HAWTHORNE, NJ (CBSNewYork) – The exterminators in our area say they have been busier than ever since the coronavirus pandemic began due to an alarming surge in bed bug cases.
They say one reason for the surge is because residents were unwilling to let exterminators into their homes, CBS2’s Dave Carlin reported Thursday.
“I honestly didn’t think it would happen to me,” said Kate Moro, an art student at Rutgers University.
Bed bugs came to Moro’s off-campus apartment.
“That I know that they crawl on my skin in my sleep … I can’t. It’s just too much, ”said Moro.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Favio Ulloa, the owner of Prestige Pest Services, confirmed the infestation and then his technicians sprayed chemicals and then steamed.
His bed bug business is open.
“Probably 50% more than last year,” said Ulloa.
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Ulloa said he now has seven bed bug jobs a day, compared to no more than three a day at this time last year.
He said fear during the pandemic kept exterminators away from homes so bed bugs would have more time to multiply and spread.
When you have them, apart from telltale red bites, you can see dark debris in the corners of a mattress.
“Take a picture of everything you can find there because you can see the bed bugs. They are not microscopic, ”said Ulloa.
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Ulloa recommends everyone to throw furniture away to cut and break it to avoid attracting someone who unwisely wants to transport it home.
Building and home owners may pay $ 900 to $ 1,200 for treatments, depending on whether additional furniture needs moving and washing.
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Customers like Moro receive follow-up visits.
“We’ll be coming back two more times to make sure there is no more activity,” said Ulloa.
“I’m sleeping in my bed now so I think I’m fine,” said Moro.
It’s a stinging reminder that COVID-19 isn’t the only bad mistake.
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