This was handed out to all residents.. it is a good example.

Date: 29 July 2009

Bedbug Emergency

As you may have heard, we have a number of apartments with bedbugs. Please read this carefully so
you know what is going on. We need everyone’s help if we are going to eradicate this problem.

History
From 2006 through 2008 there were three incidents in the building, all professionally treated. We had
two incidents earlier in the year, and now have over fifteen apartments reporting bedbugs, most in the
last few weeks. The bedbugs appear to have spread vertically and horizontally.

What Are Bedbugs?
Bedbugs are small brown insects that typically bite during the night, leaving small itchy red welts.
They do not pass disease, and there is no danger from the bites, although they are annoying. A few
people are insensitive to the bites, and may not notice them at all. Here are pictures of a bedbug, and
the bites.
Bedbugs can be hard to treat, because they travel from apartment to apartment in the walls., and by
latching on to people’s clothing.
What Are We Doing About It?
We have hired specialists to come in and test for the presence of bedbugs, and treat those apartments
that have them. We are closely watching how this spreads through the building. We may ask to inspect
some non-infested apartments if it looks like they are at risk. If you want to know the latest on the
bedbug problem in the building, call Aramis or any Board member – their contact information is at the
end of this letter.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Bedbugs? Cal; the super.
He will schedule an inspection of your apartment, and treatment if it needs it. Do not delay – bedbugs
multiply rapidly, so any delay makes the problem worse for you and your neighbors.

How is the Inspection Done?
The inspection company brings in a dog that sniffs for the bedbugs. This takes just a few minutes. If
you are allergic to, or afraid of dogs, let Aramis know, and he will work out a way to get your
inspection done.

How is the Treatment Done?
The treatment companies use either steam or freezing, plus a variety of powders and sprays to kill
bedbugs in the walls. They seal your mattresses and boxsprings in tight covers that you leave on for at
least a year. The chemicals dissipate completely a couple hours after the treatment, so there is nothing
left in your apartment that can harm you, your children, your pets, or your plants. There is a follow-up
treatment two weeks afterward.

You must wash all your clothing – yes all of it – in hot water and a hot dryer, or send it out for dry
cleaning.
As treatment covers your entire apartment, it helps a lot if you can de-clutter the apartment
beforehand. The Super will send you detailed instructions when he schedules your apartment for
treatment.
What Does It Cost?
Nothing. The co-op pays for all inspections and treatments.
How Do You Treat the Bites?
Normally, the bites itch for about a week, and gradually go away. Cortisone cream can reduce the
itching. Some people report a mild allergic reaction, with puffiness or swelling of the skin around the
bites, and anti-allergy medicines, such as Benadryl, can help with this. Of course, check with your
doctor first, especially if you are thinking about medicines for your children.
Can You Treat Your Apartment Yourself?
There are products on the market that claim to be effective, but we urge you to report any bedbugs to
the Super and let the building do the inspection and treatment. Bedbugs travel from apartment to
apartment. If you use a treatment that is not effective, you may end up making your problem worse,
and the building’s problem worse as well.

What Else Do You Need to Know?
If you suspect bedbugs in your apartment, take care not to spread the problem to your neighbors.
Here’s how:
• If you need to remove any furniture or clothing from your apartment, call the Super and he
and our staff will help you do it.

• Do not put any furniture or clothing out in the hallway.

• Anything you remove from your apartment, such as trash, old clothing, papers, etc., must
be in tightly sealed bags.

• Call the super who will supply you with heavy-duty clear plastic bags to encase anything
you need to remove from your apartment.

• Also use the bags to encase any clothing you cannot wash before your apartment is treated,
and use fresh clean bags to encase clothing you have washed.

• Do not reuse the bags for anything! Once you have used the bags, let the Super know, and the
building staff will remove the bags from your apartment.

• If you are returning from a trip, check your luggage for hitchikers.