Battling Bedbugs

MYFOXNY.COM - Bedbugs seem to be popping up everywhere from apartments, stores, movie theaters, buses and subways. Could the time of the year have something to do with the increase? If so, how can we protect ourselves? Good Day NY got answers from bedbug expert Jeff White from the Bedbug Central company. White is also the host of a web show on BedBug TV which has new webisodes every week.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Bedbugs:

WHY THE SPIKE IN BEDBUG INFESTATION?

Seasonal trend: they definitely seem more active in summer months

SIGNS OF BEDBUGS:

-- bites show up in rows, clusters or group of threes on the arms, neck or face consistent with bedbugs

WHAT TO LOOK FOR DURING AN INSPECTION

--bugs are visible - they're about a quarter of an inch long, look a lot like ticks

--they're flat and reddish brown

--spotting, black spots which are fecal material

EASY, SIMPLE TO DO AT-HOME DETECTION SYSTEMS/TREATMENTS

-- "Climb Up Insect Interceptor", a little white tray/dish that go underneath beds and couches and intercepts bugs as they travel to and from places. it's like a little well that catches the bugs

-- Encase mattress and boxspring in bed encasements (make sure they're designed for use with bedbug problems)

-- It's more important to encase the boxspring than it is the mattress

-- Do it yourself products on the market, these are pesticides but you must read the labels.

-- When all else fails call a professional

White also recommends the following items you can purchase that help in the battle against the bedbugs:

4 Pack of ClimbUP Insect Interceptors: $22

Family size 12 pack of ClimbUP Insect Interceptors: $60

Protect-a-bed Mattress Encasements: $80 - $126

Protect-a-bed Box-spring encasements: $35 - $48

Rest Easy Luggage Spray: $15

Bedbug Beacon Detection Device: $49

NightWatch Bed Bug Monitor:$ 450

For more information on bedbugs and to watch White's webshow, visit TV.BedBugCentral.com.