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Problems in Brooklyn

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PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 12:01:32
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Hey all,

I live in a small one-bedroom in Brooklyn. I found a bed bug yesterday on the top of the couch/along the wall in my apartment. I have it in a jar and the ID was confirmed in another thread in this forum.

Since then, I've read a lot, taken apart/flipped over/cleaned the couch and my bed (in the other room). I haven't found anything. Never had bites. My mattress and box spring are already encased.

I notified my landlord who lives downstairs (4-unit building). He was understandably upset. He said that there were no bed bugs here when I moved in 2.5 years ago and therefore I brought them in and it's my responsibility. He refused to take the NYC Health Department Guide for Property Owners, Managers, and Tenants that I printed out for him. The pamphlet clearly lays out the basics on bed bugs and the need for the landlord to contract a PCO, etc.

The pamphlet clearly says that I should call 311 (city services hotline) to report this but I really don't want to do that. Anyone familiar with apartment life in NYC will understand my predicament. I live in an affordable apartment that I like in a nice neighborhood. Finding something comparable would be extremely difficult. Additionally, because I am not currently working, it would be very difficult for me to make the grade as a new tenant elsewhere. I doubt the landlord would/could kick me out but he could easily hike the rent (no longer have a lease) and make my life hellish in several other ways.

I have to talk this over with my girlfriend but I'm thinking we're on our own here. So, I am hoping for some advice. I understand a PCO is preferable to a DIY approach. Can anyone give me an idea how much quality PCO treatments would cost in a small one-bedroom in Brooklyn? Recommendations on a company? If it doesn't cost too much, maybe I can pay for this and hope to eliminate any potential problem in this unit and then seal it off to prevent recontamination from another unit.

Any chance that the bed bug I found and killed is the ONLY one around? Probably not, huh?

Thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
P Bello

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 13:51:51
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Dear panic,

Well for starters there are a few really good folks on here from the NY area.

> How do you or the LL know that the bed bugs are not a problem in one of your neighboring units?

> LL situations can be tricky but if your day to day life poses minimal risk of bed bug introductions many of us would be willing to wager that what you found may have come in from another unit.

> You need to think about the various ways folks encounter and bring bed bugs in and see if you've been subject to any of these. If not, think aout the folks who live in the adjacent units.

> Note that it is common that a LL "stonewalls" the residents when it comes to dealing with bed bugs.

I'm sure others will add their comments/advice as well.

Hope this helps for now ! paul b.
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 14:16:00
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Paul B., thanks for your reply. And for your confirmation on the ID. To answer your questions,

I don't know if it's a problem in other units. I will ask residents in the other two units when I can (hopefully tonight). Owner says he does not have any in his.

Reading all of this stuff on BBs and BBs in NYC, I conclude that there is really no way of knowing where it/they came from. Haven't had visitors recently. Haven't stayed anywhere recently. Certainly haven't salvaged any furniture from the street. But my girlfriend and I live in NY (a very public place), ride the subway every day, etc. So anything's possible. And of course, it's very possible this comes from another unit in this or a connected building.

For a brief update, I've left messages with a few PCOs and spoke to one individual. Seems that we could get two treatments and the bed and couch steamed for $800-900 (ouch). Interestingly, the person I talked to said that I may want to hold off for a couple weeks to see if we find any more or experience any bites. She said that "stragglers" can come from anywhere. That kind of goes against what seems to be the consensus on this site.

Again, all thoughts/comments/recommendations are very welcome.
P Bello

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 14:37:02
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Dear panic,

If you're home now and can put in some time, perhaps it would be wise for you to:

> First read up on bed bugs and learn what to look for, how to look and where to look. Check out the FAQs and other resources on this site. Additionally, you can click on my profile/website and refer to the articles page as well. The more you know the better for you.

> After you're confident you know how & where to look, conduct an inspection of your bed and other suspect areas to see what you find.

Keep us posted on the developments, your questions and concerns, good luck !

paul b.
Nobugsonme

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 16:10:19
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Not having a lease is tricky, I understand. It's fairly easy to evict people with a month-to-month arrangement.

Have you tried searching for your address on the HPD website to see if there have been any recent bed bug violations? (Of course, this will only be true if neighbors called 311 AND inspectors came and found bed bugs, but it's worth a shot.).

Ditto http://bedbugreistry.com. (Most don't report, but worth looking at.)

You might want to read about passive monitors which might help you identify and possibly contain any additional bed bugs (FAQs on those are linked from the Useful Stuff page).

If you are friendly with neighbors, you might want to ask if they have seen the bug or felt itchy or seen fecal stains. (Images help.) It's a judgment call. This is a delicate matter and you don't want to piss off the landlord, I understand.

If you are going to hire someone, you want to be fairly sure the problem isn't coming from neighbors.

I can't recommend a firm but threads tagged "NYC PCOs" should help.
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Mar 2 2012 20:42:54
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Thanks Nobugs. No reports on either website. But of course there are BB reports all around the neighborhood (seems to be the case for all of Brooklyn). The closest building reported is a half block away.

I've talked to a couple PCOs now and both urged me not to freak out after seeing one BB. They've urged me to inspect, clean, and be especially vigilant over the next few weeks. One recommended that I try to understand the scope of the issue before using pesticides, etc. It's kind of counterintuitive but I guess I can understand that.

Still don't see any more signs. I'll continue looking hard this weekend for sure and will try to come up with a good plan (passive monitoring, following up on used packtites for sale, etc.)

Thanks all. All the input is really appreciated. As I'm sure you all know, this is a bit overwhelming.
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 19:02:25
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Well, we continue cleaning the apartment and laundering everything. Plastic bags. Still haven't found another trace. This is a lot of work. I can't imagine having to deal with this in a house with multiple bedrooms.

Got a letter from the landlord yesterday notifying us that if we find another one, we are evicted. Seriously.
theyareoutthere

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 19:25:41
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If I were in New York, I'd consider contacting Boot A Pest (Killer Queen on this site). He may do an initial inspection for less than the others and he's very, very good from what's posted here (quirky NY sense of humor but we'll try not to hold that against him, right?). I'm not from New York, but you can read his posts by clicking on his profile. Maybe just ask about the cost of an initial inspection? It would be good to have a professional look for the early signs? I'm not an expert, so let's see if any of the experts agree since the PCOs you are talking to are suggesting that you wait.

I'd also consider getting in touch with a tenant rights group if you like this apt. The sad fact is that you need to get your ducks lined up in a row after getting that letter and you are operating without a lease (or under a old one, right?).

You still want to take care of this early so if you have to move..you decrease the chance of bringing them with you.

I am so sorry you are going through this.
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 19:43:29
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Theyareoutthere, thanks for your reply.

I've been thinking about this a lot and with a non-cooperative landlord/neighbor, I'm very hesitant to hire a PCO for treatment. Legally, it's his obligation but he's not interested. While I understand that I have legal recourse in a sense (I'm supposed to report him to the city), I don't think it's a path I want to go down. I'm trying to be diplomatic here but he's a really difficult guy. He's responded to this issue (and me doing the right thing) in a very childish and aggressive manner. I don't feel like fighting him so that I have the privilege of remaining his tenant and neighbor.

And strictly on the pest control level, I don't want to spend money I don't have if others around me aren't going to do the responsible thing. I'd rather use that money on the BB eradication moving truck (IMoveGreen).

Anyway, I guess the plan is to take it one day at a time. I still don't know what's up with the bugs. I've seen one. No signs, no bites. I guess we'll keep looking. Keep cleaning stuff. Keep planning. Uggghhhh....
theyareoutthere

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 20:11:10
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I had an uncooperative landlord, actually crazy and malicious, during a very difficult time in my life. It wasnt worth the effort and I moved, lost my deposit, but luckily...had a good rental history up to that point and my previous two landlords were good references. I see your point about paying for the move vs. the PCO. I had a friend in a similar situation who found another place through friends who vouched for her.

Once someone like that has it in for you...they will figure out an end run around the legal system...even with the best lease etc...I consulted an attorney who told me several horror stories...including his own during law school...He pulled up small claims court records on my landlord and he had 10+ cases in as many years, with only two rental units...and he had won them all...so I wish I had known that before signing the lease...I learned a BIG lesson...that's all we can ask some days, right?

I'm hoping someone who is an expert on BBs will weigh in soon. Paul Bello is a great expert, and there's been additional information since his post.
KillerQueen

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 20:34:07
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Sorry to hear the mess you're in at the moment. If you send me your contact number I'll get an inspection done for you tomorrow free of charge. If need be, I can loan you a pcktite to use as well.

Just send me a private message and I'll help you out.

PS. Thanks for the recommendation theyareoutthere

Best, John
theyareoutthere

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 20:41:20
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KQ,

People rave about your help on this site. That is so kind of you to lend a packtite and a free inspection...it sounds like your paying customers are keeping you VERY busy...so this is kind...wish we could clone you and some of the others on this site (Loubugs sounds like he is up to the task of starting a PCO cloning process).

TAOT (They Are Out There)
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 20:55:03
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KillerQueen, an unbelievably kind gesture when all of NYC looks terrible. I am extremely appreciative. I just PMed you.

Thanks all. I will keep you posted.
blargg

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 22:16:37
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theyareoutthere - 1 hour ago »
KQ,
People rave about your help on this site. That is so kind of you to lend a packtite and a free inspection...it sounds like your paying customers are keeping you VERY busy...so this is kind...wish we could clone you and some of the others on this site (Loubugs sounds like he is up to the task of starting a PCO cloning process).
TAOT (They Are Out There)

Sweeet!
theyareoutthere

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Mar 4 2012 22:53:18
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Ah, Blargg...if I could wish it true...my quirky humor...finding the right PCO is like finding the right spouse..it's either luck or work...
mindoverbbs

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Mar 5 2012 13:00:28
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I agree QC is a very sweet, smart, kind-hearted human being and would make a great candidate for cloning. Thank the Universe NY has him.

As long as we're putting in orders for clones, can we get one of David C. delivered to western Washington?
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Mar 5 2012 13:49:57
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so thankful for the help of John (KillerQueen) and Bobby @ Boot-a-Pest. After reading this thread, they stopped by and did an inspection for us free of charge. And, according to the experts, we don't have a problem. The one I found is likely the only one!!! They said this happens a few dozen times a year. In eight years, they haven't been proven wrong on that. Truly unbelievable and welcome news. On the way out, they were also able to speak with my landlord. He's still an a**hole but hopefully this calms him down too.

If you are having a problem in NYC, call Boot-a-Pest. They were very thorough and very knowledgable about all the ins and out of BBs as well as the complicated stuff with BBs in NYC buildings. On top of that, they're pretty hilarious and had us laughing and happy for the first time in days.

We'll obviously remain vigilant/slightly paranoid but for right now, we're going to enjoy a little peace of mind! Serious thanks to Boot-a-Pest and everyone on this website.
KillerQueen

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Mar 5 2012 18:13:09
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Thanks for the kind words guys.

Glad I was able to help panic .... Now get back to living!
jvolleygirl10

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 6 2012 0:00:00
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I was staying with my gf in astoria while i tried to find an appt of my own, and she didn't have bedbugs.. She was at work one day and the windows were open, and i leaned against the wall and went on the computer. Felt a bite on my shoulder, and sure as heck found a BB on the curtain i was leaning against. Now i had been sleeping in there for 2 weeks prior and never had a problem, come to find out the infestation started about 8 buildings down and worked its way. Its disgusting how it happens. Good Luck!
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 13 2012 13:23:44
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Just to update all that were so helpful....

We are still checking things. Haven't found any additional signs and still no bites.

We just received a letter from the landlord informing us that we need to move out. Of course, it's ostensibly for "planned renovations" but I strongly suspect reporting the BB is what did it. New York apartment life can be tough.

Thanks again all!
cilecto

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 13 2012 13:32:05
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I often caution people to look up their buildings on bedbugregistry, but not post until they are safely and bug free in their next apartment. This is because you want to maintain some semblance of good will with your landlord as long as possible. You also don't want to give prospective landlords reason to bar you from their buildings based on the registry information.
PanicInFtGreene

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 13 2012 14:02:27
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Cilecto, I don't disagree with you.

To be clear, I reported the one BB to the landlord. I did not report the situation or his response to anyone (311, BBregistry, etc.)
cilecto

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 13 2012 14:05:51
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PIFG. I think we're on the same page. Once you're safely gone, you have the opportunity to share your detailed story with the registry.
KillerQueen

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Mar 13 2012 15:58:56
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Arizona here we come!
Nobugsonme

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Mar 14 2012 0:31:09
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If you had a lease, I would urge you to call Met Council on Housing (see the Landlords and Tenants section of the Resources page for a link) for free and good advice.

Without a lease, you may have no recourse (Met Council would know, though-- they're great).
BugsSkeeveMe

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Mar 14 2012 13:49:07
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It's nice to see another helping hand lent on here. PCO's that care and that are in this business for the right reason are the ones that will help us all to get through this mess. Best of luck with your housing situation.

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