Bed Brokers

An ancient scourge of man is returned to cause panic among homeowners and property buyers and real estate agents. Bed bugs have invaded all states in the U.S. and reports of infestations have increased exponentially nationwide over the past years. In a national survey of pest control companies conducted by noted bed bug authority Michael Potter for Pest Management Professional, Potter found, "A huge 91% of respondents reported their organizations had encountered bed bug infestations in the last two years. Only 37% said they encountered bed bugs more than 5 years. "

Until a few years ago, most pest control company said it was unusual to receive even one or two calls a year about bed bugs. Since 2004, however, bed bug complaints have grown exponentially with pest control companies nationwide now averaging between 10 and 50 calls per week. In large metropolitan areas, some companies are Fielding over 100 complaints of bed bugs each week. Some experts predict that 2008 will be the Year of the bedbugs. Cindy Mannes, spokeswoman for the National Association of Pest Management, said bed bugs are becoming a serious problem in all states, noting: "There are people who call the pest of the 21st century."

Bed bugs are an equal opportunity pests. Infestations have occurred across the country in Tony cooperative houses upscale rich and famous, in fashionable condominiums, apartments and luxury in the suburbs. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not caused by dirt or dust. As the lice and fleas, bed bugs are creatures of convenience. A nuisance insect, they are not known to be carriers of disease, but they can cause considerable discomfort, both mental and physical.

All eradicated in the United States after World War II, the banning of DDT pesticides powerful, combined with increased international travel has led to a resurgence at the national level of the insect annoying. Potter, an urban entomologist at the University of Kentucky, calls bed bugs prominent household pest in the United States, on a par with cockroaches and rats. "This is a serious problem," he recently told the New York Times. "This will be the pest of the 21st century - no questions about it."

If you buy a house or looking for a new condo or apartment, take to heart the old adage Buyer Beware. You can move into a house that was invaded by bedbugs. Most states require home sellers to provide buyers with an accurate statement to disclose the condition of the property, including pest infestations. However, there are gaps that should serve as a red flag for homebuyers and their agents.

Most statements of real estate is quite large and do not specifically ask about infestations of bed bugs. If disclosure pest is specified, it is likely to be termites. Because bed bugs are not a problem in the United States for so many decades, few current state or municipal codes address them specifically. In many countries, sellers can choose not to complete the statement and instead pay a penalty which is credited to the buyer. For sellers with a bed bug problem, a penalty of several hundred dollars may seem an acceptable price for making the sale.

Buyers and realtors should be aware that disclosure laws that apply to real estate sales of homes often do not apply to the co-op and condo owners. Before buying, check with local building and health services to know what the regulations in your area. Although some states are now considering adding specific rules of bed bugs in their real estate law, so common is the general law on the side of the seller. As real estate attorney Edward Sumber of New York told the New York Times, "The doctrine of caveat emptor - let the buyer beware - the seller did not ob yes.