Dear Liz,
One of my worst fears has been realized and we have bedbugs. I have two recommendations: the New York magazine "best for bedbugs" group, which is expensive and not available immediately, and an exterminator a friend used when she had bedbugs who is reportedly "just fine," though she did say the exterminator sprayed her house without wearing a mask and while smoking a cigarette, which seems overly reckless to me. But they seem good on the phone, and more importantly, can come in a couple of days. What to do? I want this to be done fast!
Signed, Bitten in Brooklyn
Dear Bitten,
First of all, my condolences. Bedbugs are looming over all of us, especially in New York, so I understand the fear. But now that it's happened it's time to take a breath. As anxious as you are to rid yourself of these invaders, nothing will get that much worse in a day or two. And what I'm hearing is that neither of these options sounds perfect to you. You need to feel confident about the people who are going to possibly spray your house and inspect your bedding. Ask around a little and get more recommendations. The thing about being in NYC is that you won't have to go far to find more people who've dealt with this problem and emerged bug-free.
Good luck!
Readers? Anyone have bedbug advice?
Do you have a question? Email me.
