Comments on: FAQ: Should I do my own pest control for bed bugs? http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/ bed bug news, information, activism, and support Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:27:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-10239 nobugsonme Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:35:20 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-10239 Hi Shyam, The best thing might be to call the best PCO you can in Dubai (friends will likely have recommendations, even if no one has had bed bugs) and talk to them. I have heard some US PCO says they would treat with steam if there is an infant under one in the home. I suspect a safe treatment can be provided for a home with a toddler. In any case, contacting them and communicating your concerns should be a possibility before you actually consent to treatment. Steam must be carefully and strategically applied -- it is possible to do yourself but a pro will do a better job. (The same is even more true of pesticides and dusts.) I also recommend you copy and paste your query onto the forums page, since you will likely get more responses there: http://bedbugger.com/forum/ (or click blue forum button at top right). Hi Shyam,

The best thing might be to call the best PCO you can in Dubai (friends will likely have recommendations, even if no one has had bed bugs) and talk to them. I have heard some US PCO says they would treat with steam if there is an infant under one in the home. I suspect a safe treatment can be provided for a home with a toddler. In any case, contacting them and communicating your concerns should be a possibility before you actually consent to treatment.

Steam must be carefully and strategically applied — it is possible to do yourself but a pro will do a better job. (The same is even more true of pesticides and dusts.)

I also recommend you copy and paste your query onto the forums page, since you will likely get more responses there:

http://bedbugger.com/forum/

(or click blue forum button at top right).

]]> By: Shyam Iyer http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-10222 Shyam Iyer Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:54:02 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-10222 I stay in Dubai, UAE and have a 2 1/2 month old baby at home. We have noticed a couple of bed bugs over the last few days on a sofa cum bed in the living room. This is used for sleeping at night although there are no complaints of bug bites as yet. I am not too sure of going in for PCO treatment with my baby around at home. Is there any way out...Please help, treat this as an SOS call... Waiting for a response at the earliest.... I stay in Dubai, UAE and have a 2 1/2 month old baby at home. We have noticed a couple of bed bugs over the last few days on a sofa cum bed in the living room. This is used for sleeping at night although there are no complaints of bug bites as yet.

I am not too sure of going in for PCO treatment with my baby around at home. Is there any way out…Please help, treat this as an SOS call…
Waiting for a response at the earliest….

]]> By: Bed bug spray and coffee: Cincinnati needs professional help | bedbugger http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-6644 Bed bug spray and coffee: Cincinnati needs professional help | bedbugger Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:33:10 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-6644 [...] So do not walk into a convenience store. Get real help. Do your homework: start here. [...] […] So do not walk into a convenience store. Get real help. Do your homework: start here. […]

]]> By: Useful information: list of pesticides labeled for bed bugs | bedbugger http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-6131 Useful information: list of pesticides labeled for bed bugs | bedbugger Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:39:11 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-6131 [...] does not encourage people to self-treat their bed bug infestations, because it is usually not the fastest or best way to get rid of bed bugs, and it can often make [...] […] does not encourage people to self-treat their bed bug infestations, because it is usually not the fastest or best way to get rid of bed bugs, and it can often make […]

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5890 nobugsonme Sat, 08 Sep 2007 04:33:47 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5890 This is good advice from Nomo. Do read the FAQs before you do too much, since it can help you avoid mistakes. Don't worry too much about speaking with the landlord. There is no way to prove where your bed bugs came from (work, new furniture delivered in trucks, a building handyman and neighbors are all possible). So don't allow the landlord to blame you, but you also should not be certain who to blame. Neighbors should have their homes inspected by a qualified PCO but remember, they may have them and have no idea (if they are unallaergic). Most important thing is prompt treatment by a professional who knows their stuff. Oh, and don't start with DE before consulting this PCO. Some of them won't treat you if you first self-treat. Ask them and you can probably supplement with it later (food grade DE is good stuff). This is good advice from Nomo. Do read the FAQs before you do too much, since it can help you avoid mistakes. Don’t worry too much about speaking with the landlord. There is no way to prove where your bed bugs came from (work, new furniture delivered in trucks, a building handyman and neighbors are all possible). So don’t allow the landlord to blame you, but you also should not be certain who to blame. Neighbors should have their homes inspected by a qualified PCO but remember, they may have them and have no idea (if they are unallaergic). Most important thing is prompt treatment by a professional who knows their stuff. Oh, and don’t start with DE before consulting this PCO. Some of them won’t treat you if you first self-treat. Ask them and you can probably supplement with it later (food grade DE is good stuff).

]]> By: hopelessnomo http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5887 hopelessnomo Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:47:49 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5887 Hey buggin out, sorry you found bedbugs. Please save a few in a ziploc bag and read the rest of the FAQs as they will help you a lot. There is a landlord/tenant faq that will give you an idea of what to expect in your city, if it's listed, or how to search for that information elsewhere. There are also many treatment faqs. Finally, you can also ask a question or participate in the forums, the blue bug above. You just... call your landlord. ASAP. It's as simple as that. Well, no, but you need not overthink it, just make the first call. You should remain calm when you speak to them. This will help a great deal. Depending on where you live, chances are they've come across this before and will have someone good already under contract. If not, you need to make your case for expert treatment since a knowledgeable and experienced PCO is usually the key to solving this problem and not everyone knows bedbugs. Treatment is recommended roughly every 2 weeks until there are no more bites and no more signs of bugs (fecal specks, blood, cast skins). Most people need at least two treatments and many need several more. However, this can be over relatively quickly if you and your landlord are smart about it. Adjacent units should be inspected to make sure the infestation is not coming from the neighbors. There are many ways to get bedbugs and it's not easy to identify the source. You will need to deal with your clothing and linen, and will probably need to return to your bedroom. Sleeping in the living room will just spread the bedbugs to that location. Good luck! Hey buggin out, sorry you found bedbugs. Please save a few in a ziploc bag and read the rest of the FAQs as they will help you a lot. There is a landlord/tenant faq that will give you an idea of what to expect in your city, if it’s listed, or how to search for that information elsewhere. There are also many treatment faqs. Finally, you can also ask a question or participate in the forums, the blue bug above.

You just… call your landlord. ASAP. It’s as simple as that. Well, no, but you need not overthink it, just make the first call. You should remain calm when you speak to them. This will help a great deal. Depending on where you live, chances are they’ve come across this before and will have someone good already under contract. If not, you need to make your case for expert treatment since a knowledgeable and experienced PCO is usually the key to solving this problem and not everyone knows bedbugs. Treatment is recommended roughly every 2 weeks until there are no more bites and no more signs of bugs (fecal specks, blood, cast skins). Most people need at least two treatments and many need several more. However, this can be over relatively quickly if you and your landlord are smart about it. Adjacent units should be inspected to make sure the infestation is not coming from the neighbors. There are many ways to get bedbugs and it’s not easy to identify the source. You will need to deal with your clothing and linen, and will probably need to return to your bedroom. Sleeping in the living room will just spread the bedbugs to that location.

Good luck!

]]> By: buggin out http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5886 buggin out Sat, 08 Sep 2007 02:32:11 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5886 HELP! I just found bedbugs in the pleats of my bedskirt and a few in the seams of my mattress. I live in an apartment building and reading all the comments on this website it seems like I have to get the landlord involved. My husband and I threw out the bedskirts and killed the bugs we found in the seams but unfortunately we did not know what we were dealing with and used bug foggers in the bedrooms before discovering the bedbugs. We have been sleeping in the living room every since while I wait for my order of DE to arrive. We have a 3 bedroom apt and found them in 2 of the bedrooms, the bedroom in the middle of the 2 have not shown any signs of bed bugs but will still treat. Any advice from anyone who has dealt with their landlord? At first I was too embarrased but obviously it is not my problem, I moved here 7 months ago and my furniture is either new or what I previously owned so the bugs had to have come from the neighbors. HELP! I just found bedbugs in the pleats of my bedskirt and a few in the seams of my mattress. I live in an apartment building and reading all the comments on this website it seems like I have to get the landlord involved. My husband and I threw out the bedskirts and killed the bugs we found in the seams but unfortunately we did not know what we were dealing with and used bug foggers in the bedrooms before discovering the bedbugs. We have been sleeping in the living room every since while I wait for my order of DE to arrive. We have a 3 bedroom apt and found them in 2 of the bedrooms, the bedroom in the middle of the 2 have not shown any signs of bed bugs but will still treat. Any advice from anyone who has dealt with their landlord? At first I was too embarrased but obviously it is not my problem, I moved here 7 months ago and my furniture is either new or what I previously owned so the bugs had to have come from the neighbors.

]]> By: buggedin NYC http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5799 buggedin NYC Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:55:32 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5799 Totally agree on the underbed-storage issue during treatment -- I should've been more clear. I kept everything out of the room during treatment, but they are great for after-treatment storage, as they don't give the critters a good place to hid - they don't like slippery plastic - prefer fabric. I would caution against keeping too much under the bed, though, so you can see everything, but in my particular situation it works (I have plently of room left over.) A good vacuuming under the bed once a week keeps me sane. FYI, I did have professional help (no way would I try this all by my lonesome) but did quite a bit on my own. Thanks! Totally agree on the underbed-storage issue during treatment — I should’ve been more clear. I kept everything out of the room during treatment, but they are great for after-treatment storage, as they don’t give the critters a good place to hid - they don’t like slippery plastic - prefer fabric. I would caution against keeping too much under the bed, though, so you can see everything, but in my particular situation it works (I have plently of room left over.) A good vacuuming under the bed once a week keeps me sane. FYI, I did have professional help (no way would I try this all by my lonesome) but did quite a bit on my own. Thanks!

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5797 nobugsonme Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:53:06 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5797 Oh, and I also would not personally store anything under the bed during treatment. (For my own sanity, frankly, not after treatment either.) I know that's hard in a NYC home, where space is at a premium, but personally, I want nothing to obstruct my vision. A sealed bag is probably safe, so others may feel differently. But during treatment, you want things as sparse as possible. Oh, and I also would not personally store anything under the bed during treatment. (For my own sanity, frankly, not after treatment either.) I know that’s hard in a NYC home, where space is at a premium, but personally, I want nothing to obstruct my vision. A sealed bag is probably safe, so others may feel differently. But during treatment, you want things as sparse as possible.

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5796 nobugsonme Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:51:43 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/01/08/faq-should-i-do-my-own-pest-control/#comment-5796 Hi buggedinNYC, Thanks for your comments. Glad your bed bugs appear to be gone. A few points: first, I recommend XL and XXL ziplocs. They have double zips and are very well sealed. I have not tried the new resealable SpaceBags, but I note that the vacuum seal ones did not work well for me. Also, NEVER use a bag that has had dirty stuff (dirty=could have been exposed to bed bugs) for clean stuff (clean=known bed bug-free). This is VERY important. Also, while it is possible to get rid of your own bed bugs if you do your research, are very cautious, do not make any mistakes with the substances you use, are lucky AND do not live in a space attached to anyone else's home (that is infested), people in multi-unit buildings can and should never assume their neighbors don't have bed bugs. For this reason, I'd caution anyone in a multi-unit or attached home against trying to self-treat, since neighbors above, below, and on all sides must be professionally inspected and will likely need treatment. All the best! Hi buggedinNYC,

Thanks for your comments. Glad your bed bugs appear to be gone.

A few points: first, I recommend XL and XXL ziplocs. They have double zips and are very well sealed. I have not tried the new resealable SpaceBags, but I note that the vacuum seal ones did not work well for me. Also, NEVER use a bag that has had dirty stuff (dirty=could have been exposed to bed bugs) for clean stuff (clean=known bed bug-free). This is VERY important.

Also, while it is possible to get rid of your own bed bugs if you do your research, are very cautious, do not make any mistakes with the substances you use, are lucky AND do not live in a space attached to anyone else’s home (that is infested), people in multi-unit buildings can and should never assume their neighbors don’t have bed bugs. For this reason, I’d caution anyone in a multi-unit or attached home against trying to self-treat, since neighbors above, below, and on all sides must be professionally inspected and will likely need treatment.

All the best!

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