FAQ: advice on getting treatment to eliminate your bed bugs
By nobugsonme on Dec 7, 2006 in FAQs, bed bugs, bedbugs, consumer, dorms, information and help, multi-unit buildings, professional pest-control services: reviews, suggestion, treatment, treatment in hotels
The following post was written entirely by Sean, a Pest Control Operator and entomologist in Vancouver, and is posted with his permission. Check out his Bed Bug Resource page. Thanks Sean!
If anyone wants to add to this topic, click comments, and let us know what you know!
Treating a Bed Bug Infestation: advice from a Pest Control Operator
I can not stress enough how important it is to do a bed bug treatment correctly right from the onset. The slighest misstep can literally make a solvable problem a nightmare.
All too often you get do it yourselfers that think they can do the job just as well as a licenced technician can. This is simply not the case 95% + of the time.
As I have said many times … leave this one to the pros.
The trick is for the general public to decipher who the pros are in their area. I will not lie to you, there are good companies and bad companies. There are also good companies with some bad individuals.
Two things to watch out for; underpricing and overpricing. Ask them what the job breaks down to on an hourly basis per technician that they are sending (some companies use two techs per job). This puts all companies on equal footing for comparison.
Underpricing means you will get what you pay for; poor service and inexperience.
Overpricing means that the company likely does not want to do bed bug jobs. They price so high that they are looking to discourage people from hiring them. They just plain can’t or do not want to do bed bug work.
Look for a company with middle of the road pricing. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have received complaints recently. Ask the company to provide references from clients that have been satisfied with their bed bug work. Many companies will have letters of praise on hand.
Some other things to look for;
1) Do they offer a guarantee?
2) If so, what does it entail?
Keep in mind that many companies will NOT offer guarantees to hotels or multiunit dwellings because the chance of reinfestation is too great. If you live in an apartment ask what their guarantee is for a freestanding home. This will give you an idea of how confident they are about their work.
3) Do they have liability insurance?
4) If yes, how much does it cover?
If no … walk away.
5) Do they have dedicated bed bug technicians?
Many companies are now forming bed bug task forces if you will. These companies will likely have more experience.
6) How long do they expect the treatment to last?
A thorough bed bug treatment (inspection plus application) is going to take a minimum of two hours (based on a normal hotel sized room).
7) How many treatments does the price include? (Editor’s note: it should include at least two, spaced about two weeks apart).
Ask the company how many treatments it will take to rid the bed bugs.
If they say one … walk away.
If they say two-three they are being honest.
If they say several (3+) they likely are not doing the job right.
The last thing is that people need to realize that they are going to need to be bait for the treatment to be most successful. They essentially need to carry on their routine of sleeping in the bed, etc. This will maximize the chance of the bed bugs coming in contact with the pesticides.
Sean
Entomologist / Pest Professional
www.thebedbugresource.com
Update 11/2007:
This is what one PCO posted on the forums in this thread, in answer to the question of what traditional treatments entail:
Bugologist
MemberThis is what you should look for (as a person knowledgable in the topic):
1. They don’t rely solely on pesticides. Non-chemicals measures are a plus and they should use bed encasements or at least recommend them, vacuums and hopefully steam. Current research is showing tolerance and resistance to a lot of pesticides we have available so relying on them may be a mistake.
2. Some sort of crack and crevice treatment, and hopefully a dust, is an absolute must, these bugs hide in cracks and crevices and if you’re not getting to them you’re not addressing the problem.
3. Follow-up treatments. Having done lots and lots of jobs I almost never get rid of the problem in one treatment and depending on the conditions (infestation level, clutter, construction, etc…) is will take 3 or 4 typically, maybe more.
4. They address most if not the whole structure. If they just do the bedroom that has the known problem, or the bedrooms or just the couch it’s a mistake. These bugs distribute throughout the structure and you can’t limit yourself to one area. The treatment should encompass the entire structure.I could probably go on and on but these are the big ones. The rest is a personal decision.
Editor’s note from Nobugsonme: Readers, feel free to add a comment below which tells us what PCO you used (and your location), and the kind of service you got. Be sure to tell us what you know about the treatment used, how many times they came back, and how long your problem has been solved (or going on, as the case may be.) Obviously, we are not responsible for the mini-reviews below. Anyone is welcome to comment. Please be honest and fair, and don’t recommend yourself!
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e.r. | Dec 10, 2006 | Reply
I used Pest Away and after two treatments am still in agony. They were pretty patient on the phone but the treatments were quite short and didn’t seem thorough to me. They didn’t seem concerned about finding any evidence of the bugs (I’ve never seen one) and rely a lot on the customer spraying the evil stuff around. They charge A LOT and make you buy all their vinyl products and spray products and overall I think really take advantage of your desperate state. I think the treatments are warrantied until your problem goes away but I don’t even want to try them a third time because it seems pointless. I am desperately looking for good recommendations for NYC but so far can’t figure out how to navigate this site to find them!
nobugsonme | Dec 10, 2006 | Reply
HI ER,
I am afraid we don’t really have any reviews of PCOs up here yet. In fact, yours is probably the first. And much welcomed. Lots of people in the Bedbugger Yahoo Group (which spawned this blog) have used Pest Away. Others in NYC have used other PCOs. Since there are lots of NYC folks on the Yahoo group, I’d recommend signing on to it and searching the archives. Posting a message should get some good NYC recommendations too. For what its worth, PEst Away has had some very strong reviews as well as some nonplussed and disappointed ones as yours is. It may be the case that they’ve been so busy after being recommended by city councilwoman Gail Brewer and in countless local articles.
Broadway also was recommended by Brewer (but not as often in the news) and also seems to know what they’re doing (as I think Pest Away must have done–and some of them still do. I think they may just be having to hire too many new people, or complete too many jobs; I can’t think otherwise why they would have gotten so much good press and positive user feedback.)
By the way, one thing I do know about Pest Away is that their method requires you to sleep in your bed (to act as bait) — this is common for the methods used by most PCOs to treat bed bugs. The other thing I know is that a repeat visit 2 weeks later is necessary with almost every bed bug extermination, including theirs, though I’ve heard their workers sometimes tell you once will be enough. It won’t be, though, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t working. I would get Pest Away to come back the third time and since you have never been bug free, they should not charge you. It may be enough to do the trick.
Good luck!
S. | Jan 15, 2007 | Reply
I am in the middle of fighting bedbugs right now, and I’ll post my story to that section later today, but I wanted to respond to this call for PCO recommendations.
We are using Smithereen, a PCO in Chicago, and I have both good and bad things to say. Mostly good.
Good: they gave us a very extensive “Bed Bug Protocol,” with about 12 steps for the tenant to do. They are strict, and say that if we don’t do these things prior to them arriving, they won’t treat. (This is motivating - you want them to treat, so you follow all their instructions!) The steps include things like washing and bagging your clothes, clearing clutter and vacuuming - no chemicals to spray or anything outrageous.
Good: they charge $125 an hour, or $75 an hour for us since our building is a customer. These prices seemed middle-of-the-road as compared to others.
Good: they recently began forming a ‘bed bug team,’ and have been getting new training and hiring new people.
Good: the last guy who came spent 2 hours, pulled carpet up around the edges of the room, tore open the fabric on the underside of the box spring, turned furniture upside down, and generally did a very thorough job.
Bad: we have had 3 visits, from 3 different people from Smithereen. The last time I spoke to their main office, they admitted that the inconsistency wasn’t working out, and that they were going to start dedicating people to clients. I’m glad they’ve realized the problem. But it’s frustrating because it’s like the first two guys were a waste of time and money - we had to explain the whole story all over again, and they didn’t know the history. Plus they were probably repeating each other’s work. Now, though, we have a third guy, and we are hoping he stays dedicated for any future visits.
Unsure if good or bad: they give no guarantee. They had a 2-page ‘bed bug contract,’ where they detail the service they will provide, on an ongoing basis, until the bedbugs are gone. They specify the hourly rate and had us sign it. This seems responsible, to not guarantee anything, but I kinda wish they could inspire more confidence. So I’m willing to try a new Chicago PCO. Anyone in Chicago have recommendations? Or, does Smithereen sound like they are doing things right?
nobugsonme | Jan 15, 2007 | Reply
S, Thanks for your report. (Are you the same S who had the bed bugs in a dry cleaned comforter?)
In any case, I think WindyCityMike used Smithereen and followed their directions, and they got rid of his problem. I’ve heard stories from other Bedbuggers about companies that send someone new each time (this is a common problem) and whether this affects your outcome may depend on whether the company has a protocol each worker follows. In any case, it sounds like you’ve got a good guy now. Remember that most companies expect to come 2-3 times. They should return every two weeks as long as the bites continue. And hopefully, soon they won’t.
If they charge for every visit, by the hour, the potential is there for them to keep coming indefinitely, I suppose. (It sounds like a repiutable company, though.) On the other hand, in a multi-unit dwelling, if all units are not being treated, PCOs who make guarantees may have trouble upholding them.
jessinchicago | Jan 15, 2007 | Reply
Chicago!
S- If you need specific help regarding exterminators/methods/landlord laws/sanity-saving techniques, please contact me via Nobugs. She has my email address.
Jess
S. | Jan 16, 2007 | Reply
I am indeed the same S. who had the comforter. The problem is still going on. Jess, I did contact Nobugs, thanks for the outreach and I’ll be in touch!
Thanks for your comments on the PCO. I am contemplating the notion of having a PCO in my house every 2 weeks until…forever. It doesn’t seem feasible monetarily. Especially because it’s a multi-unit building, I feel like they’ll just go away and come back, go away and come back.
So the more realistic plan is one of abatement - just keeping them at bay - rather than total destruction, which I feel is too much to hope for in this building. It’s a beautiful building, but the walls are exposed brick, the cracks and crevices are infinite. We have neighbors above and on both sides. The management company is sympathetic at best.
Our lease is up in August and we’re hoping to be able to buy our next place, and ideally in a building with as few units as possible. (Strange how your priorities can change so quickly!) So right now I’m on an 8-month countdown clock. If Smithereen comes every 2 weeks for 8 months, and spends 2 hours each visit, that’s $2400. If I buy the chemicals, isolate my bed and spray the place myself every two weeks, this has to be a cheaper option.
carolyn | Mar 16, 2007 | Reply
so do you recommend doing it yourself? i’m in an apartment building, just moved in…
nobugsonme | Mar 16, 2007 | Reply
No!
Please read the other FAQs.
WitsEnd | Mar 23, 2007 | Reply
Any adive for decent PCOs in the Washington DC area? I just sufferend through a move, only to have my roomate wake up with bites this morning. We don’t know what else to do. We’re both strapped for $, but realize a PCO is the only way to eradicate.
Northern Virginia is actually where we live but it’s close to DC.
nobugsonme | Mar 24, 2007 | Reply
Wits–check out the FAQ on selecting a PCO…
Anonymous | Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
WitsEnd,
I actually live in the Northern VA area as well (Rosslyn). I recently started getting bitten and had a PCO come and tell me I had bedbugs. If I wanted it to be free, I have to go through my building’s management and they use Triple ‘S’ Pest. They should be here within the week for my first treatment session. I would say that I’ll go ahead and use them, see how well it works and report back. But if you’re getting bites, I’m not sure what good that would do since it’d be weeks to detect any improvement at all.
Anonymous | Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
I’m buggedtodeath on the forums, by the way. I’m not sure why it’s not letting me login here, but whatever.
nobugsonme | Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Anonymous, it should let you log in. Make sure you use capital letters in the same places if relevant. If there’s still a problem, feel free to get in touch (nobugsonme at yahoo) and I can help.
boston | May 4, 2007 | Reply
Can you please advice who on good PCOs in Boston? And how to make a condo management to take a proper care of the problem? My management is connected with an awful, no-help PCO and is reluctant to check apartments adjustent to mine.
dawn | May 9, 2007 | Reply
I’m looking for some recommendations for PCO’s in the New York/New Jersey area. Can anyone please give me some suggestions with whom they have had success?
WitsEnd | May 9, 2007 | Reply
Success story!!!!! We did it ourselves this go round (after a move and apparently a few clingers moved w/ us). We did the sealed mattress covers, all the sealed laundry, and then chemical treatments on our own.
I KNOW its not been reccommended, but we seriously did not have the $. So, after mucho research, I set in to committ genocide on the little buggers.
I used the only powder treatment I could find that specifically mentioned “bedbugs” and then found a spray that did not interact with the powder. We vacuumed like crazy, then powered the floors, focusing on the baseboards and heavily around and under the bed. The bed was moved far from walls and curtains were sprayed w/ chemicals. All furniture was sprayed with the chemical, too. My dad has aken numerous pesticide classes b/c we have a farm back home. He gave me TONS of advice in regards to mixing stuff up.
It’s been 6 wks, and no bites, no trace, but we”re still treating as though they might be there. Hang in everyone, there’s light at the end of the tunnell!
dawn | May 9, 2007 | Reply
i tried to use cooper pest solutions in new jersey but they told me they couldn’t treat until we had an actual specimen. now, we all know many of us go for months and months before we see an actual bug so this seemed ridiculous to me. why wait for the problem to get worse. i have the blood spotting, the rusty spots on sheets, etc. so i thought that would be enough. has anyone else had this experience with a pco who wouldn’t treat without an actual specimen? i thought evidence like blood spotting was enough. i am now considering going with broadway exterminating and i’m wondering if anyone has used them or knows if they are good.
hopelessnomo | May 9, 2007 | Reply
Dawn - it’s illegal in most places to treat with pesticides without evidence of a particular pest. I think there is some leeway as to what that evidence might be but I think it’s mostly at the discretion of the pest control professional. Maybe a professional inspection is in order, although we know that with bedbugs even thorough inspections may fail. You may want to check out the bedbugger yahoo support group. People there have reported good experiences with Broadway.
WitsEnd - I’m sorry you had to do it yourself. It takes a lot of work and research to do that safely. Congratulations on being rid of your bedbugs.
Boston - I’m sorry you had no reply to your question. The bedbugger yahoo group may be a place for you to connect with other Boston sufferers. I think that it’s often up to us, the informed tenants, to educate our clueless landlords and property managers. Writing letters, supported by the internet research you’re doing, might be helpful. Also, when you have a mediocre PCO, you need to take charge of the relationship and give direction and generally make yourself heard. This means talking to the techs that come to your apartment, talking to managers at the company, and telling them what you want done (for example, if the PCO has not treated your electrical outlets, you need to insist on that). Making noise is the way to go when you’re stuck with bad pest control service. The problem in condos is often about money, who pays for the PCO. It’s difficult to be persuasive when you’re dealing with bedbugs and getting little sleep.
dawn | May 9, 2007 | Reply
thanks nomo. how do i get on the yahoo support group to read the reviews?
hopelessnomo | May 9, 2007 | Reply
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/bedbugger/
The link is also on the sidebar of this site, along with links to all kinds of resources.
dawn | May 10, 2007 | Reply
has anyone heard of stern environmental group in new jersey? that’s who i’ll be using for my bed bug control and their website seems to indicate they have had great success with their treatment. their guarantee their work, in that they will come back at no additional charge as long as there is still evidence the bugs are present. they do have an entomologist on staff and the cost is around $650 for a two bedroom apartment. they will treat the bedroom areas and the living room. does this sound legit to you guys? i’m in dire need of treatment and don’t know where else to turn. broadway exterminating doesn’t serve my area of new jersey so i can’t use them after all. any advice?
Bugalina | May 10, 2007 | Reply
I suggest you request an exact list of what how they are going to treat. For example, are the going to treat inside your electrical outlets, are they going to fan spray the lower portions of your walls. A big question I would ask is , do they consider a bite as proof or evidence that the bed bugs are still there, I would hope so…they have to err on the side of precaution, thats my opinion. The price seems right but please remember. If its not in writing its not….get every promise they make to you , in writing…
dawn | May 10, 2007 | Reply
they consider blood spots on sheeting and bites enough proof that the bugs are still there and they will continue to treat until they aren’t there anymore. their website indicates some great reviews from consumers who have used them for bed bugs and the woman i spoke to said that have had great success with the products they use. they also suggested mattress and box springs covers and they will treat the mattress and boxspring before they are covered. they said they would be using bedlam, drione dust and suspend. does this sound like they know what they are doing?
Bugalina | May 10, 2007 | Reply
Well to be honest, Its only second hand info…I think buggedinbrooklyn said it, but they had no success with bedlam…however the other products you mention are standard to the industry…what I would like you to ask is exactly HOW and WHERE they are going to apply the products…make them give you specifics…how are they going to treat the bedding before its covered…where are they going to use the suspend and drione…Its sounds like they are a good company but you must be as educated as possible ..the educated consumer is the one who gets the best job..that’s my opinion
S | May 10, 2007 | Reply
Hey Dawn, I think they sound as good as any. They certainly sound informed, at least, about the multifaceted approach that is required to solve the problem.
I think you should have them come out, but take careful note of where they apply pesticide. If possible, as hopelessnomo has mentioned, you should help direct them - making sure they don’t miss places of importance, such as the outlet plates, under the edges of the carpets, inside drawers, etc.
dawn | May 10, 2007 | Reply
i will be there when they do the treatment so i’m going to make sure they apply in all the necessary areas, under carpets, etc. the bed bug sniffing dog only found a small infestation in two areas. he didn’t bark in the living room or even in the second bedroom. the only place he barked was at the middle of our mattress and inside my dresser so i’m hoping the problem is only limited to those two areas right now and that it’s small and localized so that the pest control people will be able to get to it before it gets bigger. does that make sense?
Bugalina | May 10, 2007 | Reply
Well it makes sense if you have total confidence in the dog…but I think you should treat the entire place…its better to play it safe…also …S is right , make certain they spray inside your drawers and under your furniture…be there to direct them…be nice, but be firm…
dawn | May 10, 2007 | Reply
they are treating both bedrooms and the living room. they are not treating the kitchen or bathroom because they said that’s not where the bugs would breed. they did say they spray furniture completely, underneath and all the drawers, etc. and they said they would also spray the underside of the couch even though the dog did not detect any bugs in the living room. i’m hoping i caught it very early since i have barely seen any signs and haven’t had any fecal spotting at all. i have inspected all areas of my room carefully and found no evidence whatsoever but because the dog barked in those two spots, i’m insisting on extermination anyway.
dawn | May 11, 2007 | Reply
is it acceptable that the pest control company is not treating the kitchen or the bathroom? does that sound like it still means they know what they are doing? again, if anyone is familiar with stern environmental in new jersey, i would truly appreciate your input.
hopelessnomo | May 11, 2007 | Reply
Dawn, I encourage you to post your question in the forums. You will get more responses.
Bedbugs have been reported in every room of a dwelling. It’s not that they can never be found in the bathroom or kitchen, but that a majority of PCOs will only treat the most likely areas of infestation. Whether this is wise or not, I am not qualified to say. Whether this is because that particular PCO has never had a single case where bedbugs were found in those areas… you’ll have to ask. You have to develop a comfortable relationship with your PCO, why not raise these questions with them?
I’d say this does not necessarily invalidate their competence. You need to evaluate within a context and I just don’t know enough about them (other than perhaps observing that they appear to be regular readers of this blog). You can at least ask them to inspect those areas.
dawn | May 11, 2007 | Reply
hi nomo,
are you saying that stern environmental reads this blog? how do you know this? how can i go about posting on the forums? i’ve never done that before. i appreciate your help.
dawn
hopelessnomo | May 11, 2007 | Reply
Click the link I provided above.
I posted your question for you to get you started.
Use the same login that you use here and just look around. I’m sure you’ll get oriented in no time and you can post additional questions or comment on existing threads.
Stern Environmental has a blog. They seem to especially appreciate Parakeets’ travelling advice.
dawn | May 11, 2007 | Reply
so stern environmental reads the bedbugger website? i’m sorry but i do not see the link you provided to the forums. it doesn’t appear to be there. can you please repost the link and tell me where you posted my question to get started. i’m sorry if i’m being dense but i’m still learning the process here and i really want to know if anyone is familiar with stern environmental and if they sound like a reputable company.
hopelessnomo | May 11, 2007 | Reply
http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/207?replies=1
There’s also a big blue bug at top right hand of your screen.
Bugalina | May 11, 2007 | Reply
Dawn..At the top of this page you will see a big bed bug against a Blue Background..and it says Forums….Click on that ane you will see that there are ongoing discussions. Your PCO sounds good but I think its best to treat the entire apt. This is only my opinion, but in the first home where I discovered bed bugs, I saw three bed bugs , all in the DAYTIME, one in the kitchen , one in the bathroom ( on my shower curtain ) and one scampering into a crack in the hallway floor. I am a firm believer that all rooms should be treated.
Zema | Jun 21, 2007 | Reply
I live in an 152 unit single room apartment. My manager hired “Dewey Pest Control”. They said it would only take 1 time. They sprayed fully once and came back 1 week later and just sprayed around my bed area and told me it would be the last time because they really don’t do follow-ups for bed bugs. They also said I probably wouldn’t be bitten anymore after 30 days, which I think is a long time. This has been going on for at least 2 months now because we had another company doing the work that knew less than “Dewey”. So, naturally I have questions. Thanks in advance.
1. Should my building get their money back or have the same company spray 2 or 3 more times, 2 weeks apart? Can they get their money back if need be because Dewey said they could get rid of the problem but they obviously can’t.
2. How long does it take for a pro to get rid of the bugs? Should I be getting bitten for the entire 2 week intervals? And if I am to be bitten for any length of time after proper treatment as bait, what do I do about the paranoia that keeps me up until 2 am every night out of fear of being bitten?
3. How many times out of the 3 is it necessary for me to pull furniture away from baseboards, empty all drawers, closet, night stands, desk, etc, remove my pictures and switch/outlet covers from the walls, and launder alll my clothes? If the 2nd and 3rd times don’t need to be as thorough, where does pest control need to spray?
4. What amount is middle-ground pricing because I don’t what they charged my building but I was informed by my building as well as well as “Dewey” themselves that it was a lot.
5. How do I find a REAL specialist in my area? I live in Los Angeles, California.
nobugsonme | Jun 21, 2007 | Reply
Hi Zema,
Is your whole building infested, or just your unit? Do you know what they used? (Whoever paid should have a receipt stating what they used.)
The vast majority of cases need 3, 4, or more treatments spaced at 2 weeks. You will still be bitten but should have fewer with each treatment.
However, that’s if all infested units are treated and all tenants are fully participating in treatment (which is a lot of work as per our FAQS–cleaning clothes on hot, drying on hot, sealing in bags, etc.) If only some infested units are treated, the bugs can keep migrating over and you never get rid of them.
It sounds like your PCO does not know a lot about bed bugs, because follow-ups are unfortunately necessary in almost all cases. If you still have an infestation, I’d say follow up treatments DO need to be as thorough. The poisons need to be reapplied in the same areas (withthe exception that PCOs may “mix” chemicals by not using exactly the same things every time in a course of treatments).
Don’t go and hire your own company if your building is not going to get all the infested units properly treated. It really can’t be just your apt. that is done right.
I am not a PCO, so all of this is based on what I’ve heard from others, including PCOs and people with bed bugs, but I have been hearing stories for a year.
We have a FAQ written by a PCO that tells you how to find one that knows bed bugs. You might share it with your landlord.
Anonymous | Aug 10, 2007 | Reply
I realize this is an extremely delayed message, but I see that Jessinchicago and Nobugs have a wealth of knowledge on PCO’s and other things that they offered to S many months ago. I was wondering if I could get some PCO advice from them for the Chicago area? Thanks for the help in this painful senario!
nobugsonme | Aug 10, 2007 | Reply
Hi Anonymous!
Sorry–I am not in Chicago, and Jessinchicago is not active on the site right now. However, another bed bug blogger, WindyCityMike, used Smithereen, a reputable and long-running Chicago PCO, and seemed very impressed. He thought they were good and I believe they wiped out his bed bugs.
Hope that helps.
I Lo | Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Just this past week i found two adult bed bugs and some babies. I then threw out me and my parent’s mattress and sofa (getting bit there too), I know it wasn’t the smart thing to do but it just completely grossed me out. I got an exterminator and he sprayed the house, it only took like half and hour but he sprayed everything. The company is PDF. He charged 300 for the house and a guarantee, so he’ll come back until their gone. My new mattresses are coming on monday, is it too soon to bring in new stuff or should it come and i have him spray the bed. Someone HELP!!
nobugsonme | Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I Lo,
Read this:
http://bedbugger.com/2006/11/02/faq-how-do-i-protect-my-bed-from-bed-bugs-part-i/
Then fully encase your mattress and protect the bed. Do not use the old frame unless it is fully cleaned as per the instructions there. Encase the mattress and isolate the bed the minute it comes in the home, and it should not get bed bugs. Use the best encasements you can afford, some are more easily ripped or have gaps where the zipper is.
aznxprncss | Sep 26, 2007 | Reply
nobugsonme,
thanks. I bought murphy’s oil and plan to wash down my bed frame and my floors with the stuff over the weekend. The problem is that my bed frame doesn’t have four separate legs, a front board and back board. I don’t think bed risers would work, i am going to use the double sided tape and get a mattress encasement. Also i haven’t seen anymore bed bugs around my bedframe or on the walls, I hope this is a good thing
aznxprncss | Sep 26, 2007 | Reply
How much would the best encasements range in price?
nobugsonme | Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
The cheapest vinyl ones from Target are around $10, and will rip.
The most expensive covers are $100 and more from various companies.
National Allergy sells stronger vinyl ones and hybrid ones with a protective layer on the inside and a soft outer cover which is more comfortable–prices range from around $23 to $80 depending on size and type. Those are the ones I use. If you click here you get a discount on National Allergy. (Note: I and many others here bought, used, and recommended them for 6 months before we started advertising them on the site.)
aznxprncss | Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Thanks so much.. I just purchased them from there and i hope it’ll be worth the money. should i leave them on for 18 months.. so i know the bedbugs will be dead
nobugsonme | Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
But don’t put them on until your pest control operator treats the bed (as per the FAQs).
Yes, leave them for 18 months. You’ll probably want to leave them on indefinitely–they keep dust mites out of the bed, and if you ever bring bed bugs home again (God forbid!) then they won’t move into the mattress itself. Don’t forget the pillow covers!
Bencannon | Sep 30, 2007 | Reply
I just discoverd this forum this week while searching online. My wife and I moved into a new apartment in manhattan early this year and discovered a heavy infestation of bedbugs. We wish we could have located this site before we finally solved our problem. Our management company hired 2 different pco to treat our apartment but the problem continues. Yes, these companies mentioned that the bait will only work if we sleep at home so the bedbugs and come out to feed on us and in the process get poisoned. This went on for a few months where we would be bitten almost every other evening…it was a living nightmare. We finally got fed up and hired our own pco. They were amazingly knowledgable and friendly. The conducted an agressive 2 part treatment for us over the course of 10 days and we have been free of bedbugs ever since. They also treated several of our adjacent neighbor’s apartment which I’m sure helped as well. They advise on how to prepare and clean with great details. We’re exhausted now but at least free of bedbugs thus far.
Lessons learned from my experience. (1) Take the time to find the right PCO, (2) follow every instruction provided (3) Work with your management company (4) survey your neighboring apartments, and (5) Do panic. There are many good resources in this forum.
nobugsonme | Sep 30, 2007 | Reply
Bencannon,
I removed the name of your PCO since it is the fourth time you have posted a similar message about them in as many days, and in fact, a message nearly identical to this one was posted in the forums. You have told me you don’t work for them and are simply a happy customer. However, readers are fully able to read your other mentions of this company and how great they were in the forums.
I am really glad you found a good PCO to deal with your problem. If i were you, I would remain vigilant, however. Since your neighbors were treated by the landlord’s PCO, and you felt they were not doing a good job, your neighbors may still have bed bugs, or may have them return, and so, unfortunately, your apartment may have them again in future. Be alert, and you are in a good position to seek treatment swiftly if needed again in future.
JackinCrisis | Oct 2, 2007 | Reply
Has anyone ever used JB Pest Control out of Staten Island? My apartment and my neighbor’s apartment have become infested with bed bugs in the last month, and we are at the mercy of who our management company assigns to our building. It appears they have a contract with JB Pest Control. We signed a consent form agreeing to prep the apartment before they come in, but their website doesn’t even mention that they treat bed bugs. How can one find out if their exterminator is knowledgeable at this, and do I have a right to tell my building management who I want to treat my place? (I don’t want to pay for it. I’m broke) Thanks in advance for your help, everyone, this website has been fantastic.
edward Jacob | Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
last month i was infect with bedbugs,not just me but my entire building after trying 6 different exterminating companys was bless by having this company call Pest2kill,Inc they were sent by GOD!!! I swear no more bedbugs for…
edward Jacob | Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
sorry Pest2kill from NYC
persona-non-bugga | Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
edward jacob works at and/or owns Pest2kill, Inc.
This is likely a fake testimonial.
I think this “advertisement” should be left up, so readers can make up their own mind about
(1) the integrity (or lack thereof) of a PCO who does this sort of thing.
(2) the intelligence of someone who sends a sham testimonial but uses his real name.
nyjammin | Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
Great detective work, pnb! I cannot believe that these pcos are trying to cash in on the anxieties of bb victims. Can’t this man be reported for false information?
Marc terry | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
I am a PCO from GA dealing with new outbreaks of bed bugs here. I have found this info very usefull. We have a new product that is “GREEN”. It is a dust that has botanical insecticides. I am just starting to use with all the other non pesticide methods. Hope to have great results. Thank you for the great info posted here.
Bedbugproblem | Apr 12, 2008 | Reply
how the triple S work out with you anonymous because they treat my unit in Fairfax and they are coming for 4th time !
nobugsonme | Apr 12, 2008 | Reply
Bedbugproblem,
This is not a defense of your PCO since I never used them, but getting four bed bug treatments by traditional methods does not necessarily mean you have a bad PCO. 3 or MORE treatments is unfortunately the norm.
Of course, each treatment should be reducing the problem–if someone has not noticed a reduction in bed bugs and/or bites (assuming you react to bites), then there might be cause for worry.
If treatment is not working, though, it doesn’t even mean the PCO is to blame. It can also mean they are coming from the neighbors or another source, and it can also mean prep isn’t being done thoroughly or properly, and so on.
Just wanted to throw that out there. Make sure your landlord/bldg. management has ensured all neighbors above/below/on all sides have had a pro inspect carefully. Don’t take neighbors’ word that they have no bed bugs, or assume they would notice bites. Up to 50% of people don’t react to bed bug bites.
Bedbugproblem | Apr 15, 2008 | Reply
yes they treating people below me too!,no baits on us(good thing) but i found one so they coming 5th time , I hope thats it.
nobugsonme | Apr 15, 2008 | Reply
You may be someone who does not react to bed bug bites. If you are still seeing bed bugs, unfortunately, you may need more than 5 treatments–especially if your building is badly infested.
Bedbugproblem | Apr 16, 2008 | Reply
a saw only ONE thats it
so they coming i hope one more time 
I am tired of this.
nobugsonme | Apr 16, 2008 | Reply
Bedbugproblem,
You probably don’t realize but some people are bitten for six months and see one. Bed bugs hide very well, they’re designed for it. Sorry that’s not what you want to hear, but knowledge is power.
Bedbugproblem | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
my wife get bite last night the nightmare is back. 5th treatment is coming when will be over
nobugsonme | Apr 19, 2008 | Reply
Sorry, bedbugproblem.
Please continue getting treatments at 2 week intervals until there are no more signs or bites.
And please make sure your neighbors (if you live in a multi-unit building) are professionally inspected (top, bottom, all sides). If your neighbors are attached and have bed bugs, so will you. Come to the forums if you want to discuss this further, please:
http://bedbugger.com/forum
InaDream | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
I have been a member for only a few days but never posted a comment. My husband and first got bite on April 9th 2008 and I on April 10th. By April 15th I had found this site and reading up on everything you guys had to offer. I feel like an expert now lol. It took me 3 days to prep for the PCO. It’s now April 21 and today the PCO came over to spray and told us he found NO proof of Bed Bugs. “No Bed Bugs” so what I’m I going crazy!!!!! I have to say he was a good PCO he was all up in my Box spring and checked every inch of our apt. He still sprayed and is coming back in 2-3 weeks. He said it could of been dust bunnies. Has anyone ever been wrong? I read and checked every link, picture, FAQ and blog to make sure what we had was bed bugs but now I’m some what confused. Any ideas ?
nobugsonme | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
InaDream, sometimes people “prep” so vigorously (for example, cleaning and throwing things out) that they clean away evidence of bed bugs. For this reason, we recommend people do not clean or prep until a PCO inspects and finds bed bugs.
Sometimes, though, PCOs can inspect carefully and not see bed bugs. Even if they are there.
On the other hand, you could have another cause for what seem to be bite marks. You might have scabies (which a doctor can rule out, and which would get markedly worse), or fleas, which a PCO should be able to rule out, though you can get plug-in flea traps to rule them out yourself.
Even if the PCO is treating, it is wise to try and find a sample and rule out other problems.
Please click the forums button at top right if you would like to discuss this further.
Bedbugproblem | May 2, 2008 | Reply
what type of chemical they use (PCO)
nobugsonme | May 3, 2008 | Reply
Bedbugproblem,
There are a variety of chemical and mechanical treatments. Your PCO should be able to tell you what they’re using. Come to the forums if you have additional questions:
http://bedbugger.com/forum
Melissa | May 3, 2008 | Reply
I felt like I need to share my story with all of you because I have visited this Website regularly, which has really helped me through my bed bug nightmare. It started out like any other story I’ve heard or read on the internet..suspicious bites and huge hives that itch like hell. I went to my doctor and he gave me some anti-itch cream and sent me on my way. Things weren’t getting any better, so I went to a dermatologist who told me it looked like flea bites and def. were not scabies. Funny thing about the fleas is that I am allergic to dogs/cats and am never around them. So, I got my super (I like in a 3-floor apt. building) to exterminate for fleas…(you know where this is going). Weeks later, problem is still there. I am thinking beg begs but everyone thinks I am crazy, until I find one. I knew it right away when I saw it. I freaked and did the things you’re not supposed to do like threw out my bed and old dresser. (I ordered a new bed and frame that has been warpped in plastic since it’s been in my room). I called the super and the exterminator came to spray, and I was scheduled for them to come 2 more times. During the three treatments, I was still getting bit and my life was really sucking. I washed all my clothes (am I am a girl who loves clothes, so it cost me a lot to clean ALL my clothes). I refused to bring the clothes back into the apt except for a few key items, so everything is in plastic in my car. I’ve cried a lot over this, but I know that if this is the worst thing that can happen, I’m pretty lucky. But, that perspective argument only can comfort you so much. Anyway, I knew these bugs couldn’t have come from me, so I asked my neighbor who had traveled in Europe about 2 months ago if he was experiencing anything like I was. He said no, not at all. Then, yesterday, after 3 months since this whole thing started, he told me he found a couple big, red bed bugs. Since I think I am an expert now on this subject, I knew right away that he was the source of the bugs and the reason why the extermination was not working- they were coming from his apt. Big, red bugs means only one thing- there are a lot of them and these are fully-fed, grown, happy bugs feeding off of a human whose body does not react to the bites at all. My lease is up June 1 (it’s May 3), and I have to leave here for other reasons. I am extemely nervous about bringing the bed bugs with me to my new apt. If anyone has any tips on making sure I don’t bring them with me, please let me know. I am hoping my move, along with my neighbor getting his apt exterminated in the next few weeks will end this nightmare.
Bedbug victim | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Deleted.
See Bedbug victim’s question in forums:
http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/is-my-landlord-choosing-a-bad-pco
Bedbug victim | May 4, 2008 | Reply
Sorry for the double-post. I posted the comment before I realized that you had forums.
nobugsonme | May 4, 2008 | Reply
No worries, Bedbug victim!
Glad you found us.
Nightmare | May 9, 2008 | Reply
I have a question Had a treatment on April 28th. Threw out all furniture infected (room is bare) still seeing babies. How long before I will not see the babies any more? thank You
nobugsonme | May 9, 2008 | Reply
Nightmare,
You need to have follow-up treatments until all bed bugs are gone. Call your PCO today and try to get the next appointment within the next few days (follow-ups within two weeks are best. Traditional treatments do not kill eggs and the eggs hatch within 7-10 days which sounds like your experience.
Do not let up with treatment (approx every two weeks) until all signs of bed bugs and all bites are gone. If you’re renting, in a building, sure landlord has neighbors professionally inspected and treated.
If you have further questions click the “forums” button top right and go there.
Nightmare | May 9, 2008 | Reply
My PCO has returned twice but the pesticides he used he says has a 30 day lasting period. He is scheduled to retreat the entire house 30 days from April 29th. Should i still be seeing babies? They are now secluded to only seeing them in the bathroom and closet? Thank You
Nightmare | May 9, 2008 | Reply
Should I call my PCO every time I see a bug? Thanks Again
beingeatenalive | May 9, 2008 | Reply
I recently realized that I have a serious bed bug problem. Ive been noticing bites for about a month I now have about 40-50 bites. Ive just interviewed several PCO’s but IM un sure how to pick the right one they are all competitively priced and offer the same treatment procedures. I was thinking about eliminating the ones that dont offer steam cleaning. Does anyone know any thing about Terminex. I’m ready to start treatment immediately .What should I use to disqualify a PCO. Does anyone have any recommendations for the New York area. I would like to chose one today I can not stand this any longer. Thanks for your help
nobugsonme | May 9, 2008 | Reply
beingeatenalive,
Please click the button at top right that says “forums” and repost your query there to get lots of answers.
nobugsonme | May 9, 2008 | Reply
Nightmare,
PCOs who know bed bugs seem to favor treating every two weeks or so. The chemicals may claim to have a 30 day residual but we are told that more frequent treatments are a good idea and every 30 days is probably going to mean you have bed bugs for a very long time. I am not a PCO. Please click the forums button at top right to go to the forums and ask questions there. You will get more answers.