvantage of the west coast is that I'm always three hours behind you east coast people in the morning. I like y'all, but I am not getting up at 4 am to post.), but I did want to mention heat treatment.
Done properly, heat treatment can eliminate all bugs and eggs in one treatment. It can be done on a single unit in a multi-unit building (which isn't an option with Vikane). It doesn't require people to be out of the structure as long as Vikane on a structure (putting items through Vikane elsewhere is a different creature). And it's the one treatment that involves the least chemicals.
I'm glad you found a PCO you like, and I'm not trying to talk you out of that (I learned early on that the very best thing you can do to get through a bed bug infestation is choose an experienced PCO who knows bed bugs and treat the infestation effectively right from the start), but I did want to make sure that you knew all about all your options.
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