San Francisco Landlords Now Being Asked to Provide Bed Bug Mattress and Box Spring Encasements

New San Francisco Bed Bug Laws

Why Are Bed Bugs Biting in San Fran?

Bed bugs are most prevalent in cities that have large urban area’s and many travelers – like San Francisco! That’s because bedbugs travel on clothing and in luggage & they use humans and other mammals as hosts.

Bed Bug Avoidance Tips for San Francisco Landlords

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has already changed the landlord requirements for control of bed bugs two times in the past 5 years, and they are doing it again – this May! Here are some changes that they are proposing and considering requiring landlords to abide by:

1. Landlords who provide a mattress and box spring in a unit, must also provide appropriate bed bug proof encasings
2. Landlords provide bed bug prevention guidance to new tenants
3. Landlords who offer short term rentals may be required to search for bed bugs each month!

If you are a landlord, you can see more relevant tips to prevent bed bugs for landlords here.

What Can I do to prevent bed bugs?

The top 3 bed bug prevention techniques out there are:

1. Know what bed bugs look like and where they are likely to hide. If you think you may have bed bugs, you can watch this informative video for signs of bed bugs.
2. Travel Smart – Know how to search for bed bugs and what bed bugs look like. Use this information to search for bedbugs on your next vacation.
3. Purchase scientifically tested bed bug proof mattress covers and travel encasements.

Bed Bug Law Suit over infested mattress earns one woman $225,000

A recent bed bug related law suit filed against Calidad Furniture gains one woman $225,000 and contiruted to putting the furniture company out of business!

Adrian Jackson sent her 2 children to see the pediatrician as a result of ‘bumps and rashes,’ which turned out to be bed bug bites. Sources report that the amount she was awarded by an Anne Arundel County jury was nearly $100,000 dollars more than she expected, in what has been called “one of the largest bedbug liability judgments in the country!”

This law suit reiterates 2 important bed bug prevention points:

1. The need to be extremely cautious when buying used, and even new, mattresses. Read more about protecting mattresses from bed bugs.
2. The high cost of bed bug infestations; to home-owners as well as business owners!

Bed bugs are on the Rise!

New Bed Bug Statistics including:

• Bedbug populations have increased by 500% in the past few years
• Bed bugs in Manhattan schools may be up by nearly 300%
• Bed bugs live in a U.S. state near you!
• Most people fear getting bed bugs while staying at a hotel, but few people inspect thier clothing and hotel rooms for bed bugs!
• Getting rid of bed bugs can easily cost over $1,000 USD.
• See below for more, inclusing bed bug prevention tips!

Text by: http://www.bedbug.com

Graphical Depiction by: bedbugs.org

Bed Bugs Resisting Insecticides

New research may shed light on how to get rid of bed bugs

With the sudden resurgence of bed bug infestations popping up not only in New York but all over the United States, many are wondering “What does it take to kill bed bugs and keep them away?” New research has discovered that the new strain of bed bugs is actually resisting many of today’s bed bug insecticides.

People may be relying too much on using these, no longer effective, insecticides to get rid of bed bugs instead of taking preventative measures such as using bed bug proof encasements. The research, published on PLos One this Wednesday, uncovered the underlying genetic mechanism that bed bugs use to withstand many of the common pyrethroids, like deltamethrin and beta-cyfluthrin.

The research noted that the modern “resistant” bed bugs are over 5,000 times more resistant to detamethrin and over 100 times more resistant to beta-cyfluthrin than the older “susceptible’ strain of bed bugs. Using genetic sequencing, Adelman et. al have found that this resistance is probably due to an increase in the newer bed bugs’ metabolic resistance.

This discovery may be the key reason for the sudden return of bed bugs to the United States. Resistance is something that needs to be monitored and accounted for in order to control bed bug infestations, and this new information is the key to creating more effective products.

Read more at www. news.yahoo.com/us-researchers-study-bed-bugs-resistance-032111808.html

“Bedbugs” Hits the Bookshelves

“Bedbugs,” on sale September 6, 2011, is a book you might not want to read before going to bed. That is, unless you have protective bed bug encasements.

“Bedbugs” book hits the shelves on September 6th

We’ve all read books that make our skin crawl, remember Goosebumps – the  blood-curling books of the 90s? But author Ben H. Winters takes this idea to a whole ‘nother, more literal, level in his book “Bedbugs”. In his modern take of Ira Levin’s “Rosemary’s Baby”, his main character Susan Wendt finds herself going crazy over bedbugs that seem to be a figment of her own imagination.

Susan and her husband Alex, along with their daughter move into a new, seemingly too-good-to-be-true, apartment. The apartment really does turn out to be too-good-to-be-true when Susan discovers a bed bug bite on one of her portraits. Then the bedbug bites start showing up all around the apartment, including on Susan herself. But for some reason neither Alex nor her daughter Emily ever wake up with any bites and both don’t seem to think the house is infested. Susan thinks she’s having hallucinations after an exterminator examines the house and announces it is bedbug free. Yet, Susan continues to be tormented by these critters. Winters spares no detail in describing the bugs crawling all over Susan’s body leaving a trail of bed bug bites as she helplessly lies in bed. Reading the book you certainly do not feel any better than Winters’ character does – in fact you almost can’t help running to your bed, yanking off the covers and checking your sheets for signs of these horrific bugs.

While the book is intense and thrilling it is definitely made for a strong-stomached audience, so if that is not you be careful before picking up Winters’ “Bedbugs” off the bookstore shelves.

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Bedbug.com Reviews – SecureSleep Bed Bug Crib Mattress Covers Reviews

SecureSleep Bed Bug Crib Mattress Covers Reviews – for the smart consumer looking for the best bed bug mattress cover out there!

Content from review on AllergyConsumerReview.com

Bedbug.com SecureSleep Crib Mattress Bed Bug Covers 

When in search of good bed bug covers you need a cover that not only prevents bed bugs from escaping but also prevents bed bugs from biting. A good bed bug cover must also be breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep. The Secure Sleep bed bug covers have been specifically designed to deliver the ultimate protection against bed bugs with scientifically-tested and patent pending zipper technology and special bite-proof fabric.

PARAMETERS	STAR RATING
1. Bed Bug Bite Proof
2. Bed Bug Escape Proof
3. Zipper Quality
4. Tightness of Seams
5. Quality of Mattress & Pillow Covers
6. Quality of Box Spring Cover
7. Sleeping Comfort: quiet and soft under sheets (no plastic feel)
8. Breathability
9. Easy to put on
10. Manufacturer’s Warranty

Pluses:

• The special reinforced zippers have Velcro and extra fabric to ensure a secure closure that will not let sneaky bed bugs in or out
• Comfortable to sleep on – The American Sleep Association (ASA) conducted rigorous testing in both real-world sleep environments and a state-of-the-art sleep laboratory on the SecureSleep mattress covers and they passed with flying colors, receiving the exclusive endorsement of the ASA.
• Great Value and Protection for Baby! These covers protect against more than just bed bugs. They keep dust mites, pollens, dust, molds, fungus and bio-fluids from contaminating your mattress, box spring and pillows to help provide a healthier night’s sleep.
• These come with a lifetime warranty so you know they will last!

Minuses:

• Because these are a synthetic fabric with a polyurethane laminate, they could potentially irritate a child with extreme sensitive skin or multiple chemical sensitivities

Summary:

The SecureSleep bed bug encasements are a #1 choice on my list. They offer unbeatable protection against bed bug bites and their special reinforced zippers make it impossible for bed bugs to escape or enter these covers. The micro-polyester fabric feels soft to the touch and you would never know it has a laminate layer. Their exclusive endorsement from the American Sleep Association (ASA) increases my confidence in these cover’s ability to provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable sleep environment. Not to mention they are covered by a lifetime warranty! What’s more, these encasing offer all the benefits of a dust mite cover providing an impenetrable barrier to dust mites and their allergens, pollens, dust, molds, fungus and bio-fluids.

Bed Bugs may Spread Disease

Bedbug research poses a new health concern, which may mean a new need for bed bug mattress protection

Bed bugs are spreading across the United States at a rapid pace; infesting homes, office buildings, and even hospitals! Researchers  in a Vancouver hospital found bed bugs carrying diseases such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) -  according to reports in the June edition of the CDC journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

While past research indicates that bed bugs are not known to spread infectious diseases to humans, these findings may shed doubt on that belief. While no further disease transmission through bedbugs has yet been discovered, the phenotype of MRSA found in the bedbugs did match that found in many Eastside patients. Researchers conclude that it is possible that these critters are responsible for transmitting these diseases in overcrowded and impoverished cities. Just one more reason not to let the bed bugs bite!

These findings have encouraged many people to reconsider bed bug prevention plans, including bed bug encasement’s to protect beds, clothing and luggage from infestations. There are proactive steps that you can take prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. Some infestation prevention tips include:

• Reducing clutter in your home.
• Encasing your mattresses and box springs with bed bug proof materials.
• Checking websites like trip advisor for bed bug reports before booking a hotel.
• Keeping your clothing in certified bed bug proof encasements.

You can read up on more safety tips by visiting bedbug.com today!

Bed bug infestations affecting retail mattress sales

It is a common accepted practice for people to return mattresses to stores if they do not fit the comfort they desire.
That reason for mattress returns is being replaced at some stores due to fear of bed bugs in mattresses. At least two Canadian mattress retailers have scrapped their comfort-exchange programs, pointing to escalating infestations of bed bugs in Canada as the primary reason.

Bed bugs in America

Jordanna Caine, president of Simmons Mattress Gallery stores in Nova Scotia, said customers over the past year have become increasingly concerned with returned merchandise, as reports of bed bugs invading Canadian and American homes spread. Although the insect has not been detected in the company’s mattresses, exchanges of previously slept-on beds were halted earlier this month. “It’s clearly a concern for people,” she said. “Obviously, we don’t want to put our warehouse, our trucks, and our customers at risk.”
Eliminating mattress exchanges is one of a many tactics being used to combat bedbugs. Many factors have made getting rid of bed bugs a difficult task.
Although Health Canada does not keep record of bedbug infestations, bed bugs have affected provinces across the country. Ontario recently committed $5-million to help public health agencies tackle the problem, while Manitoba is drafting a bed bug strategy. Bed bugs have been detected in low rent buildings as well as high-end hotels. In northern Saskatchewan last November, they were detected in a hospital, prompting a major cleanup and weeks of monitoring.
In the United States, bed bugs have been the subject of two government-organized summits, the latest one held in Washington last month. And, the bed bug problem is expected to worsen! A recent Ohio State University Study found that the bug’s numbers of bedbugs in North America have increased as much as 500% in the past decade, costing businesses and home owners billions of dollars annually to deal with the outbreaks. Recently, there has been an urgent call to keep bed bugs in mind when initiating new policies and practices, locally and globally. But is eliminating mattress exchanges the right move? Whether the answer is yes or no, prevention and early detection are key. It may be possible for used mattresses to be treated with steam or covered in entomologist approved Securesleep™ bug-proof encasements.

Think you may have bought a mattress with a pre-existing bed bug condition?  Click here for a quick movie about how to spot out infestations or purchase bed bug proof encasements here.

Bed bugs and the law in New York City

Bed bug cases in New York have become a serious issue. There are many inquires on this matter, in regard to legalities. While we are not equipped to provide legal advice, we hope this discussion can help you to locate references to help you in your bedbug battle. These sources and references cover a range of topics including residential rentals, actions that should be taken by tenants and address popular questions such as: Who should take care of the bed bug infestation? What are the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants under the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, the New York City Housing Maintenance Code, New York Real Property Law and the New York City Health Code.

• There are a series of concerns and questions regarding dwellings with a landlord/tenant relationship, including:
• What are the practical remedies available to tenants when landlords refuse to help?
• What if the infestation continues unabated for months and even years?
• What about a tenant who wants to move out and break their lease?
• Can I sue for bedbug damages?

How can I best compel my landlord to take action against the perceived source of the infestation within the building? What if that source is thought to be the apartment of an uncooperative tenant?

The policy perspective holds an interesting point of view, noting the apparent inadequacy of law provisions towards and management of bed bug infestations. When it comes to bed bugs, there are various factors that bring about complications.  Bed bugs easily spread between apartments, making it vital to inspect and identify other apartments that may be infested in order to eradicate the infestation. Detecting  bed bug infestations is difficult in cases of low-level infestation, so city housing inspectors may not even see the bed bugs, and therefore there would be no violation cited. Because eradicating bed bugs is so difficult, even skilled bed bug management practices may fail to fully exterminate the bugs. This is due to the fact that the tools and skills currently available are inadequate, because the preparation requirements placed on tenants may be difficult to comply with, and because new infestations may develop, so that even the landlord’s good faith efforts may still fail. The conventional wisdom is that bed bug infestations are extremely hard to get rid of, that they are regarded strictly as a job for professionals. Tenants are discouraged from trying to treat a case themselves, and it is even illegal for landlords who are not licensed pest control professional exterminators to apply certain bed bug treatments. Further, professional bed bug eradication is prohibitively expensive.

The best course of action when it comes to bed bugs is prevention, primarily in the form of mattress encasement’s and other various entomologist approved products.

Bed bug References and Information for renters and landowners

Bed Bugs Crawling In Law Firms

Looks like even lawyers have to hire someone to defend themselves against bed bugs. Winston and Strawn’s offices were discovered to have an infestation in their MetLife building, located at 200 Park Avenue in Manhattan. A spokesperson from Winston told us that all inquires about the bed bugs were being referred to the building’s landlord, real estate giant Tishman Speyer.

And the question lingered: “are bed bugs crawling around the whole MetLife building?” Tishman Speyer did not return phone calls, and this was unanswered. If bed bugs are dispersed throughout the building, this would mean that three other law firms would be confronted with this itchy situation…

Representatives from three other firms, Gibson Dunn, Greenberg Traurig, and Hunton & Williams were contacted. Responses are still pending. A spokesperson from Greenberg Trauig said she was unaware of the problems, but would investigate the situation. Although, even if the bed bugs were localized to only a few floors, one has to think the entire building is at risk.

The following was a firm-wide alert by Winston:

Subject: IMPORTANT: Thursday, September 16 THIS IS NOT A TEST

To all personnel of the NY office: As we informed you yesterday, we have bed bugs in our office space. After a complete inspection of our office space last evening, which confirmed that our infestation is throughout our space, we have decided to implement liberal leave today, Thursday, September 16th. Anyone who has the ability to work remotely has the option to do so. Administrative staff who would like to stay home may do so by using a sick/personal day, and should call the absence hotline or their supervisor. If you are working remotely and have a need for administrative support of any kind, please contact Kathryn Schwyzer. Kathryn will be in the office, but can also be reached on her mobile phone at [redacted]. Further updates will be sent to you via this emergency broadcast system.

A spokesperson from Tishman Speyer  (landlords of the MetLife building) did end up responding the following: “We are working closely with the tenant to treat the problem aggressively and eradicate it quickly.” Tishman seemed to be working to keep the problem localized to Winston & Strawn’s floors, without panicking the entire building.

A major problem with bed bugs at law offices is that the incident occurred during interviewing season, which is when students should be infesting the offices,not bed bugs. These students, or students parents, probably wouldn’t be such fans of their children affiliating a place that can attract bed bugs to their home. Although this stood as a problem, www.bedbug.com was an extremely beneficial and useful source, as it provides tips and products to help you protect yourself against any confrontation with bed bugs at work.

 

It is known that bedbugs have evolved to become resistant to certain types of pesticides. Luckily, there are other efficient, and entomologist approved ways of dealing with bed bug issues. In addition to household items, bedbug.com offers a selection of travel protection items, including luggage liners for the business person on the go.