If you have bed bugs, you shouldn’t feel ashamed. Anyone can get bed bugs. Notify your landlord and neighbors. The sooner everyone responds, the more successful everyone will be.

Choosing and working with a pest control company Bed bug infestations usually require the services of well-trained, licensed pest management professionals, also called exterminators.

Tenants whose landlords do not promptly respond to bed bug complaints can call 311 and file a complaint with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and may also hire their own professionals.

There are many pest control companies and licensed pest professionals in the New York City area. Not all are well trained in managing bed bugs.

To get rid of bed bugs, you must choose the right company, be clear about what you want done and monitor performance. To choose a good professional…

• Find a company through dependable referrals, directories, professional associations and check to make sure they are licensed at www.dec.ny.gov.

• Interview several companies before choosing. Ask about their training, and their approach to controlling bed bugs. Make sure they follow the procedures described in this guide.

• Agree on a service plan and its cost. Expect at least two treatment visits and a third follow-up visit to confirm that bed bugs have been eliminated. Severe infestations or cluttered apartments may take more visits to eliminate bed bugs. A good company will…

• Inspect your property before giving you a price quote or begin any pesticide application.

• Give you a written inspection report, and an action plan of how to prepare for treatment and prevent further infestation.

• Base quotes on inspection findings, not flat fees. The cheapest services are rarely the best.

• Visit often until the job is done.

• Employ qualified, well-trained pest management professionals.

• Educate you on how to prevent bed bugs. • Work with you until the bed bugs are gone.

• Treat you with respect.