If you still have the sample, I would send it to someone else to confirm what it is given the exterminators' motivation (bedbugs are prtty distincitive,however--you should be able to tell by looking at it yourself). The Harvard School of Public Health actually has a lab and a form that you can use to send samples in (yes, I am obsessed, and yes, I have done this several times, I am somewhat embarrassed to admit . . .). You can find the info on line.

Posted by: PHer at November 16, 2009 12:00 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

Why not just paint it a color you like (in a pearl finish). Paint is much easier to keep clean than tile/grout (never understand why people think tile is so easy to clean--I find if something gets on the grout lines, it can be a pain to clean properly), and you don't need to make a commitment or worry about what someone will like on resale.

Posted by: PHer at October 20, 2009 9:39 AM in response to Kitchen Backsplash

If the proposal is allowed, the irony for this "best preserved example" . . . http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/sig/prospect_heights_Sig.pdf

Posted by: PHer at September 23, 2009 11:32 AM in response to A Curb Cut on Landmarked St. Marks Avenue? Really?

I have used Shleppers twice now and had a wonderful experience each time, most recently to move out, store my furniture for a month, and then move it all back in for a renovation. They have been on time or early each time, completely professional and hard-working, and completely upfront about costs (the first move some years ago actually came in below the estimate). They were the best, most reliable part of my renovation. And they were almost half the price I was quoted from Flat Rate.

Posted by: PHer at September 23, 2009 9:49 AM in response to ISO Great Moving Company

The argument that the residents of a handful of housing units will somehow contribute more to the local economy than hundreds of students, employees, families and caregivers seems particularly misplaced.

Posted by: PHer at September 21, 2009 12:52 PM in response to Friends' Expansion Making Enemies on State?

That is about the floor space of our kitchen, and when we re-did about 5 years ago, the contractor just put down wood floors. We had no wear issues other than having picked too soft a wood (American cherry), which got dinged up a bit from heels, moving appliances, although in a not-so-bad way. If you went with something harder (regular cherry), they should hold up fine. Ours were prefinished, so not sure if that made them more water-resistant.

Posted by: PHer at August 27, 2009 1:55 PM in response to New Floor for Small Space

Maybe its just me, but below 6% is still very low, and if the difference between a 4.85% loan and 5.85% loan means you can't afford the house, you should not be buying it in the first place. Astonishing how short memories are . . .

Posted by: PHer at June 11, 2009 1:00 PM in response to Interest Rate Jump

It depends on the type of ivy in most cases. I think Boston-type ivy is not damging, while english-type is. As indicated, there is quite a bit on the web on the issue.

Posted by: PHer at May 21, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Is Ivy on Facade Okay?

If you wouldn't mind traveling to meet and pick up the dog, expand your search to some of the upstate or NJ shelters. There is one in Red Hook, for example, that has had smaller dogs in the past. Also, you say "beagle", perhaps only to describe the size, but be aware that beagles are not the quietest of dogs (wonderful dogs, but something to consider in apartment living). Good luck!

Posted by: PHer at April 29, 2009 1:10 PM in response to A little off topic, but... Dogs.

My optician as well--very sorry to see you close. I thought the customer service here was always terrific. Post here is you are moving to a new location.

Posted by: PHer at February 18, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Store fixtures

Shows a definite downturn in the market (good frm my perspective, since I like the apartments in this building). I looked at a similarly-sized apartment in the same building (somewhat better layout, but in need of a lot of work) about 4-6 months ago, and it was listed for $1.5 mm, sold, I think, for about $1.4.

Posted by: PHer at February 12, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 41 Eastern Parkway, #7A

When I did this to a hideous bathroom vanity, I roughed up a bit, primed with an oil-based primer (this made a big difference--I did another with a latex primer and it did not adhere as well), and then painted with a bathroom paint (mildew resistant), which may not be as important in the kitchen. A latex top-coat in a semi-gloss finish also works, as long as it is over the oil primer. (A more experienced painter may say this is not possible; I have no idea if you are supposed to put latex over oil, but it worked for me.) It has held up quite well for at least 6 years now. Obviously an oil-based primer will need lots of ventilation and drying time.

Posted by: PHer at February 3, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Painting Laminate Cabinets

I use Susie DeFord in Prospect Heights. She has a website and has been very reliable.

Posted by: PHer at February 2, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Dog walker

My guess is that it was pulled for copyright reasons--the photos were probably copyrighted by the designer (I think they are avialable on the designer's website, which is listed on the orginal remodilista posting).

Posted by: PHer at January 29, 2009 12:32 AM in response to Kitchen Posting

I think I found the prior thread for you: http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2006/10/house_of_the_da_215.php

Good luck.

Posted by: PHer at September 30, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Classic brownstone interior paint color?

I remember the discussion you are refering to, but sadly, not the paint color. I will say BM has something called, I believe, Waterbury Cream, that would fit the bill. Agree re: the need to purchase a quart or small jar and sample a decent sized area yoruself--even within your own home, the same color will look very different in different areas depending on the light, etc. Paint as large a sample area as you can stand (preferably at least 3 feet square in some areas).

Posted by: PHer at September 30, 2008 3:10 PM in response to Classic brownstone interior paint color?

I live in and love Prospect Heights, but $2.6 is insane for that house (especially that location, which is not the most prime).

Posted by: PHer at September 19, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Open House Picks

Almost $1.5 million for a master off the living room, a teeny tiny kitchen (the photo is clearly of a different kitchen), and two additional small bedrooms seems like a lot to me, even for a cool building in a good location.

Posted by: PHer at September 3, 2008 2:47 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 153 Lincoln Place

We just have a painted blacksplash, which I love. It is not even high gloss--just pearl finish, I think, which is less shiny than semi-gloss. It is extremely easy to clean, holds up well (we renovated 4.5 years ago and not even a scratch or ding in a well-used kitchen) and if I get tired of the color, I can just paint it. (Of course, if you like a shinier finish, I assume a high gloss would work jsut as well.)

Posted by: PHer at September 2, 2008 5:34 PM in response to kitchen backsplash

you have to have the treatment. you have to. not even a question in my mind about it. you do NOT want it to get worse.

Posted by: jasonkyle at November 16, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

There are things you can do right now that are less expensive than a professional service:

1. Buy a consumer grade bedbug spray. This isn't as effective as the professional chemical, but it works to slow down infestation. Spray it around the seams of your bedframe and around the baseboards of your apartment. If you can, shop around, some Hardware stores charge way too much for a bottle because they know people are desperate. After you spray, leave it for at least 2 weeks before washing or mopping the area you sprayed.

2. Heat kills them, so if possible, crank up your radiators or heaters.

3. Go through your clothing. You can either wash(in hot water) and then dry (on high) or, to save money, run them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. After washing or drying, put in clean garbage bags/plastic bags and close them up, only removing items as you use them. Dry cleaning will kill them, but is very costly. You might have some success at keeping them from infesting clothes/shoes/bags with moth balls.

4. If you can, rent or borrow a steam cleaner and steam clean your sofa/rugs/furniture/mattress. You can buy a mattress cover to use after the mattress has been treated.

Posted by: surly at November 16, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

Vanburenproud,

I'm not knocking the concept off debating a topic, which i agree is the purpose of a forum in the first place.

I'm just saying that unfortunately on this particular subject, you're giving bad information. Yes, the exterminator has motivation for making a sale. Yes, you shouldn't rush into anything.

But unfortunately, and again I speak form first hand experience and countless hours of research, if you find a bedbug, you have a bedbug problem. the only question is how to deal with it. not whether or not to deal with it.

as for the bed bug sniffing dogs, yes, many companies now offer them. you must be very careful in choosing the right company, however. a dog that gives a false "alert," and that does happen, can cost you thousands of dollars of uneeded treatments.

but in the case of the OP, if you've seen a bug, then you don't need the dog to tell you that they're there. you've got bedbugs and you've got to deal with it.

when we had them, initially we didn't think it was a big deal b/c we'd "only" seen one. I wanted more proof too, so I spent hundreds of dollars to bring in the dog, who proceeded to tell me that they were also in my sofas, my loveseats, my daughters' bed, the picture frames above my bed, my bookcase, etc etc.

in retrospect, I didn't need the dog, having found a bug, I should have just started treatment. but I wanted to believe that it was "only" one, that it wasn't that serious, etc etc

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 2:02 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

Wow, wasn't expecting this much conflicting information. Just to give a little more color to those experienced with bedbugs, the one bug that we found was not an adult, and (according to the exterminator) had not yet had a meal.

Also I have a baby so am doubly concerned. Obviously I do NOT want to let this become an infestation. However, I also am concerned about spraying toxic chemicals all over my apartment if I do not need to. I own my place, so will be footing any bills, though that is not a huge concern. No one else in my building has ever had bedbugs (according to my building's exterminator). It is a relatively new building. It was my babysitter who found the bug, so it's possible she brought it in, but I don't want to jump to any conclusions.

If I do go ahead with treatment, any recommendations? Oneeasternparkway, who did you end up using and did they get rid of the problem? (And what was the cost?)

Posted by: Brooklynitetobe at November 16, 2009 2:16 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

get a consumer brand called Hot Shot spray containing lambda-cyhalothrin .03%... A landlord friend of mine swears by it... Don't know if it works but my friend has 4 apt buildings and loves it... I just called him and he told me that they sell it at home depot.. Sometimes it also comes in other brand names... This should only be your start.. I would also get exterminators in your home... To make sure..

Posted by: HOBOKENROCKS at November 16, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

I used Bell Environmental (who i mentioned). I would not recomend them. They are very expensive and in my opinon not worth it. again, relied too much on Krylon Spray, which i've found is not effective. I have a baby and a toddler, so I was attracted to it because it's more 'green" but the truth is it just doesn't work and it costs a ton.

when factoring in treatments and replaced furniture and countless loads of laundry, we're approaching 10k. it's insane.

I would recomend Jeff White (I would also watch all his bed bug seminars at BedbugTV on bedbugcentral.com.)

You might also want to try M&M Exterminators, a firm in the city I've heard good things about.

and a guy who goes by the Name of Killer Queen (you can find his info on BedBugger). I've also heard very good things about him.

and if you understandably don't want to commit to a treatment yet, then get either one of those monitors I recomended.

Posted by: oneasternparkway at November 16, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

A related question. Assuming OP is in a rental apartment -where is the line between what the tenant & what the landlord is responsible to deal with?

It's in the tenant's self interest to avoid getting eaten by bedbugs, but LL doesn't want a problem that could spread between apartments. What's NYC law say?

Posted by: Bklnite at November 16, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

it might have come from your babysitter since you said she found it. i would ask her to please vigorously shake herself off before entering the apartment from now on.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 16, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

There's also a product available online, manufactured by RESULTS Indoor, which contains;

pyrethrins
butyronyl
silicone dioxide

It's in powder form, the product is aimed at bedbugs. It seems to be very effective since it is picked up while they crawl around and kills them by several methods including dessication.

I think that manufacturers are responding to the recent explosion of these once common bugs.Widespread use of DDT had virtually eliminated them. The newer products are targeting these pests specifically without the need for DDT of course.

Remember, all cracks must be dusted and sealed.

I've also heard that a portable steamer is good for those hard to get or treat places. at least 150 degrees.

Posted by: Legion at November 16, 2009 3:30 PM in response to Bed Bug Question

Don't use the sprays. I had a neighbor who didn't report the problem to the Landlord (they're rent control and didn't think the Landlord would do anything) they sprayed for 6 months untill the bedbugs spread in the building. Now after weeks of 2 different exterminators coming (1 specializing in eco-friend treatments complete with a dog but not Bell Environmental) and throwing stuff out and getting mattress covers, the bulding is bedbug free. The only way to go is with an extrerminator and to follow their instructions.
And yes, the landlord is responsible for treating bedbugs regardless of who brought them in.

Posted by: Cobblehillbaby at November 16, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Bed Bug Question