Comments on: bed bugs on NPR again: “Bed bugs spiralling out of control all over” according to Richard Cooper http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/ bed bug news, information, activism, and support Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:20:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2196 willow-the-wisp Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:37:45 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2196 there was a squashed bb in the elvator today--probably not a repell there was a squashed bb in the elvator today–probably not a repell

]]> By: Jayson Barclay http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2178 Jayson Barclay Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:49:56 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2178 I like to think of my wife as a bed bug. That's because she's always on my back, and bleeding me dry. I like to think of my wife as a bed bug. That’s because she’s always on my back, and bleeding me dry.

]]> By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2138 willow-the-wisp Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:11:07 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2138 :) :)

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2135 nobugsonme Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:48:58 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2135 Repellents are a bad idea. They can drive bed bugs deeper into the walls--which does not get rid of them. I hope you are wrong about this one. Accodording to the SF bed bug protocols, put out by the SFPHD, they are not supposed to leave it for you to "see if thigns get worse." They should have treated. This document outlines the protocols they're required to follow in SF, which include treating your unit within 3 days of your complaint. Click for PDF: http://www.sfdph.org/eh/pubs/BbReg.pdf (We should probably continue in forums!) :-) Repellents are a bad idea. They can drive bed bugs deeper into the walls–which does not get rid of them. I hope you are wrong about this one.

Accodording to the SF bed bug protocols, put out by the SFPHD, they are not supposed to leave it for you to “see if thigns get worse.” They should have treated.

This document outlines the protocols they’re required to follow in SF, which include treating your unit within 3 days of your complaint.
Click for PDF:

http://www.sfdph.org/eh/pubs/BbReg.pdf

(We should probably continue in forums!) :-)

]]> By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2133 willow-the-wisp Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:30:54 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2133 I'm so glad you asked ... I don't. It was an assumption--and I brought it up or broached the topic with two janitors in the elevator--they did not answer me. I suspect that is what they would do here in my hotel. it had a raid like odor. And I was out of league to insinuate it was a repellant I’m so glad you asked … I don’t. It was an assumption–and I brought it up or broached the topic with two janitors in the elevator–they did not answer me. I suspect that is what they would do here in my hotel. it had a raid like odor. And I was out of league to insinuate it was a repellant

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2131 nobugsonme Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:25:58 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2131 Willow, how do you know it was a repellent and not something that kills them? Willow, how do you know it was a repellent and not something that kills them?

]]> By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2130 willow-the-wisp Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:20:06 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2130 My hotel sprayed a repell like smelling substance in all the halls and elevators. This was sometime last night--I think. My hotel sprayed a repell like smelling substance in all the halls and elevators. This was sometime last night–I think.

]]> By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2105 willow-the-wisp Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:14:33 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2105 All true. I even showed him my samples of some adults in a coffe can--3 dead and starting to decompose. As far as the matresses I had already sealed it 3 1/2 weeks ago with duct tape and heavy duty plastic. I mentioned I thought he/they should treat the whole building. I sort of put off the PCO treating "on a if it gets any worse basis. My hotel said they wouldI have to say that there are so many cracks and ways ofr them to get in and out--they (the few adults that survived) problably went out--the way they had come in. I'm not happy about it--but I'm not overly dissatisfied either. All true. I even showed him my samples of some adults in a coffe can–3 dead and starting to decompose. As far as the matresses I had already sealed it 3 1/2 weeks ago with duct tape and heavy duty plastic. I mentioned I thought he/they should treat the whole building.
I sort of put off the PCO treating “on a if it gets any worse basis.
My hotel said they wouldI have to say that there are so many cracks and ways ofr them to get in and out–they (the few adults that survived) problably went out–the way they had come in.
I’m not happy about it–but I’m not overly dissatisfied either.

]]> By: willow-the-wisp http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2104 willow-the-wisp Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:32:27 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2104 I sort of figured that was how it would go with sfdph ... Either that--or I'd somehow be blamed. (The latter is was my negative thinking coming into play). But we left it open ... since I have already PARTIALLY treated, that I could call him back if it gets visibly worse, but he did sort of come off as, well .. I don't see anything moving in here (no active infestation). I showed him the jar with the few specimens I took; he told me to get glue traps from our monhly PCO. He said to place them near the bed and areas I suspect. My battle is only 1/4 done. The one's I could see--are dead and or gone. hopefully DEAD. The one's I know I can't see, are my next task to tackle. That can take months--then there is the preventative stuff which I will never stop doing. ie, extra hot time in the dryer for clothing ... checking for signs of reinfestation--but on a more minute scale than what is usually suggested. FYI everyone--Tell tale signs of blood on the sheets or itching and welting are not tell tale signs--they are acute and active infestations. When will people get it? This whole thing about checking the bed and the bed frame is ok---but the infestations start much more insidiously becase the little buggers are so buggin small. For me ... now ... and I hope someday for everyone we will view BB's as Parasitic germs that just happen to be classified as "real bugs" taxonomywise. I saw a guy, 60ish in laudry today ... he was washing ecverything Told me he had jsut ogtten a brand new bed. He brought up the fact about how the dryers stink more than once--Yes I thought poor guy ... he's got them too. I demonstrated to him how I was not folding my clothing on the table, rather I was just shoving it into the plastic bags directly from the drier. becasue bb's are common in the laudrymatt. This opened up a partial conversation: But Americans are so addicted to quick fixes--this can not be so--especially not so with the bb. I mentioned how Alcohol cansometimes help people ... Then he was off and running with one topic: R. Alcohol--he sort of shut me out like he'd finally found the answer to all his bb woes. Best I could do was write out "cimex lecturalis" and tell im to please go to the library and read up all you can. A young mother with her kid were there and I know she was listening. Yet, she folded all her laundry as usual--so I guess seeing is beleiving to everyone--even to PCO's and some folks who work in the Public sector of health. WhAT AN F'n shame. Willow I sort of figured that was how it would go with sfdph …
Either that–or I’d somehow be blamed. (The latter is was my negative thinking coming into play). But we left it open … since I have already PARTIALLY treated, that I could call him back if it gets visibly worse, but he did sort of come off as, well .. I don’t see anything moving in here (no active infestation). I showed him the jar with the few specimens I took; he told me to get glue traps from our monhly PCO. He said to place them near the bed and areas I suspect.
My battle is only 1/4 done. The one’s I could see–are dead and or gone. hopefully DEAD. The one’s I know I can’t see, are my next task to tackle. That can take months–then there is the preventative stuff which I will never stop doing. ie, extra hot time in the dryer for clothing … checking for signs of reinfestation–but on a more minute scale than what is usually suggested.
FYI everyone–Tell tale signs of blood on the sheets or itching and welting are not tell tale signs–they are acute and active infestations. When will people get it?
This whole thing about checking the bed and the bed frame is ok—but the infestations start much more insidiously becase the little buggers are so buggin small.
For me … now … and I hope someday for everyone we will view BB’s as Parasitic germs that just happen to be classified as “real bugs” taxonomywise.

I saw a guy, 60ish in laudry today … he was washing ecverything Told me he had jsut ogtten a brand new bed. He brought up the fact about how the dryers stink more than once–Yes I thought poor guy … he’s got them too.
I demonstrated to him how I was not folding my clothing on the table, rather I was just shoving it into the plastic bags directly from the drier. becasue bb’s are common in the laudrymatt.
This opened up a partial conversation:
But Americans are so addicted to quick fixes–this can not be so–especially not so with the bb. I mentioned how Alcohol cansometimes help people …
Then he was off and running with one topic: R. Alcohol–he sort of shut me out like he’d finally found the answer to all his bb woes.
Best I could do was write out “cimex lecturalis” and tell im to please go to the library and read up all you can.
A young mother with her kid were there and I know she was listening.
Yet, she folded all her laundry as usual–so I guess seeing is beleiving to everyone–even to PCO’s and some folks who work in the Public sector of health.
WhAT AN F’n shame.
Willow

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2103 nobugsonme Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:07:15 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/28/bed-bugs-on-npr-again-bed-bugs-spiralling-out-of-control-all-over-according-to-richard-cooper/#comment-2103 Bugalina, Willo's visit wasn't from the PCO. It was from the SF public health inspector. Willo, Do you know if your normal monthly PCO is spraying specifically for bed bugs? In most places, they only treat for roaches. This is really important. You need to be treated professionally for bed bugs. I know you've done a lot on your own but you can't match what a good PCO can do--especially on a budget. According to the SF guidelines on bed bugs (in the Tenants FAQ) they have to move you to another room and treat. A good housing inspector should be able to find signs besides live adult bugs. I am appalled, based on your description, that they're blowing it off. One thing they should be doing is treating your mattress (they should be treated in a certain way before being sealed). You can't really do it yourself--and it can be dangrous (most pesticides are not ok for this). I am sorry, but I am appalled that someone from the health dept. would tell you to continue spraying alcohol and putting down DE, when that goes against SFPHD guidelines for treating bed bugs in rentals and hotels. WHat's more, if the whole building is infested, they have to treat your unit in the same way as the others--aggressively--or they can be driven to uninfested units. (Someone else in your position, who did not treat, might have called the inspector in and they'd have seen the bed bugs. Because you tried to help yourself, they are not as visible. Doesn't mean they're not still a serious problem.) Frank, Mention your blog anytime. In my opinion, blogs are all about sharing and communicating, and people should be having one big conversation. I hope everyone will visit the other bed bug blogs we link to! (And let us know if you find more.) Bugalina,

Willo’s visit wasn’t from the PCO. It was from the SF public health inspector.

Willo,

Do you know if your normal monthly PCO is spraying specifically for bed bugs? In most places, they only treat for roaches. This is really important. You need to be treated professionally for bed bugs. I know you’ve done a lot on your own but you can’t match what a good PCO can do–especially on a budget. According to the SF guidelines on bed bugs (in the Tenants FAQ) they have to move you to another room and treat. A good housing inspector should be able to find signs besides live adult bugs. I am appalled, based on your description, that they’re blowing it off.

One thing they should be doing is treating your mattress (they should be treated in a certain way before being sealed). You can’t really do it yourself–and it can be dangrous (most pesticides are not ok for this).

I am sorry, but I am appalled that someone from the health dept. would tell you to continue spraying alcohol and putting down DE, when that goes against SFPHD guidelines for treating bed bugs in rentals and hotels. WHat’s more, if the whole building is infested, they have to treat your unit in the same way as the others–aggressively–or they can be driven to uninfested units.

(Someone else in your position, who did not treat, might have called the inspector in and they’d have seen the bed bugs. Because you tried to help yourself, they are not as visible. Doesn’t mean they’re not still a serious problem.)

Frank,

Mention your blog anytime. In my opinion, blogs are all about sharing and communicating, and people should be having one big conversation. I hope everyone will visit the other bed bug blogs we link to! (And let us know if you find more.)

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