Unfortunately, summer means bugs are abounding in the five boroughs. Although it’s only the start of July, mosquitoes and bedbugs are already driving New Yorkers crazy. Here are some tips for preventing insect infestations in your home — and keeping your family healthy and itch-free this season!
Mosquitoes
“June had barely begun when my yard was inundated with mosquitoes. With the kids going in and out of the house all day, it was too easy for one or two to get in,” says Michelle Goodstein, a mom of two from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. “My son is allergic to the mosquito bites, so when he gets one, the affected area becomes inflamed and very red. I’m already sick of them, and summer has barely begun!”
While all mosquitoes are bothersome, those that carry the West Nile Virus are much more serious. The disease has even been known to be fatal in some cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that any mosquito which flies has the potential to be a carrier. So what can we do to protect ourselves?
Mosquito bite prevention
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, even if you’re only out for a short time.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
• Avoid peak mosquito-biting times — from dusk to dawn — which is when many species of mosquitoes bite the most. Be vigilant in using repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning. You may even want to consider avoiding outdoor activities during those times.
• Drain standing water, which is where many mosquitoes lay their eggs. Get rid of items in your yard that hold water.
• Keep mosquitoes outside with well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.
• Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating. Report dead birds in your neighborhood to local authorities. More than 130 species of birds have been infected with West Nile virus, but not all infected birds will die.
Bedbugs
Unfortunately, bedbugs are not only still prevalent in the city — their population is growing.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal said that New York City is ranked number one in the nation for infestations. And according to entomologist Bob Young, the increase is two to three times of what we had last year. This summer, the population is only projected to rise. It’s a bigger problem each day, and since we first started seeing them back in 2000, complaints of bedbugs have risen 10- to 15-fold, says Young.
Some of the reasons for the resurgence are the hot, humid weather that summer brings, combined with kids who go to camp, college students returning home, and people vacationing. Hotels, schools, and even gyms are all places where bedbugs proliferate. Check the bedbug registry to see which places in your neighborhood (as well as hotels you may be traveling to) have reported bedbug infestations. Visit BedBugRegistry.com.
The flagship Niketown store, The Empire State Building, the Time Warner Center, the Reebok Sports Club/NY (which boast patrons such as Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock), and the Brooklyn district attorney’s office have all reported bedbug problems.
Signs of bedbugs
• Red stains on bedding or mattress
• Bedbug feces on bedding or mattress
• Bedbug exoskeletons on bedding or mattress
• An unusually sweet aroma. (Some people have described this smell as similar to that of raspberries, a granola bar, or almonds.)
• Unusual bite marks on body
Bedbug prevention
Since bedbugs are commonly acquired when traveling, it’s imperative to check for the signs of infestation after you return. It is also important to avoid buying used material from flea markets or second-hand clothing stores.
Getting rid of bedbugs
Ridding your home of these pesky creatures is not simple, and it’s best to call an exterminator since they are said to be able to live up to a year without a meal! But there are some things you can do on your own. Start by thoroughly washing, vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces and bedding in hot water. Vacuum mattresses, seal them in plastic, and leave them outside in the hot sun for as long as possible. Steam clean all carpets and rugs. Spray cracks in walls, floors, and crevices with insecticides, but not on bedding where it can be harmful to humans.
Danielle Sullivan, a Brooklyn-born mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in the parenting world for more than 10 years, and was recently honored with a Gold award for her health column by the Parenting Publications of America. Sullivan also writes for Babble.
