http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:24:19 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62792 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:23:38 +0000 DougSummersMS 62792@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We need to look at all of the evidence, then the PCO needs to make the judgment based on training, experience and statutory requirements. </p> <p>If we have unconfirmed alerts we should perform the job the same way we would if the dog was not present.</p> <p>If a K9 misses a large colony like you are describing... The problem is going to be due to poor handling practices... If there is an unmistakable scent image, then it is clear that we are looking at handler errors. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62783 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:54:24 +0000 bugbuster 62783@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>The question remains, however, what do you do when a dog alerts and a visual inspection yields nothing? Do you treat or not? That was dreamersball's situation - she did not treat - and my sister's - and she did.</p> <p>We won't get into how a dog could have completely missed an infestation that was so bad the bed frame couldn't be salvaged. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62782 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:49:59 +0000 DougSummersMS 62782@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>The root problem here is that there was no physical confirmation of the K9 alert.</p> <p>K9 alerts must verified with visual confirmation. </p> <p>A properly handled K9 is a wonderful screening tool, but ultimately the inspection becomes a visual one after the K9 has identified a well defined search area.</p> <p>The PCOs that are creating these problems are the ones that are not performing this critical quality control procedure. </p> <p>As Dr. Potter recently stated during his presentation at Pestworld (paraphrasing Tom Cruise) </p> <p>"SHOW ME THE BUGS!!!"</p> <p>If the K9 alerts are properly confirmed ... We won't see these kind of problems.</p> <p>We can't just say that a similar dog handled by its trainer was 98% accurate in the laboratory. </p> <p>We need to break out a flashlight and get down on bended knee and verify any K9 alerts prior to treatment. </p> <p>We won't be able to verify every single alert do to inaccessible spaces &#38; other conditions.... but we should be confirming the majority of the alerts... if the handler is performing his job properly. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62778 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:17:30 +0000 bugbuster 62778@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Which movie theater? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62771 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:10:05 +0000 dreamersball 62771@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>soscared - 21 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62702">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Thank you for sharing! Do you still get bites?</p></blockquote> <p>I haven't gotten a bite in 2-3 weeks. I have psychosomatic itching all the time, however; killerqueen said that and being freaked out by bits of fluff should last about 6 years. ;)</p> <p>I'll report back if anything untoward happens, but we're hoping we "dodged a bullet" as my dad would say. </p> <p>One confounding factor I should add is that flew to LA &#38; stayed in a hotel for a weekend not long before the bites appeared -- I'm not sure about the exact timing -- so it may be that it was there or at some point during the traveling that we got the bites. A friend of mine told me that she always sees a bite or two of some sort after she goes to a movie theater in manhattan. This has never happened to me, but of course it makes me never want to go to a movie again. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-62746 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:37:13 +0000 JWhiteBBCTV 62746@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey God (Killer Queen), I'm still looking into whether or not we're limiting participants in that charity we developed to bedbugFree companies but as soon as I know, I'll let you know. Although limiting participants in a charity seems ridiculous, since this is the first year we're trying it we don't want to get ourselves in deeper then we can handle.</p> <p>I'm glad God is a Yankee fan.</p> <p>In regards to those reading this who are curious as to what is being developed in regards to charity work, I developed a concept that should be rolled out to the media in the next week or two. As soon as the information gets released, you'll be the first to know. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62721 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:21 +0000 bugbuster 62721@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Dreamersball, thanks for posting this. You are luckier than my sister. She had a dog alert all over her apartment, after she had some oddly itchy spots. The PCO did a brief visual inspection afterwards inspect, but didn't find anything - yet still declared that she had them. She had three chemical treatments, after which the dog came in and alerted all over the place again.</p> <p>By this time, I had contacted KillerQueen and he went over there and did a thorough inspection. He didn't find any sign that she had ever had them, although he found carpet beetles and carpet beetle larvae everywhere (the larvae can cause a bite-like allergic reaction). He said there would have been some evidence somewhere of bedbug presence and there was nothing to indicate that she had ever had them.</p> <p>He set her mind at ease, and she hasn't had a scare since. Now, part two...false negative. We have a situation in our building right now. A dog was brought in to check the surrounding apartments, with special attention supposed to be given to the one directly above. The dog did not alert in this apartment. KillerQueen came in and in a few short minutes uncovered a sizable infestation.</p> <p>I think the extent and thoroughness of KillerQueen's inspections is extraordinary, and I don't know who - if anyone - out there has the time and patience to do what he does. But here are two cases where considerable expense and trauma could have been avoided if the people involved had not taken the dog's word for it and called him in from the start. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-62720 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:14:31 +0000 bugbuster 62720@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh, I beg to differ, KQ - you are godlike. And you know exactly what I'm talking about. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-62719 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:57 +0000 KillerQueen 62719@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Sorry I missed this thread. Do you still need more info? Not at all godlike, I just work hard at what I do. Thanks =) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62702 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:29:22 +0000 soscared 62702@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you for sharing! Do you still get bites? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dog-inspection-false-positive#post-62692 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:52:17 +0000 dreamersball 62692@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm a bit shy about posting on forums, but I wanted to share my story in case it helps others. </p> <p>Recently we got some bites and worried that we had bedbugs. We hadn't found any actual bugs, but they're pretty small so we figured we should get an inspection. An inspector came, didn't find any bugs, but we decided to get a K9 inspection, because we figured if we did have them it wasn't a huge infestation but we wanted to nip it in the bud. It's hard not to get hysterical about the possibility of having bedbugs. </p> <p>The K9 inspection was pretty brief; the dog stayed on the leash &#38; the handler led it all over the house fairly quickly. When it went into the bedroom under suspicion, it sat down right next to the bed, on the side where the bites had been happening. Sitting down is the dog's signal, apparently, that it has smelled bedbugs. So, we concluded that we had them, though the inspector did not do any visual inspection in the area where the dog sat down -- to confirm the presence of the bugs.</p> <p>We decided to think carefully about treatment options, because they're so expensive and we don't have a lot of money. That's when I came across this forum and read some of the advice from killerqueen. We decided it'd be cheaper to pay for another, more thorough inspection, rather than do a treatment, because the fact was, we hadn't ever actually seen a bug. </p> <p>We called Boot-a-Pest, and John came out and did a really, really thorough inspection. He worked more slowly and carefully than the inspection from the previous company. Whenever he found a dark spot that looked like blood, he had a special testing thing he did (it was very CSI) to see if it was blood. He took off the covering of the box spring and looked there; he then staple-gunned it back on. He didn't find anything (except one book louse and some spiders). He declared us bedbug free. </p> <p>John encouraged me to put this information out there, because it does appear that the dog inspections can result in false positives (as well as false negatives). Also, just because you have bites, doesn't mean you have bedbugs in your home. </p> <p>Finally, I would like to give a huge public thanks to Boot-a-Pest (killerqueen) for helping us with this situation. He was friendly, down-to-earth, and professional. This man knows his bugs -- not just bedbugs but all bugs. I also feel like we could call him again if the bites returned, and he would help us deal with the situation sensibly and effectively. But frankly I hope I never have to call him again. :) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62691 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:11:59 +0000 btaggart 62691@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>this is not on the topic of spreading bedbugs via k9s and handlers however this is on the topic of bed bug facts which maybe helpful for a page for people to better understand this industry. I am going to post the links for the IFEDCA and NESDCAS by laws, certification rules and teams. As to not be biased i am going to post both associations links below</p> <p>IFEDCA TEAMS:</p> <p><a href="http://www.ifedca.com/accredited_teams.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.ifedca.com/accredited_teams.htm</a></p> <p>IFEDCA BYLAWS AND CERTFICATION RULES</p> <p><a href="http://www.ifedca.com/ifedca_bylaws.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.ifedca.com/ifedca_bylaws.pdf</a></p> <p>NESDCA TEAMS</p> <p><a href="http://www.nesdca.com/teams.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nesdca.com/teams.html</a></p> <p>NESDCA BYLAWS AND CERTIFICATION RULES</p> <p><a href="http://www.nesdca.com/docs/7-1-09%20bylaw%20revision.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.nesdca.com/docs/7-1-09%20bylaw%20revision.pdf</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62573 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:46:12 +0000 DougSummersMS 62573@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We have well over 100 K9 teams working in the field without any reports of problems from our handlers experiencing a bed bug infestation in their homes or vehicles.</p> <p>Bed bugs do not fly, jump or hop... (Thank God) </p> <p>Bed bugs crawl much like roaches... If I am spending one or two minutes walking my K9 through each room... It is extremely unlikely that a bed bug will get a running start and jump on my dogs paw like a flea as we pass through the residence.</p> <p>No one has published any research on the efficacy of flea products for repelling bed bugs. </p> <p>The active ingredient in Frontline will kill bed bugs... I use it for effective control of fleas &#38; ticks... I have asked several national experts, but there is no consensus about whether flea products have a repellent effect for bed bugs on a domestic pet. </p> <p>We train our K9s to perform a passive alert and point with their nose like a bomb dog... but even dogs that are trained by our competition to utilize an active alert like a drug dog are unlikely to pick up a bug or egg on their moving paws... </p> <p>If my dog was living &#38; sleeping in the affected residence... then there could be an issue with the dog becoming an alternative host under some conditions... but keep in mind that bed bugs do not usually live on their host. </p> <p>A cryptic pest... bed bugs typically feed on a host then scurry back to a hiding place in the environment.</p> <p>If you are worried about transfer... Human clothing and belongings are much more likely to be a vector than a moving K9... I believe that a PCO's uniform represents a much higher risk of transfer than a K9's fur.</p> <p>I often change to clean clothing and bag my uniform before getting back into my vehicle after inspections of infested buildings. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62553 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:21:30 +0000 soscared 62553@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Personally, I will never sell my sweet amazing delicious beloved Packtite. It makes me feel safe and happy. Like cilecto says, you can bring the bugs back on any day. And if you ever plan to travel, won't you want to bake your suitcases? I think Packtite is, sadly, a necessity now that bbs are a worldwide epidemic. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62534 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:38:51 +0000 Nobugsonme 62534@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>zzzra,</p> <p>Your posts on other threads about your Packtite for sale are considered spam and wertr deleted.</p> <p>Your original post about selling your Packtite remains above. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62523 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:11:39 +0000 cilecto 62523@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>In 6 months, you could get a new neighbor who brings in an infestation. Or in a year, you inadvertntky pick up a few in a diner… </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62486 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:48 +0000 zzzra 62486@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>cilecto - 11 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62462">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> As the bedbug problem spreads, the risk of a re-infestation grows. A PT is valuable in helping to prevent and mitigate. If you already have one, why would you part with it?</p></blockquote> <p>First three spraying were done by the exterminator that my slumlord uses on regular basis, meaning this company wasn't specialized in exterminating the bed bugs. Second of all insecticides alone are not good enough to take care of the bedbug problem. This was proven in my case, when I saw live ones after first two spraying. Like with any kind of problem, goal is to get someone who is specialized in certain area, not someone who has general knowledge of the problem. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62462 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:45:24 +0000 cilecto 62462@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>As the bedbug problem spreads, the risk of a re-infestation grows. A PT is valuable in helping to prevent and mitigate. If you already have one, why would you part with it? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62461 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:44:14 +0000 nervousaboutbedbugs 62461@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Upagain's question is something that's been bothering me since I first had a dog team in my home in August. At the time, I was just as concerned with the dogs introducing the bugs as I was about already having them in my home. I spent DAYS searching on the web to find a protocol that should be followed by bed bug dogs and found only a couple of relevant articles, one of which stated that the dogs should be thoroughly combed and blow-dried after each day.</p> <p>The dog handlers I spoke with, however, do none of that. One mentioned using Frontline, but my understanding is that there is nothing in Frontline that would kill a bedbug. Even if it did, Frontline is not a contact killer so would not serve the purpose of repelling or immediately killing any bedbugs that hitched on.</p> <p>I heard several times that if I had a better understanding of bed bug behavior my fears would be alleviated. This might be true, but as a novice bedbugger it seems to me that it could happen. One of the dog teams I hired alerted to bugs by scratching on the infested furniture. This included a chair in my daughter's bedroom that had a rip in the upholstery. The dog must have scratched that chair 10 times - doesn't it seem possible that the dog might have picked up some eggs on his paws/nails during that process? I was also concerned when I noted that the handler's car and the dog's crate were full of dog fur. I doubt the blankets/bedding are washed weekly even. </p> <p>One of the more compelling arguments I heard from a handler was that they bring these dogs home into their homes, so if it were a common occurrence they would have bed bugs themselves. </p> <p>I'd love to hear what other people think about this risk. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62460 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:58:22 +0000 Nobugsonme 62460@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Made changes to this part:</p> <p><blockquote>I believe there are dogs from various trainers which are effective, and there are both <a href="http://www.nesdca.com/">NESDCA certified</a> and <a href="http://www.ifedca.com/">IFEDCA certified</a> bed bug k9 teams which are effective, and where the handler searches for the bed bug the dog has alerted to. (There may also be "uncertified" k9 teams which are as effective.)</blockquote> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62450 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:14:36 +0000 LVK9 62450@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Since KQ is a little far for me to hire to inspect my dog and belongings for me, I am left to fend for myself. I do a couple of things: first I try and schedule my jobs in this order, pro-active inspections, post-treatment inspections and then pre-treatment inspection. Second I use a flea comb and a sticky roller on my dog (sticky roller on my clothing also). Third I inspect the crate and put the blanket that is in the crate in the dryer. The last line of defense is I climb in my packtite with my dog for a two hour nap(Kidding).</p> <p>I also think you need to have an understanding of bed bug biology and their ecology. By understanding them you are better suited to know what to look for and how to keep yourself or your dog from bringing them home with you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62449 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:56:23 +0000 zzzra 62449@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello everyone!</p> <p>I have been reading these and other post since August-never wrote anything myself. Now, I feel that I need to share my knowledge for all those that will be searching for answers just like I I did. So here is my story...<br /> One morning in August I woke up seeing something little running over my sheets, I caught it squish it and found out that this little thing was full of my blood! Disgusting. Googled it and found out that it was a bed bug. Called my slumlord who arranged for a regular exterminator to come out and spray. We never found any source of hiding, no spots on the bed, nothing. I had that so calle d early infestation. Should I mentioned that between my first day of seeing the bedbug and my first spraying I found two more bugs two mornings in a row that fell from me in the bathroom when I woke up. Speaking of moments in my life that I wish never, ever happened. To make a long story short. They sprayed once, then twice then 3 times, then I bought DE, not the one for the pool that one is dangerous for your health, bought Pronto, washed and dried EVERYTHING-coats, hats, scarves, tablecloths, stuffed animals. Every single thing was in the zip lock bags. I had to rent the storage since my apartment wasn't big so I had to make it livable. In the meantime my slumlord decided that he had enough of the bedbugs and didn't wan to to any additional treatment. I hired Action K-9. They did pretty much what everyone described here, so I don't want to repeat myself. Additionally I bought Packtite and regardless of all the spraying I treated all my books and anything that will fit in the Packtite. I bought little steam and steamed little things that were "suspicious " to me. Last time I saw live bed bug was 8/30. End of October I moved out, trashed my old bed and moved on. How do I know that they are gone? That's a hard question for all of us. I don't see them, nothing bites me. I guess I will know in a year. I am paranoid, still looking for them even in the new place. I know that I did every single possible thing available for treating bed bugs-except I did not heat my whole house. All the reading, research I did pointed in one direction, you have to do multiple things to get rid of them. What worked for me was Packtite, DE, Action K-9 and a little steamer. You HAVE to wash or at least dry everything. Don't assume anything, remember nothing is 100%. It cost me close to $3000, all the washing, storage, spraying, Packtite-I'm selling it on Amazon-if you need it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002C4NVO4/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&#38;qid=1258494374&#38;sr=8-1&#38;condition=used" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002C4NVO4/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&#38;qid=1258494374&#38;sr=8-1&#38;condition=used</a><br /> In my worst times I put petroleum jelly on the legs of my bed and DE on the floor. I know that PCO are against DE, but I think that DE works. Packtite works for sure and it can fit a lot. I treated all my shoes, too. If you buy DE, buy the one on Amazon marked Concern. I would use Action K-9 again, those dogs are more accurate then any exterminator and these people are very nice as everyone already noticed. It really, really sucks to have theis experience and it does get worst before it get's better. Oh yeah, I also ended up in the courtroom because I withheld my rent (escrow) so we shall see how is that going to end. Good luck, don't let them beat you, talk to people, read, find friends that can listen and pray. May all the bb's go to freaking hell! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62446 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:22:53 +0000 KillerQueen 62446@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>upagain,</p> <p> When they want it right &#38; don't want to bring the work home, I inspect the cages, paws, feed bags, leashes, and handlers for all the k9 teams in the NY metro area. =) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62443 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:13:16 +0000 upagain 62443@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I was waiting to see if this FAQ was going to fill up fast. Surprised it didn't. Here goes my question: I know that the dog is only a tool, but when used in preventative measures, I was always curios as to what precautions are taken to make sure the handlers, dogs, or even the cages (if they are used) are not transporting bugs from a recently inspected home which has bed bugs to the next home which may not? If the dogs are doing inspections all day, whats to say a nymph, egg, etc. is not picked up in its paws or on its cage? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/need-pco-recommendation-for-denver#post-62442 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:02:31 +0000 DenverBBs 62442@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have just been through a round of treatments by a pest control company that didn't know what they were doing. Needless to say, I still have bed bugs. If you have had success with a company in Denver, please let me know. Thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-k9-faq-comments-welcomed#post-62374 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:56:49 +0000 Nobugsonme 62374@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I am moving this conversation to avoid further distraction on an advice thread.</p> <p><a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cancel-second-treatment-by-nybedbug-dog-what-to-do-next?quote=62373#post-62373">Here</a>, in response to a discussion, I said this:</p> <p>How does this serve us as <strong>a bed bug k9 FAQ</strong>? </p> <p><blockquote>My understanding is that there are two main trainers of bed bug k9s in the USA (Pepe Peruyero and Bill Whitstine), that they have differing approaches, and that Bedbugger readers have at time praised dogs from each trainer. (There are also independent trainers.)</p> <p>I believe there are dogs from various trainers which are effective, and there are both <a href="http://www.nesdca.com/">NESDCA certified</a> and <a href="http://www.ifedca.com/">IFEDCA certified</a> bed bug k9 teams which are effective, and where the handler searches for the bed bug the dog has alerted to. (There may also be "uncertified" k9 teams which are as effective.)</p> <p>On the other hand, people have had issues with bed bug k9 inspections, for example, where a dog alerted but the sample was not confirmed, and then an "all clear" was given and LATER it became apparent that there were bed bugs. It happens, presumably even to the most effective dogs and teams.</p> <p>To the customer, this means a great deal of frustration. I have seen some Bedbugger Forum readers hire one dog after another, getting different results from each.</p> <p>Your best bet may be a handler who searches for a visual confirmation of any dog alert.</p> <p>If you're reading recommendations about particular dogs on the forums, do remember that people who work in the bed bug k9 industry may not be unbiased in this matter. PCOs who have a connection with a particular handler may not be biased. And many customers aren't either.</p> <p>Imagine a dog did correctly assess whether or not you have bed bugs. You go and post a review of your great dog team! A dog team that is only 50% accurate will have 5 happy customers and 5 who may be happy for a while, or not.</p> <p>You have no way of knowing if reviews are coming from a happy customer whose dog team was 50% accurate, or one which was 95% accurate. </p> <p>If your handler visually tries to confirm an alert, you may still not have a definitive answer whether you have bed bugs or not. However, it is arguably better to be unsure whether you have bed bugs than to get an "all clear" in error.<br /> </blockquote></p> <p>Comments welcome from Bedbuggers, bed bug PMPs, and/or dog trainers and handlers.</p> <p>Note: to those in the industry: the FAQ will not state that only NESDCA certified (or NESDCA uncertified) dogs are reliable and equally effective, or that all NESDCA certified dogs are reliable and equally effective.</p> <p>My understanding is this is not necessarily true, since training must be maintained by the handler even after certification tests are passed. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-dog-in-victoria-ca-and-another-in-calgary-ab#post-62176 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:47:36 +0000 Nobugsonme 62176@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/bugs+bite/2213691/story.html">This article</a> (don't let the title bite) tells us a bed bug sniffing k9 is joining Sean Rollo in Victoria, B.C. Sean is well known to readers of this forum and of his <a href="http://thebedbugresource.com">Bed Bug Resource</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2009/11/06/11655971-sun.html">This one</a> tells us there's a dog (claiming to be the first there) in Calgary, Alberta.</p> <p>We don't know anything about these individual dogs and we note that results vary from one dog team to another, but since people sometimes have trouble finding a local option, I wanted to put it out there. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/vikaine-thermal-or-k-9-in-raleighdurhamcary-nc#post-62153 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:58 +0000 silversaturn 62153@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>losingmymindx5,<br /> did you ever find anyone to do the heat treatment in raleigh ?<br /> Or ever find a way to completely get rid of all your bed bugs ? </p> <p>I found a company called Mcnelly pest control in winston...<br /> Number is 336-631-9494</p> <p>if you have found anything here close to raleigh please let me know</p> <p><a href="mailto:Farfromhomeny@aol.com">Farfromhomeny@aol.com</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-62131 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:04:11 +0000 NewBlood 62131@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey everyone, another update!</p> <p>Action returned today with a Dog team I had had in before - handler Steve with Sara (this team alerted to 10-14 places the last time they were here just before my initial treatment on October 13th or so) to sweep the apartment and see what they would find. I had all of my plastic bags unzipped this time as well to be sure they would be checked - and the great scan began and ended with... 0 hits/alerts! He brought Sara around the apartment twice to be sure as well - and no hits at all. As always Steve was friendly and reminded me that if the bites continue to give them a call again and they'll come back out. </p> <p>- NewBlood! (Two new marks/bites were on me this morning but I am beginning to think that something ELSE is getting me, or I'm having a reaction to something in the apartment now). </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pco-recommendation-in-los-angeles#post-62128 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:41:09 +0000 BuggyinLA 62128@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Did you ever find a good PCO in L.A. with a K9? </p> <p>I'm curious because we've had two rounds of thermal treatment on our apartment and I'm trying to decide when to declare the "all clear" -- with an imminent move, travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc., coming up... you get the idea. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/killer-queen-in-ny-mag#post-62110 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:26:41 +0000 cilecto 62110@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>mcs - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/killer-queen-in-ny-mag#post-62098">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> wait, I am confused-- is Boot a Pest (listed on the NY mag link) the same as Killer Queen? (forgive my ignorance, I am new to this forum, it just seems that Killer Queen is so highly recommended...)</p></blockquote> <p>company is BaP<br /> handle is KQ </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/killer-queen-in-ny-mag#post-62108 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:15:53 +0000 watkinsnewan 62108@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>&lt;---see new bite go up to killer queen and click Senior member below the name it will take you to there site... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/killer-queen-in-ny-mag#post-62105 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:11:30 +0000 upagain 62105@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Yes, same. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/killer-queen-in-ny-mag#post-62098 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:39:23 +0000 mcs 62098@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>wait, I am confused-- is Boot a Pest (listed on the NY mag link) the same as Killer Queen? (forgive my ignorance, I am new to this forum, it just seems that Killer Queen is so highly recommended...) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/thermal-in-toronto#post-61888 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:16 +0000 Emmm 61888@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Not as yet, but I know ICE Pest was researching it back in early Spring. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/thermal-in-toronto#post-61875 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:29:19 +0000 als 61875@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>bummmmmmp! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61797 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:52:33 +0000 BuggyinLA 61797@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for all of the feedback, everyone. I'm sure we'll be back to this thread soon with more questions for all of you; the combined experience of this forum is invaluable.</p> <p>We've PMed Alan Elias (Elias2000) from ThermaPure with our contact information, so we'll see how that goes and report back to you all with the results!</p> <p><strong>NervousAboutBedBugs</strong>: What thermal provider did you go with, if you don't mind me asking? (You're welcome to PM us.)</p> <p><strong>BuggyInSoCal</strong>: Is there a specific PCO/specialist at Hydrex that you would recommend that we contact whom you liked? I can PM you or you can PM me to discuss further privately.</p> <p><strong>Elias2000</strong>: We PMed you with our contact information. Since we've reached out to the Precision Environmental/ThermaPure representative that did our initial inspection/sales pitch and haven't heard from him yet, we'd absolutely LOVE to speak with you or someone else directly about how to resolve this situation. Thank you for reaching out to us on the forums and we hope to speak with you soon. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61796 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:03:32 +0000 watkinsnewan 61796@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>NOW That is service from a respectable company.....<br /> Hope every thing works out.. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61795 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:38:56 +0000 elias2000 61795@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>BuggyinLA: very sorry that something seemed to have gone wrong. It is <u>extremely</u> unusual and absolutely not acceptable. I'll make sure we look into it immediately.</p> <p>As for electronics... smaller electronics that can be susceptible to heat are normally removed. If not, the provider should be covering them (and the larger electronics) with thermal blankets.</p> <p>Alan Elias<br /> ThermaPure </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61793 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:14:56 +0000 buggyinsocal 61793@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I had thermal treatment from Hydrex back in June 2008.</p> <p>This is the second account I've heard from someone in the greater Los Angeles metro area of a thermal treatment that as described doesn't sound like it was done properly. (Unfortunately, the previous person who complained about thermal did not name his or her PCO, so I can't tell anyone if it's the same company or not.)</p> <p>It is possible that the provider didn't think your unit was esp. infested.</p> <p>Nobugs is absolutely right on this. For what the landlord likely shelled out for treatment, I would think the landlord would be the person concerned with making sure the company lives up to their guarantee.</p> <p>The candles that weren't melted are a big red flag for me. I had several tapered candles in my kitchen that I missed that melted into giant pools of wax.</p> <p>On the other hand, I did have a few votive candles in the bedroom that were in candle shaped plastic casings (a box of votive candles in a drawer I had forgotten about). Even though I know my bedroom got plenty hot, those candles didn't melt. So I wouldn't say the unmelted candles are a total giveaway that things weren't done properly. (The bug crawling across the bed, on the other hand, is).</p> <p>In the event that there is a reheat, I can offer this about electronics:</p> <p>unplug everything electronic. My TiVos both bit the dust because the PCO neglected to tell me to unplug them.</p> <p>I personally wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my laptop in during treatment because it's a pretty expensive item and unlikely to have bugs in it in my case (I almost never use it on my bed at home, and at the time of my infestation, I hadn't ever had it in the bedroom.) In severe infestations, bed bugs will sometimes get inside electronics, but it's not as common as you might think.</p> <p>If your laptop is older, less expensive, and/or something you could live with replacing, it would probably be okay inside during treatment IF you removed the battery before treatment.</p> <p>Short of electronic items with thermal safety switches (I lost an old microwave because its touchpad couldn't sense my fingers any longer and a few old surge protectors--the best guess on both is that it was thermal sensitivity switches or devices that the thermal fried), electronic items that are totally and completely unplugged with batteries removed should be okay IF the thermal provider doesn't raise the temp too much.</p> <p>Hope that helps.</p> <p>Oh, and also: I don't think all items would be treated with a PackTite. A Packtite is only about the size of a roll aboard suit case.</p> <p>They may put items in a container like a truck and heat the truck, but it would take much too long to packtite a whole apartment's worth of materials one load at a time. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61790 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:41:58 +0000 nervousaboutbedbugs 61790@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We had thermal treatment in September, twice actually. Thermal seems to be a great tool for killing bedbugs, but I've heard from quite a few people on this forum that required more than one treatment. I think there are a lot of new people getting into the field and it takes a while to learn the 'art' of heating a home or apartment. If I had it to do over, I would have gone Vikane.</p> <p>When our thermal provider came back a second time, I was very careful to walk them through the house and show them all of the areas I was concerned about (bins of clothes, etc.). I also showed them the places where the bug dogs had alerted to. During treatment I came home several times to check in. Although it's hot, you should be allowed in to check temp sensors if you request it. I did that not so much because I didn't trust my provider but because I was curious as to how the process was going. </p> <p>To be honest, I'm still not sure if the 2nd treatment was successful, but I'm more hopeful this time around. After the first treatment, my daughters were definitely still bitten - this time around there are still some bumps, but no huge welts.</p> <p>One caution, though... on the 2nd treatment, I suspect the provider upped the temperature to insure success, and there was a bit more damage. We have a set of Hitchcock dining chairs and the glue seams between the wood seats changed colors, probably weakening the chairs. We also had a wax seal in one of our toilets start to leak after the treatment. In our minds, these were prices worth paying if the treatment actually worked.</p> <p>Good luck - I hope your landlord gets them back in there for you! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61784 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:32:10 +0000 Nobugsonme 61784@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I just don't understand why your landlord would pay for a treatment with a 100% kill 30 day guarantee and then when the problem was not solved, would not insist they honor it. Thermal is expensive. I would pressure the landlord on this one first of all. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/precision-thermaheat-treatment-went-terribly-next-step#post-61783 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:16:08 +0000 BuggyinLA 61783@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I live in a tiny studio apartment in LA and had a ThermaPure Heat treatment provided by Precision Environmental yesterday. After the inspection last week they seemed like a great company - they claimed they could treat our wood floors (where the bugs are likely hiding in HUGE cracks), walls, numerous bags of contaminated clothing from previous failed spray preparations, and our wood furniture. Their very confident salesman told us that our electronics would be safe, that the heat was a low 150 and slow - perfect to kill bugs without any damage to our belongings. Best of all, they claimed to have a 100% kill 30 day guarantee! So after meticulously combing our apartment for candles and aresol cans, and moving our bagged clothes back into the closets (per Precision's instructions), two guys from precision showed up to treat 3 different units in the building. They claimed that anything we cared about should be removed from the apartment- suddenly we had to decide if our laptops and antiques were safe. We tried to stay calm and left.</p> <p>Twelve hours later we came home to find the company still there. Our apartment was "done" but they were still there working on one of the other "severely infested" units. We walked into an apartment that was largely untouched beyond the bed. Some walls were warm at random, but most everything was cold. Two candles that we had accidentally left upside-down were un-melted. The apartment was not rifled through at all - it was dirty, but it didn't seem like anyone had walked around checking internal temperatures. </p> <p>Not more than 20 minutes after entering the apartment I saw a bug bed run across the bed. ON THE BED. Assuming that they did bother to point a heater at the bed, our best guess is that the floors and infested clothes were left untouched, so the bugs just crawled back after the heat treatment.</p> <p>In my panic I squashed the bug, so although I was able to get the technician back into the apartment he didn't believe that there really had been a bedbug. He said that when they were heating there had not been any bugs running around, there was "no visible activity," and therefore they could do nothing. He suggested that we wash all of our clothes again (even though the inspector has explicitly stated that we would not need to wash any clothes. I caught another live bug about an hour later.</p> <p>So, what's next? I have no idea really. Our management company has decided that Precision can't really solve the problem and that heat won't work, so although they are Precision's client (and I am not), they are uninterested in pushing Precision to do more. Although management is being accommodating their current plan is to have Precision come back in a few weeks and have us move to another building while treating all of our belongings in a PackTite. </p> <p>I'm looking into the future and all I can see is lost work time, bugs, and living out of an empty apartment. Any advice on advocating that Precision live up to their original 100% claim would be greatly appreciated. We're certainly looking into vikane treatment, and any SoCal experiences regarding that would be great too. We spoke with Lloyd's in Anaheim and they seem like they seem sure that vikane will work, but Precision also claimed that they could solve all of our problems so I'm very skeptical. HELP! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/if-you-ever-need-help-in-denver#post-61708 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:50 +0000 DenverBBs 61708@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm thinking about bringing in one of the dogs. Does anyone know approximately how much they charge? Thanks much! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61540 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:49:54 +0000 NewBlood 61540@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey watkinsnewan,</p> <p>90 Days since the end of the second treatment (I believe). This would mean roughly January 13th or so for me. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61533 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:18:08 +0000 watkinsnewan 61533@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Glad to here.....Just out of curiosity How long is the warranty... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61532 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:49 +0000 NewBlood 61532@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey everyone - </p> <p>Action Pest Control just left, they were very friendly as always. Unfortunately their dog handler was sick today (the one scheduled to see me) so I couldn't have a dog sweep to see where the bugs are hiding. They did spray some chemicals on my floor, cracks/crevices and my couch/bed frame just in case but didn't want to do any large chemical treatment without having a dog to help them figure out where the bugs are. The chemicals they used look like it was... Suspend, Demand, Transport, Onslaught, and CB80 - a mixture of the first four I believe and the CB80 was separate. </p> <p>I was glad for their arrival again - they recommended I vacuum again so I'll go back to my 1/2 the apartment schedule as of tomorrow. They also answered a host of questions I had too - very patient folks! Hopefully the bites will die down a bit - and if not I am already in the works to have a dog team down to sweep the apartment again. Another week or so it seems - but I'm not overly worried about it. Life as usual (or as usual as it can be with these things) for me until then!</p> <p>Oh, they also pointed out that they'll come back out as often as needed (and allowed based on the chemicals they used) to treat me until the bugs are gone or until the warranty ends. :) I think that you're in good hands should you choose them. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61501 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:25:59 +0000 NewBlood 61501@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Congrats Petong! </p> <p>Alas for me I am still getting bit constantly - every day I've had 1 - 5 new bites show up on me (even since they announced me bed bug free two weeks ago) in the morning, or the mid-evening hours. They are coming back this afternoon to resweep and possibly retreat if they find anything this time. I'll update again with what happens later today after they visit! I still have not seen a single bug, casing, blood spec or spot during this time - and if they don't find any this time I'm going to convince myself that something ELSE is attacking me. </p> <p>Wish me luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61469 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:11:40 +0000 soscared 61469@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>WOW, Petong. congratulations. I am jealous. We are having our 3d treatment with them tomorrow.</p> <blockquote><p><cite>petong - 1 hour ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61459">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Just a quick update: Had our second treatment with Action this past Friday—only a week after our first, not sure why the landlady scheduled it so soon, I thought you're supposed to wait 2 weeks between treatments. They brought the dog in again, a different one from the first time, and it did not indicate BBs anywhere in the house. Also, I haven't been bitten since that first treatment. So I'm feeling pretty optimistic!</p></blockquote> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-61459 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:57:44 +0000 petong 61459@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Just a quick update: Had our second treatment with Action this past Friday—only a week after our first, not sure why the landlady scheduled it so soon, I thought you're supposed to wait 2 weeks between treatments. They brought the dog in again, a different one from the first time, and it did not indicate BBs anywhere in the house. Also, I haven't been bitten since that first treatment. So I'm feeling pretty optimistic! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60872 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:12:17 +0000 109er 60872@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi all, everyone has some good points here.</p> <p>I don't know how Terminix is structured in NYC specifically but from my conversations with the people in their office it seems that they are located in Long Island City, Queens and send teams out from that location.</p> <p>Thanks to the information on this forum and this site I was not expecting to be 100% rid of bugs on the first treatment. I have been quite willing to be patient and wait for subsequent treatments to do the full job. My problem is that despite speaking to everyone in the office including their supervisor I can't actually get a technician to my apartment to do another treatment and they seem totally unconcerned by their terrible customer service.</p> <p>I have contacted my building manager and his response was that he will contact them and "take care of it". That was Friday; today is Monday; I still have bedbugs. Perhaps they don't schedule appointments over the weekend. Fine. But I had better hear from them very soon.</p> <p>On a related note can anyone recommend potential legal services for BB issues in NYC? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60767 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:02:04 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 60767@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Just a note about action first quote. It is always a difficult task when people ask about throwing things out. On one hand if it all goes resolution will be easier to achieve which is what folks want, on the other hand throwing stuff out can be expensive so you try and be sensitive especially when<br /> things have sentimental value. So people want quick resolution and want to limit throwing things out. Already two opposing forces. Unfortunatley in the early days around 2001 - 2003 I probably felt bad and tried to work around not throwing things out. Fortunately with encasements this is less of an issue these days and for some who can afford it there is fumigation and now heat. But sometimes some things gotta go. Just be sure to bag it before taking it out and indicate that it has bed bugs so some other chap doesn't pick it up. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60757 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:54:08 +0000 NewBlood 60757@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>soscared - 21 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60674">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Hey Newblood,<br /> How is it going? Still getting new bites?</p></blockquote> <p>Hey SoScared,</p> <p>Yes as a matter of fact I am! However I'm not sure if they are bed bug related or from some other insect. If they don't stop by the end of this week I'll have to call Action again to get another sweep and treatment if I need it. Hopefully it won't come to that though and it's just chiggers, or other bugs that are getting me at the moment but if it is bed bugs I'm ready for more weeks of vacuuming. :) I still haven't seen a single bug, cast off skin, or the like - just the occasional bite.</p> <p>- NewBlood </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-60755 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:23:58 +0000 wchicago 60755@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>David<br /> Thank you!!!! :) I've been reading the forums and am happy to consider you one of the 'godlike' PCOs (heck, when dealing with bedbugs, all PCOs take on somewhat godlike status -or maybe knight in shining armor status -here with steamers and sprays instead of swords to save us from the foul beasties) </p> <p>But you totally gave a really understandable explanation for why he wanted outlet covers off but did not treat them (must not have been anyone in 'em). The couch has been here only about a month, so how advanced could my infestation be really? Although -can i tell you how freakishly icky it is too look under my sofa at the moment and see all those bedbug corpses (like at least 40)? yowza. weirdly, i have yet to see corpses anywhere else in the house. the outlets aren't close to any area of bb activity -they are far far from the sofas. There is one right by my bed. But he must have checked it since he asked me to remove the covers.</p> <p>And I'll schedule and ask for my next treatment at 16 days out to get all the wee ones who may have hatched :)</p> <p>Ok, back to steaming my computer chair now. It might seem pathetic to some (but probably not anyone on this forum), that dealing out hot steamy death to potential bedbugs (haven't seen any in the chair so far, but the bites must be comnig from somewhere in my office? unless they are a delayed reaction to those i got on the sofa? hmph) is now a 'fun' way to spend a Saturday. . .<br /> Oh, and i think its time to change over the laundry. . .just another weekend post-bedbugs.</p> <p>**Thanks again**, this was really helpful. Maybe i'll call Orkin (my provider) and ask if steaming the baseboards in my office could somehow mess up the phantom he put in the bedroom. . . </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-60699 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:08:19 +0000 BBCOUKonTour 60699@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I am not sure if I classify as godlike (most would say I work for the opposition). I cant comment on the choice of chemical because we have different active in the UK but the timing of the second visit should be at least 14 days after the first and more likely 16 - 17 days after.</p> <p>This is to take into account egg hatching times for any eggs that they may have missed or not treated for.</p> <p>If you have persistent activity you may need to check with adjoining neighbours. My logo was spotted in the airport tonight and I ended up having a log chat with one of the airport workers about bed bugs and how friends of his keep getting them, some work related and other from adjoining neighbours. Often they do the move to attempt to get rid of them but don't realise how hard that is to do correctly.</p> <p>With regards not doing the switch plates etc it rather depends on if activity was in those areas. I actually find that infestation of plug sockets and outlets is rare in cases where the outlets are not extremely close to the main infected area or in advanced infestations. Even in cases where I do see it I prefer manual removal over chemical treatment in those locations.</p> <p>Hope that helps, I will have a word with my mate George who owns two of the sets of cloning patents to see if there is any advances but sadly the process as it currently stands is not efficient enough as you would have to wait for KQ jnr to grow up and pass the appropriate legislation before they could work as a PCO.</p> <p>Hope that answers at least a few of the questions.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60686 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:06:01 +0000 soscared 60686@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I hope they are right, Petong. They told me the same thing. But now after the second treatment, I am still being bitten. But I keep hoping they are just coming it out to the lure of the poison. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60675 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:50:35 +0000 petong 60675@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Had treatment today. I've been really anxious again the past few days, worried that my roommate would not be ready, and sure enough, this morning when the PCO guys got here the roomie had not vacuumed his room or stripped his bed. I had to do these things as he had already gone to work. The guys calmed me down, assuring me that it wasn't such a big deal, that the rest of the house was very well prepped, and that our infestation was mild. They said they were confident that they could knock this thing out easily. </p> <p>However, when I got home my landlady said that the PCOs had particularly mentioned how many BBs they found in the roommate's room. Now I'm really scared that if they were that bad in his room he's taken them to work with him and will just keep bringing them back without knowing it (according to him, he's not reaction to the bites at all). But I guess that's just out of my hands at this point. </p> <p>The PCOs said that they feel confident that they got everything. They said anything we had was either dead or it was going to die. So we'll see. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60674 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:46:45 +0000 soscared 60674@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey Newblood,<br /> How is it going? Still getting new bites? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2-questions-questions-for-killer-queen-or-other-godlike-pcos#post-60648 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:55:21 +0000 wchicago 60648@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi<br /> I'm a newbite from chicago. I bought a brand new sleeper sofa that came with an evil "bonus" and because it was new it never occurred to me that the bites i got within 3 days of having it might be bedbugs until a PCO came to treat for possible fleas, saw a cast bedbug skin on sofa and said it was infested. In the month since getting the new sofa i managed to spread them to my bedroom and a sunroom (my evening routine = i sit on new sofa to watch some tv, go into back sunroom and play with dog, check email in my office, and go to bed -so i was bedbug vector to almost all other parts of the apartment. ARGH). Anyway, I spent 4 days washing, drying bagging all clothing as per PCO requests -also removed switchplates, outlet covers, etc all over apartment although he ended up not reating any of them, don't know why.<br /> He came and treated with steam on sofa and bed, Bedlam on sofa and bed, and phantom on bedroom baseboards, sunroom baseboards, living room baseboards. He didn't treat any of the switchplates or anything in my office despite my request to treat the office (i've been bitten in there -but he said he couldn't find evidence of activity - i have 2 desks, 2 computer chairs, a lateral file, a bookcase and a dresser for off season clothing-he only inspected for -i'm not kidding, 2 minutes-scanned the room and said "no acitivity").</p> <p>I know, get to my questions (thank you for your patience with my babbling. I think bedbugs cause babbling, at least they seem to in me)</p> <p>Question1 -since he did not treat in there, can i steam, let dry, and then dust DE (lightly and safely, i read the insanely helpful FAQ and bought a respirator)? i know he doesn't want me doing anything (steaming or vacuuming or mopping or anything) in the rooms he put phantom. Could steaming in an untreated room somehow mess up what he has done in the treated rooms? Note: the office and bedroom share one wall which i could avoid steaming. I do not want to mess up his work, obviously, but also do not want to keep getting bitten in my office (i spend alot of time in there because i am currently working from home). I'll definitely steam all the furniture in there myself (fun weekend ahead) but what about the baseboards?</p> <p>Question 2 - he used phantom at .125% (i know because he left a list of what was done and where). But everything I've read on here seems to imply it should be .5%? Should i worry it is such a low concentration? Ask him why it is so low? (I don't want to anger him by asking too many questions)</p> <p>PCO's manager said i should schedule next treatment in 10 days, my PCO says 14 is better. I'm assuming he (PCO) is right, but let me know because I'm the one who schedules the next (final) treatment and i want to get it right (though they'll come back for a month after second treatment if there is evidence - i bought some climbups).</p> <p>Thank you thank you thank you in advance for answering -this site is so incredibly helpful. Killer Queen, if you read this -please consider cloning yourself and sending a clone to Chicago. Or --maybe a road trip? Soon? :) I'll pay for an inspection, treatment, AND treat you to all the deep dish chicago pizza you could eat (and no snarky comments on chicago vs new york pizza please. :) all pizza is good-- they are just different. three cheers for pizza diversity!) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/while-i-wait-for-my-pco#post-60604 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:30:27 +0000 rod 60604@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>i found a bedbug on my sheet last night at around 4am. i lifted my matress up to discover 3 more live ones. i've informed the super and they've called a PCO who is going to come in a week and a half. in the mean time i've been preparing to bag my clothes and wash them in hot water, dry them on hot, and then place them in new bags for use. </p> <p>my question is, what should i be doing in the mean time? the PCO said to spray the mattress and place DE around the baseboards. a week and a half seems like a long time. i'm also concerned that they're only going to be treating my unit (i live in a three story apartment building mixed residential and commercial). to make matters more complicated i am moving at the end of november. </p> <p>is it enough to get treated for a month, launder and spray everything, move into a new place and hope for the best? any advice?</p> <p>i'm a little shaken by this. any pointers would be greatly appreciated. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60599 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:58:26 +0000 Nobugsonme 60599@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Action k9,</p> <p>I would strongly advise against your phone number on the forums. Please let me know if you would like it deleted and also, remember you can Private Msg other users with such info. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60592 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:38:01 +0000 ActionK9 60592@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Petong..... call me direct with your questions. Please understand, we are an extremely busy operation. We have given you prep sheets and while we cannot address every single item that a customer may or may not have in their possession...you have to use common sense.</p> <p>There are FAQs on here regarding some of your concerns. If you empty a drawer..put the items in an open box/container so that it can be exposed to the treatment. If it can handle a high heat dryer cycle...do it.</p> <p>732-552-8857 Todd </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60564 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:16:17 +0000 ruthven78 60564@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>yeah I would deffinetly let your super know, maybe he can cancel the contract for them not keeping up their end of it and then switch to a better PCO. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60522 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:22:15 +0000 petong 60522@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>OK, so far Action has been really bad about returning my phone calls about prep questions. Not very impressed on this count. If pre- and post treatment is so vital to the success of the treatment, I would hope for some clearer instructions and a little more help when questions arise. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60512 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:33:44 +0000 NewBlood 60512@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>petong,</p> <p>I myself left my belongings unbagged until they showed up - then everything had to be removed from my shelves and I was unsure as to what to do with it all (leave it in piles on the floor, leave it in bags?) so I bagged my stuff in those large lawn garbage bags you can get from anywhere. I asked what I should do with the stuff and the PCO indicated that I should leave them in bags until the following week. I get the feeling that I may have hindered the process by doing any 'stuff' work myself -&gt; which is why if I have to be retreated again I'm not going to touch anything. I'll let them decide what to do with the stuff - I would suggest you do the same. (Don't bag anything like books or the like - Susan had told me not to. If you have to move the stuff I guess just leave it on the ground or something? Ask the PCO's when they show up but if I end up getting retreated again I am NOT going to bag the stuff this time). The prep instructions are unclear about what to do with those items (it's clear on clothes and bedding) aside from removing them from the furniture - so let them move them I suppose.</p> <p>In my case I picked up those Hefty One Zip plastic bags and put all the books, DVDs, etc into them. After the sweep this past Friday I decided I would take all the things out of the bags as instructed. Susan had told me repeatedly not to bag any such items before the first treatment - which is why I was worried when I did bag them on treatment day (and why I kept asking her what I should do since I had done so). </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60497 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:33:13 +0000 Nobugsonme 60497@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>petong,</p> <p>Definitely address your questions about prep to the company. Don't worry about what people say on the forums -- others do not know your situation, what it looks like, or what the PCO is planning to do. People using other firms might do a different prep routine, but it does not make it better or worse. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60496 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:28:03 +0000 Nobugsonme 60496@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>ActionK9 - 21 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60440">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> nobugs.. to address your comment regarding your "not being a fan" of putting untreated "stuff" in bags. This is something as a PCO ; not sure anyone dealing with Bed bugs can really boast the title "PRO", we are all striving to to find an economical and relatively painless solution with the least inpact on our "living space" environment. However, one thing we come up against is, an apartment/home/condo that is ..well..not minalmalistic. ...</p> <p>... Lets say we do miss a few bugs that were tucked in a purple Crown Royal bag that held your poker change; that was in a giant Ziplock bag of a nightstand you emptied. We can open all the bags and run the dog and check. A not so perfect "process of elimination" but sometimes its all you got. Trying to narrow down a very elusive and crafty bug.</p> </blockquote> <p>Hi Action,</p> <p>Thanks for your response. I do appreciate the difficulties of treating cluttered homes. It sounds like you have a protocol for dealing with the possibility of stragglers in bags. That's good. Oh, and when I say I am not a "pro," I mean professional. I don't work in bed bug treatment.</p> <p>We have a FAQ <a href="http://bedbugger.com/2007/03/27/faq-how-do-i-prepare-for-pest-control-treatment/">about whether people should bag their stuff.</a> The main suggestion is to ask the PCO questions about their plans -- when the stuff will be brought out. </p> <p>And I wrote the FAQ because some people were bagging their stuff without a PCO's instructions to do so (just because others were doing it, I guess) and also because some PCOs were telling people to bag and not giving any further direction about when or how to remove the stuff. You can imagine this can be disastrous! </p> <p>Re: dogs -- I have heard bed bug dogs <strong>can</strong> be effective (have heard reports and seen the research) but have heard some are not. <strong>Speaking generally, </strong>and <em>not </em> about your firm, it's important for readers of this thread to recognize that results from dogs may vary. </p> <p>(And let's not have anyone -- <em>you know who you are</em> -- jump in and tell us that whether a bed bug dog is effective correlates with who trained them or didn't train them, or whether they're certified by a certain body or not; it's speculation and anyway, I think we all know it's probably <em>a lot more complicated than that</em>. I don't want this to become derailed into one of "those" bed bug dog threads!) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60494 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:09:48 +0000 Nobugsonme 60494@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>It's possible the building management had something to do with the lack of communication (I wonder if they knew about the cancellation).</p> <p>I am not defending the company, but everyone should note that Terminix (and other large pest chains) vary in terms of service from place to place. They're not all the same, as buggyinsocal noted. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60488 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:49:44 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 60488@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have to agree here, while you certainly sound like you were not properly treated both as customers and for bed bugs, it may not be fair to blame the whole company and perhaps the Mgmt may be a part of this as well. I am not now nor have I ever been affiliated with Terminix. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60487 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:48:11 +0000 bait 60487@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My first PC experience was with Terminix in Queens, NY. I spent about $800 (or was it $400 or $600 - can't really remember). It was a waste of my money and time. I got no shows, wrong advice, lack of communication, indiscreetness, etc etc. My friend used the same company/people and got rid of her BB problem. Go figure. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60480 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:47:14 +0000 soscared 60480@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks, Todd. I may call. I'm just freaking out bc they are biting me a lot more, and the dog today alerted to MORE locations, rather than less. Hopefully it's bc they've been "woken up" only to hit poison and die. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60467 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:44:14 +0000 petong 60467@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>NoBugsOnMe — My status is, the dog indicated bugs in all 4 bedrooms in the 3 apartment building I live in and in the walk-in closet off my living room. I'm on the top floor so it looks like the BBs have moved down from my apt, since I seem to have the most activity up here. No one else in the building is complaining of bites, not even my roommate whose bed also has them according to the dog. </p> <p>The PCO guy said it looks like we have a relatively mild infestation that should be easy to treat and my landlady scheduled the treatment for Friday morning. </p> <p>But, like NewBlood, I'm a little worried about my own prep work. Pretty much all of my clothing—nuked in the dryer—is either in vacuumed Space Bags or ziploc bags in clear Sterilite tubs (which my PCO guy said were no good on their own, hence the ziplocs within). I think I'm ready to get started on vacuuming the apt, but my vacuum in really crappy, so I have to figure out what to do about that. And I find the info regarding books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, office papers, belts, shoes, duffle bags, etc. kinda confusing. The prep sheet simply says "All loose items shall be removed from floors and closets emptied." Ok, emptied, but what do I do with the above mentioned stuff? Put it in bins? Baggies? The PCO who came with the dog said that books and shoes and coats where ok to leave unbagged, which, if I understand the treatment makes sense—even if there are bugs in those, they'll come out, get all up in the poison and die or stop breeding or whatever. Either way, I'm trying, unsuccessfully so far, to get in touch with Susan at Action to ask her some questions about prep. </p> <p>Besides all of which I have no idea whether my stoner roomie is doing his prep correctly or if he'll even be ready by Friday morning. SO frustrating. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60463 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:57:42 +0000 buggyinsocal 60463@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Far be it from me to defend Terminex (or any other PCO I've not used), but I did want to say this.</p> <p>We frequently get mixed reviews of large pest control chains. Part of this is likely because the quality of individual offices within those large companies varies widely.</p> <p>I don't know NYC geography to know if saying that the Terminex on the Upper West Side of Manhattan is specific enough to be of help to other bed bug sufferers or not. And I don't want to push you into revealing details of exactly where in the city you are, as I myself am very cagey for safety reasons about revealing exactly where I am in the greater Los Angeles metro area (as anyone should be).</p> <p>As far as getting your problem taken care of, did you tell your super about their lack of professionalism, poor customer service, and ineffective treatment? It does often take multiple visits from a PCO for chemical treatment to work, so the fact that the bed bugs haven't gone away after one treatment (or at least that fact alone) isn't proof that the treatments won't work in the long run. However, better education of the customer (like, oh, I don't know sticking around to answer questions and give you info on what you can do to suppor treatment) and showing up for scheduled appointents would seem a given. At any rate, I would mention it to the super just in case a word from someone with a contract with them will get you better service. (The phone people from my PCO were always very rude to me on the phone when I called, unless they assumed and I failed to correct them that I was my landlord, when suddenly they were terribly helpful. I thought the same principle might apply to your PCO.)</p> <p>But if you're comfortable telling people exactly which Terminex office you had problems with, your information will likely be more helpful to people.</p> <p>We've also heard positive reviews of some Terminex offices (I think. I don't recall exactly) in other states or cities, so it's important that people know which offices to avoid. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/do-not-hire-terminix#post-60462 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:39:00 +0000 109er 60462@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello All,</p> <p>I would just like to get some information out there to the community. I live on the Upper West Side in Manhattan in a large multi-unit apartment building. About 2 months ago my roommate's girlfriend started getting bites when she stayed in our apartment. Lo and behold a PCO positively visually identified BBs and it was plain to see that we had a problem.</p> <p>I immediately contacted my super who informed me that the building had a contract with Terminix. He gave me their preparation instructions and phone number and I called to make an appointment. </p> <p>On the day of the appointment my roommate and I waited in the apartment and no one came. We called back and were told that no appointment was in their system. This was extremely aggravating but we made another appointment, not knowing what else to do.</p> <p>On the day of the second appointment... again, no one came. I called to find out what was happening and they explained "Oh, the technician is sick, he's not doing any jobs today". Of course, I wasn't TOLD that my appointment had been cancelled until AFTER I had spent 3 hours waiting. I got a little testy on the phone and they sent someone later that day (luckily I had off). </p> <p>One technician showed up and told me I had to leave the apartment for a few hours. I went to a coffee shop around the corner and when he was finished he called me from his van, already driving away to tell me he was done. I had no chance to ask him further questions or get his advice on what to do next. All he said was to vacuum up the dust he had spread throughout the apartment the next day.</p> <p>Needless to say, our BB problem was not solved. So I called Terminix once again. They were supposed to come last Thursday. No one showed up. I made another appointment for this morning and called yesterday afternoon, spoke to the woman who made the appointment to confirm and STILL, no one has come to my apartment. When I have talked to them to find out what's going on they simply say that the technician isn't picking up his phone. </p> <p>WHAT THE *#&#38;%$!</p> <p>So please, take it from me, do not hire Terminix for your bedbug problem. They are utterly and totally incompetent, their customer service is clueless and unhelpful, and they have 4 TIMES failed to perform the most basic and fundamental task of any business which is to arrive at scheduled appointments. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/action-pest-control-nj-%e2%80%94-treatment#post-60448 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:59:58 +0000 NewBlood 60448@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey ActionK9, hey NoBugsOnMe,</p> <p>Thanks very much for responding - and I'm doing my best not to panic! :) It's rather tough, but I know it can take up to 9? 10? days for the bites to show up. I'm waiting until next Friday - and if I keep getting bit I'll have another sweep of the apartment again. You folks have been incredible during the entire process - so thanks so very much!</p> <p>If I do get any positive hits this time I'm not going to touch anything that I own (as I was a bit unsure of what to do with all the books and whatnot I have) and I'll leave it to the experts to move about or put in bags, or whatnot. I'm hoping that it's some other sort of bug and not bed bugs getting me at the moment though! </p> <p>- NewBlood </p>