One of my clients expressed concern about bedbugs and that she is really worried about them.  I have heard of the problem but didn't realize the extent of the issue and knew nothing about bedbugs, how they infiltrate a home, their life cycle and how to try to get rid of them.  Oh so many years ago I lived on the upper West Side of Manhattan.  Cockroaches were the bain of my existence then.  I lived in a brownstone on West 85th Street, a walk up.  My friends and I who were all just starting out lived with these bugs. We were told they were the oldest living bug.  Now, it seems that the bedbug is the new roach.

In New York City there are more and more complaints being filed against landlords.  These bugs can cause significant disturbance to one's life.  This is no longer just an issue for travelers but is in homes across the country.

TYPICALLY, the problem starts with the bites: itchy, reddish welts that leave their victims wondering if they have a rash or have had an allergic reaction to something. Often, the next step is a visit to the doctor, followed by calls to the landlord, the superintendent and the exterminator.

The cause is the bedbug, the nocturnal, blood-sucking insect that is making a comeback in urban housing across North America. Complaints about bedbugs in rental apartments in New York City more than doubled last year and are on target to reach a record this year.

 To read the complete story fron the New York Times, here.