http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:23:35 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62597 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:47:37 +0000 cilecto 62597@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>ohmyhagaren - 10 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62561">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> So I just noticed I got a bite on my ankle...almost positive it's a bb bite. Also in class i noted a nymph?, on my notebook...so i killed it.<br /> I guess they didn't get rid of all the bugs...</p></blockquote> <p>Ow.<br /> It's likely that there are BB elsewhere on campus, not just your room. You might be picking them up there.<br /> BB treatment generally requires human bait and follow-up.<br /> You might have taken eggs with you when you went on exile, now they've hatched.<br /> Your alternate room may also have had a problem.<br /> Don't despair. You just have homework. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62561 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:40:38 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62561@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So I just noticed I got a bite on my ankle...almost positive it's a bb bite. Also in class i noted a nymph?, on my notebook...so i killed it.</p> <p>I guess they didn't get rid of all the bugs... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/best-solution-for-shoe-decontamination#post-62473 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:28:20 +0000 DrBugg 62473@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Cook em Danno, thanks for this help! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/just-moved-plz-help#post-62394 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45:22 +0000 damaged 62394@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi Everybody,</p> <p>I'm new to this site and made a big mistake of moving into a house with a friend that had bed bugs in the basement but she had never been exposed to them sleeping upstairs. I woke up with the infamous linear pattern on my arm, and only slept in the bed one more night after that. I did EVERYTHING I was supposed to. Washed all my clothes in hot water and dried on high heat, placed them in garbage bags and carried them out to the deck immediately. All my belongings were placed in Rubbermaids or Clear Sealed bags. Poulin's pest control came in to do the initial house treatment on Thursday of last week, I brought my belongings on a truck to the heat vault at their location (it heats your things up to 140 degrees for 6 hours, the only "known" method to eliminate EVERYTHING including eggs). From there i treated the back of the truck and the tarp I used, used New bags to put everything in, and had it brought to my sister's house in the country where I am staying until the end of December. I go back and forth between here and my other sister's place when I work evenings in the city, and have been *very* careful. I returned here to the country after not sleeping here in the past five nights, with my things only delivered last night around 7pm where I brought them directly to my spot downstairs. For some reason I was worried, so I slept on the couch upstairs. When I went downstairs about an hour before sunrise this morning, I felt the need to inspect. When I turned my pillow over, I found a bed bug... ALIVE. Now keep in mind this is a brand new bed here, I did not bring any furniture over. My sister will KILL me if I carried them here, even though I did everything right. Am I going to have to go through extermination again?? Or was this one little tough guy that escaped everything? When I called Poulin's to speak with the Quality Control Supervisor he said he wouldn't normally be too concerned considering sometimes they can live for 5 days after crossing the product, but the fact that my belongings were in the heat vault and something may have survived does cause a little concern. He's planning on sending someone for an inspection today. I already can barely sleep even when I thought I was safe, now I feel so sick to my stomach that I may have to go through this all over again. Do I tell my sister? Does ANYONE have any advice for me? I'm going absolutely crazy, considering that I already suffer from OCD. Please help! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62379 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:34:35 +0000 cilecto 62379@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Keep us posted. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62376 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:39:51 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62376@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I've started slowly moving back. They did encase my mattress...if you can even call it that? I'm not even sure what they put over it. But no they did not insert the pad under the encasement, they just threw it on the other [the empty] bed in my room.</p> <p>Thanks for all the advice everyone. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62362 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:11:59 +0000 cilecto 62362@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>&gt;a large public in-state college in NJ.<br /> So not Florida, West Virginia or Kentucky. </p> <p>&gt;They had us...put stuff in the dryer<br /> Typical of a BB treatment, good sign.</p> <p>&gt; My mattress pad was a foam mattress from walmart<br /> As I understand, it's not bagged. Need to determine if they treated it. Did they encase your mattress? If so, they might have inserted the pad in the encasement. In any case, this is an item I'd expect to be treated or encased. If not, speak with facilities.<br /> &gt;I'm..procrastinating moving back<br /> As noted, being there is part of treatment. Yes, you might get a few bites. Please speak with your nurse about some symptom relief and be comforted with the idea that in time, you will beat the bugs. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62360 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:01:13 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62360@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I don't really want to be specific, but I attend a large public in-state college in NJ. </p> <p>They had us wash or more specifically put stuff in the dryer [bedding, and clothes, I also threw in my shoes and bags just in case] and bagged them too. While staying in the new place, I didn't have any bite at all so I don't believe I brought any of the bugs over.</p> <p>My mattress pad was a foam mattress from walmart? I believe the brand was canopy or something like that.</p> <p>Right now, I'm just procrastinating moving back...everyone else in my suite has moved back except for me but my room was the one that had the infestation in the first place according to my knowledge. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62353 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:35:02 +0000 cilecto 62353@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>ohmyhagaren - 1 day ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62255">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> My suite had a bed bug infestation and they made us move out for a little over two weeks.</p></blockquote> <p>OMH, I'm a little concerned about this protocol. For homes, the "standard" BB treatment is to treat once, then move right back in. BB tend to lay low when there's no "food" around, so you serve as "bait" to draw them out of hiding and over the (relatively short-lived) poisons. They may bite for a while, but they're toast. Then they treat again in two weeks, to catch any nymphs that have hatched in the interim. I imagine that there might be a different protocol for hotels, where it wouldn't serve them well to have clients serve as bait. Also, PCOs often recommend (washing/drying and) bagging of certain items before treatment, to keep them from becoming refuges for fleeing BBs.</p> <p>Where do you go to school? A few colleges are doing "cutting edge" BB work, like U of Florida's "spot thermal" and UWV's (or is that UKY's) thermal. Definitely talk to your college officials. See if they have a clue.</p> <p>I'd suggest posting on a item-byitem basis. What kind of mattress pad are you talking about?</p> <p>If treatment is not successful or complete, you need to have a strategy for keep from infesting the places you visit (like your family when you go on break) and your car. We have a lot of good people and info here and we grow smarter (I hope every day). Hang in there, best of luck. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62346 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:30:39 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62346@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I guess? Is that enough treatments to make them go away? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/best-solution-for-shoe-decontamination#post-62337 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:58:13 +0000 CookEmDanno 62337@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I keep a spray bottle of 91% rubbing alcohol by the front door and spritz my shoes inside and out before leaving the house. (And hope nobody lights a match.) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62327 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:47:08 +0000 watkinsnewan 62327@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Isnt that four treatments.. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62312 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:37:37 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62312@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I was told that they had done a "double" treatment. I know that they made us move out on a friday, and then treated on a monday, and then treated again on a friday. Then to the best of my knowledge, they did the same thing the week after that.</p> <p>And I'm told that I have to move back by monday...I'm still in the place that they made us stay temp...and I'm afraid to go back if they're still there but if the exterminator says that they're gone...I think it should be okay, but then again....they could be still hiding. HELP?? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/best-solution-for-shoe-decontamination#post-62261 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:24:18 +0000 DrBugg 62261@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>my child has suede shoes, and travels frequently between our home and another family member's home. drying has been a solution for other types of shoes we have (sneakers for ex.), but if I dry these, they will likely shrink or have the fabric ruined. I dont have finances for a steamer, etc. I see some people have mentioned a hairdryer or alcohol. Are these legitimate solutions? Does anyone have another inexpensive solution? I cant risk infection from their home or from ours. Please advise, thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62260 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:57:31 +0000 MyWorstFear 62260@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hmmm, it doesn't seem like the exterminator understands bed bugs. Unless he hit them directly with his chemicals or his shoe, they are alive and hiding somewhere in the cracks and crevices of that room/suite. Since they made you move out for 2 weeks, then no one was sleeping there, and thus there was no bait to draw then out of their hiding spots so they could cross the chemicals and die! Plus no chemicals kill the eggs, which take about 10-14 days to hatch. If they don't come back for at least one more treatment, the eggs will hatch, feed, and the whole darn cycle will continue. Please read the FAQ's on this website and then go talk to whoever's in charge so they can do what needs to be done. Do you react to the bites? If so, you will know pretty soon (if you do have to move back in...but if possible, try not to!) if the exterminator was successful. But I really believe 2 weeks is not enough time, and one treatment is definitely not enough. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bug-dead-after-drinking-my-blood#post-62257 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:42:01 +0000 cilecto 62257@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Welcome, BBB. Wow, interesting.<br /> Assuming it's BB, I'd leave it to the experts to weigh in on the effects of BB feeding on an intoxicated host. In that case it can be said that MADD caused BBs.<br /> Note that a single BB feeds about every 5-10 days, so with one bug, you will not be bit nightly. They do not travel far to feed and can only detect food within a radius of about 2-3 meters. So if bugs are finding you they are nearby, even if not in your "block". The adjoining units should be inspected an treated.<br /> Best of luck. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-do-to-after-extermination-of-my-dorm-room#post-62255 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:26:28 +0000 ohmyhagaren 62255@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My suite had a bed bug infestation and they made us move out for a little over two weeks. They've exterminated the whole place and now, they're giving us the OK to move back in.</p> <p>Is there any precautions i should take? They said they exterminated the bugs...but i'm afraid to move back in if they come back. I've been bite-free for the two weeks i've been not living in my room and I'm not really looking forward to going back. I had slept at my desk in my room for over a week before I finally informed someone and they finally took action. But they were around I think since I moved into the dorms [early september]</p> <p>They also said that I should wash any other clothing/cloth-like items i left in my room during the extermination. What should I do with my foam mattress pad then? I can't possibly fit it in a dryer/washer, and I'm not sure if they treated it or if they did anything to it. I'm a poor college student that can't really afford to replace it, if need be. Should I just throw it away and call it a loss? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bug-dead-after-drinking-my-blood#post-62251 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:29:13 +0000 bigbadbugs 62251@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Have had possible bed bug bites for nearly 6 months now and up until now haven't seen any actual bugs.</p> <p>The environmental officer came to visit yesterday and still we couldn't find any 'evidence.' I have been told the infestation must be elsewhere in my block and they're just coming in at night to feed! (They don't bite every night, and I'm not sure I'm reacting to bites anymore although feel increasingly itchy and keep looking around with the torch at night).</p> <p>Then last night feeling very itchy i used the torch and SAW ONE! Quite small, almost glowing red from my blood, sitting right on the side of the bed. It didn't move, and seemed dead. I had drunk some vodka! Did I kill it?</p> <p>I previously thought I saw one - in my bath water. So disgusted and horrified I tried to get it out of my bath using a shampoo bottle and ended up squashing it, but it looked like an unfed adult. Then I came back when its body dried out later, and saw lots of miniscule teeny tiny white bugs running away.</p> <p>Does this sound like bedbugs?<br /> Do bedbugs die if they drink alcohol filled blood/do they die when small?<br /> Is it likely that I don't have an infestation but they come and 'visit' me at night? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62199 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:06:14 +0000 bed-bugscouk 62199@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We have less of an issue with the UK mail system, partly because they keep striking and mail deliveries are erratic and secondly with have a dual rate postal system.</p> <p>If you are worried about sending bed bugs you just need a first class stamp to the envelope or to run it through a mangle.</p> <p>David </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/buying-a-new-mattress-how-safe#post-62198 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:59:39 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 62198@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You don't want to be a pest but you don't want to get any either. If you can pick it up, best practice. Otherwise have it taken off the truck still boxed and wrapped, remove box and inspect plastic and mattress. Remember there is nothing that attracts cimex to new mattresses. Have the new mattress moved to your door at then remove the plastic and introduce your new mattress to the other furniture in your house. Discard plastic bag wrapped and outside. I worked with one major mattress distributor and developed protocols for reducing the odds of cross contamination in trucks. Unfortunatley the independent contractors did not always follow the protocols. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62194 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:51:17 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 62194@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I believe bed bugs must be sent Certified Mail. according to USPS/246-39.</p> <p>The odds of getting a cimex gram in the form of a letter are small, pack a bit into a box in an infested environment or use questionable packing material and it increases the odds. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62192 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:06:41 +0000 bed-bugscouk 62192@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>de-selftreat - 4 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62189">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> extremely unlikely. you have more chance of being struck by lightning.</p></blockquote> <p>Hmm interesting and Geeve's tells me that 1030 people are struck by lightening each year but thankfully only about 70 die as a result.</p> <p>However 100% of people who bring bed bugs into their homes have an infestation of bed bugs in their homes and the annual number of infestations although unknown is higher that 1030, in fact we do more than twice that number each year.</p> <p>Lies dam lies and statistics. Yes the risk is generally low but its much lower if you ask people with known infestations to be extra careful with regards the postal system. Remember loose lips sink ships and avoidance is much more preferable to any cure.</p> <p>David </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62189 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:14:31 +0000 de-selftreat 62189@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>extremely unlikely. you have more chance of being struck by lightning. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/buying-a-new-mattress-how-safe#post-62188 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:13:28 +0000 de-selftreat 62188@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>make sure it's wrapped in plastic or at least inspect it between removal from the truck and taking it into your home. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/buying-a-new-mattress-how-safe#post-62183 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:11:52 +0000 grinanberit 62183@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I want to buy a new mattress but fear that the truck or warehouse might have bedbugs (since they take away old mattresses for free). I don't have bedbugs now and I don't want to get them.</p> <p>What questions should I ask, and what precautions should I take when buying a new mattress and having it delivered? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-62155 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:18:25 +0000 bedbuggery 62155@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Funny how easy it is to go from the term "infest" to "infect."</p> <p>There is a tendency to think of BB's in the sense of a pathogen.<br /> Indeed they may be "contagious" i can't think of another term better than that really.</p> <p>What I find most fascinating is that it is only an "infection" in that we are totally materialistic human beings and our stuff is an extension of us, to the degree it's physical and personal. That's the way it is I guess... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-61982 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:07:16 +0000 BBcoukHome 61982@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>If an infected items is wrapped and sent through the mail if is possible that it will arrive along with the bed bugs, it is also possible that a few may escape during transit.</p> <p>Therefore I would suggest that you respectfully ask your friend to make sure that the items they post are free from bed bugs via PackTite or suitable precautions before shipping so that they avoid sending them to you and even worse infecting other peoples items.</p> <p>I do not however feel that the risk of getting bed bugs via the post without being sent an infected items is great enough to be of concern to anyone, it is more of a concern that you might infect those who work on the postal system.</p> <p>The control of bed bugs should be from the senders end not the receivers.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-61976 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:55:35 +0000 upagain 61976@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>This is something that was always in the back of my mind. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-and-the-us-mail#post-61974 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:43:44 +0000 reporterinnewyork 61974@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Does anyone know if bedbugs can be spread through the US mail? I know someone<br /> who has bedbugs and he sends me mail and packages every once and a while. Do I need<br /> to do anything with the mail before bringing it into my home? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/co-op-board-hysteria#post-61912 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:08:40 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 61912@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>While one certainly would like to be proactive in regard to bed bugs I have seen a number of cases in which Boards have been hyper active. I have also consulted with several in similar cases<br /> in which one person suspects they may have and suddenly 40% of the apts have despite having no other evidence or indication. A big problem here is with the K9 handlers. Inquire as to the alerts and inspect further your self. You might consider passive monitors such as insect monitors, climb ups or even NightWatch units. This can be a most difficult situation and boards tend to over react. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/co-op-board-hysteria#post-61873 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:12:11 +0000 cilecto 61873@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Scamwary: If you're still active...how did this work out? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61842 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:28:16 +0000 BugBoy911 61842@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Pyrethrum and DE Dust really are two perfect weapons against the bedbug, one providing fast knockdown and the other for long term control and prevention. Whats needed to apply correctly and safely are the correct tools and the knowledge of "how to apply correctly." With all the fancy "Thermal, Freezing," I find its just not necessary and thew working with clients and staying in contact find that defeating bedbugs takes a few weeks and a really good careful first application of contact kill insecticides with no residual to using long term residual prevenatative insecticides to prevent ANY future inhabitants within ANY crack and crevice within a room. If you hit a possible harborage point with the correct pesticide you will make it very difficult for a future infestation to break out. DDT is not necessary in the war against bedbugs, whats needed is fair priced treatments, PCO's that specialize specifically in bedbug elimination and prevention, and enough time in your day to complete such a task. I find the new fancy thermal or the use of DDT have more of a chance for things to go bad than conventional crack/crevice/general/preventative treatments done by one who understands the bedbug. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61829 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:02:15 +0000 BBcoukHome 61829@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>When you research for long enough you do find a lot of things that people did to control the problem in terms of physical processes because control with chemical products was still an emerging subject. There is a lot of talk about the "bug powder men" who would stand on the street corners and sell their wares. Most appear to have been sulphur based and using products that we now know are not safe to consider.</p> <p>We even see gases like cyanide being used into the 1940's and there is one case of a scorched earth policy in a large part of London in the 1950's. The whole neighbourhood of railway workers cottages was demolished and burned, a top the pire was an effigy of a bed bug. </p> <p>I just spotted an interesting reference from a war time diary of a POW in Japan in 1943:</p> <p><a href="http://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/James_OToole/html/dairy_1943.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/James_OToole/html/dairy_1943.htm</a></p> <p><blockquote>23-5-43</p> <p> The bed boards are infested with bugs chaps up all night killing em &#38; shaking blankets, can't keep the bastards down; doesn't effect us so much as we have iron beds &#38; by de-bugging once a week they can be kept down. </blockquote></p> <p>I have interviewed people who used such processes up until the 1960's but they lived in areas of the world more adapted to such practices. In such environments I can only assume that the infestations were at such levels that exposure was due to more than just staying away from home.</p> <p>As for if the Europeans introduced bed bugs to the USA I think you will find that the cave dwellers beat us to that one. A many have found moving without taking bed bugs is difficult, they hide well and not many are prepared to walk away from everything which frankly is not needed with modern treatment options. Strongly believe that bed bugs have been a constant issue for society for millennia and that rather than eradicating them we simple pushed they back into the dark corners where we stopped looking. </p> <p>Now they have got brave and have pushed back out again and are on the move able to recapitalise on the evolutionary niche that they fill so well and this is due in part because society has changed. No longer do people strip and clean their beds in the same way that they did up until the 1950's. If nothing else it showed the early signs of an infestation and deeper cleaning and treatment could be started early.</p> <p>We are also a more mobile species that our predecessors' and thus more prone to get exposed that generations before us.</p> <p>I dare say if you throw in a loss of bite response through unexposed generations and you will increase the numbers that do not respond when initially exposed and thus more people spread unknowingly.</p> <p>Will modern control be achieved by looking back at what people used to do and encouraging that as well as utilising modern tools and procedures I certainly hope so.</p> <p>I can feel a wave of nostalgia wafting through me again and I may have to spend the afternoon reading the fine works of Tiffin and Son bed bug exterminators 1705 - 1940's. Enlightening text for anyone interested enough in bed bugs to wade through old English text.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61825 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:38:30 +0000 Louise 61825@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>DeathToBBs - 2 days ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61719">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite></p> <p>My question to Louise is what did your MIL and her mom do about couches and toys and tables and chairs, etc. to help control bbs since bbs can also live in other things besides beds.<br /> As far as what she did with the bbs after picking them off. Well I have an idea, she should've boiled water in a bucket and just threw them in there and watch their fate into burning hell.</p></blockquote> <p>Okay, I asked my MIL about this today. She just chuckled. She said didn't really have a whole lot of "stuff" (toys, books, clothes, etc.), and they weren't really a problem in other pieces of furniture (at least not that she can remember). They were mainly in the mattresses and the walls. The walls were made of wood boards - major cracks! Her mother would pour boiling water down the walls, making sure to get every crack, in order to kill the bedbugs hiding there. Eventually they papered their walls and painted it with something called "calcimine" (I think that's what she said) which had lime in it, and apparently the bedbugs didn't like lime very much.</p> <p>She and her brother slept on a straw mattress, and the straw would be replaced and the cover would be washed in hot water.</p> <p>Her parents had a "real" mattress, although it apparently had a zillion pleats. She can remember her father jumping up out of bed every once every couple of weeks and exclaiming that he just couldn't sleep!!! (Both her father and her brother reacted quite badly to the bites; she and her mother "weren't ever bitten"...) Her parents would then go and sleep on the floor of the dining room. The next morning her mother would work on their mattress, picking off the bugs (and I assume the eggs) from each pleat, and washing the sheets (by hand, in hot water, with lye soap and no gloves). She can't recall what her mother did with the bugs she found; she thought she may have squished them or put them into a pot of water or kerosene. </p> <p>She insists that bedbugs were very common and that most people had them. (Shudder!) I'd like to know how anyone DIDN'T have them in those days!</p> <p>Louise </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/danger-of-storage-unit#post-61820 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:05:41 +0000 cilecto 61820@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Nobugsonme - 2 years ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/danger-of-storage-unit#post-8684">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Well, actually, sitting in the storage unit, there would be nothing to attract bed bugs to the mattress. If a person were in the bed, then bed bugs would probably come out from other stored items and flock to it. Without any people to be attracted to, storage bed bugs might stay put in their own original items.</p></blockquote> <p>But might they not flee some disturbance (or a recent "traumatic insemination") and just happen to lodge in your stuff? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61769 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:39:58 +0000 parakeets 61769@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I heard that in some Algonquin tribes (the tribe my grandmother was from belonged to the Algonquin Nation) they would follow a "scorched earth" policy where every several years they would burn everything down to the ground, move, and start the vilage over again. Scientists now know that it is very wise to rotate the crops and move the plantings to different fields every couple of years, so what the Natives did made a lot of sense. I realize how the same policy could also address clutter, and bedbugs too. I went to a bed bug conference where they referred to people who threw everything out when they moved to make sure they didn't take bedbugs with them as following a "scorched earth" policy.</p> <p> (Note: I'm not sure how much of this is true or just lore. I don't even know if there were already bedbugs on our continent or if the Europeans brought them when they arrived here.) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61730 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:59:14 +0000 Vell23 61730@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well in the Caribbean my grandmother said they used kerosene oil, she said they don't like oil, someone else told me that to, but I don't advice y'all to do that cuz it is flammable, but yea she said kerosene worked </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61722 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:50:51 +0000 hathead 61722@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>i wonder about the other furniture too, in the old days<br /> but my plumber told me that when she was young, they got bedbugs<br /> her mother (with 11 children!) washed all the bedding every day!!!<br /> and turned over every mattress every day and picked off the bugs and the eggs</p> <p>and it took years to get rid of them<br /> amazing story</p> <p>my plumber is about my age (50 or maybe a bit older) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61721 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:50:01 +0000 DeathToBBs 61721@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>earthangel - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61712">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Also up to some point weren't mattresses stuffed with straw, and re-filled annually?<br /> Anyhow I would guess that mattress re-filling would also be a measure taken.</p></blockquote> <p>Yes, this is true. Hence the saying "making your bed". People really did used to make their beds in the old days, literally. They made them from straw. Now, by the term "make your bed" in modern times means just putting sheets on the mattress and/or make sure the sheets do not look messy. Also called "fixing your bed". Why should we fix our beds, are they broken? LOL! Just thought I share that little tidbit. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61719 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:28:35 +0000 DeathToBBs 61719@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Louise - 7 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61690">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> According to my mother-in-law, they just lived with them and tried to keep them under control.<br /> She can remember helping her mom every Saturday with the beds and bedding. This was in the days before vacuums (and washing machines!), so her mother would pick them off with her fingers. I'm not actually sure what she did with them after picking them off...squished 'em , I guess.<br /> Louise</p></blockquote> <p>My question to Louise is what did your MIL and her mom do about couches and toys and tables and chairs, etc. to help control bbs since bbs can also live in other things besides beds. </p> <p>As far as what she did with the bbs after picking them off. Well I have an idea, she should've boiled water in a bucket and just threw them in there and watch their fate into burning hell. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61712 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:14:51 +0000 earthangel 61712@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Also up to some point weren't mattresses stuffed with straw, and re-filled annually?</p> <p>Anyhow I would guess that mattress re-filling would also be a measure taken. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61692 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:28:34 +0000 cilecto 61692@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Sulfur, arsenic, cyanide, pyrethrum, DE. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61690 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:08:37 +0000 Louise 61690@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>According to my mother-in-law, they just lived with them and tried to keep them under control. It was not an uncommon thing to have bedbugs. People would go visiting in the winter, the coats of the visitors would be laid on the bed, and when they returned home...well, let's just say that if they hadn't had bedbugs before the visit, they had a good chance of coming down with a case of them now!</p> <p>She can remember helping her mom every Saturday with the beds and bedding. This was in the days before vacuums (and washing machines!), so her mother would pick them off with her fingers. I'm not actually sure what she did with them after picking them off...squished 'em , I guess. </p> <p>No dryers, either. I can't imagine. </p> <p>My dmil says that once they starting using plasterboard on the walls inside the house, they disappeared. I suspect some DDT and the flystrips hanging over the table may have had something more to do with their disappearance than the plasterboard...</p> <p>I *really* don't want to go back to the "good old days"...at least not insofar as bedbugs are concerned...</p> <p>Louise </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-61682 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:35:46 +0000 Itchybutdealing 61682@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Can we pick up tips from them? Anyone know this obscure bit of history? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61645 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:02:17 +0000 watkinsnewan 61645@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>DID you ask the PCO if it would be okay to spray the couch with any thing...<br /> It might Mess with the chemicals...<br /> I think that is why any one is reluctant to answer the question...It really is involved when treating couches...<br /> But you might want to try the search box... I have found it to be a life saver..<br /> Sorry I couldn't give you a definite answer...<br /> Wish I was A PCO.. or old timer.. HINT... HINT... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61643 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:34:20 +0000 ThisBItes 61643@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So can anyone out there answer my original question about if I can treat my couch frame with Murphy's or not? It seems as though the original topic has been lost. It also seems like every time the PCO comes I see more bbs on that night than previous ones. Also, the ones I saw this time were weirdly burnt looking and I saw SEVEN freaking just-fed nymphs that looked like a bit of red lint at first glance-GROSS. I think that I am obsessed and may never recover from the paranoia and have noticed that wherever I go I am on bugwatch. Every single thing remotely bb shaped or colored is examined and I'm starting to not be able to stand myself. HELP! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/are-these-nymphs-1#post-61492 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:21:06 +0000 sandra 61492@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD POST PICTURES OF THE BABIES AND EGGS SACKS OR POOP. i KNOW WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE ADULT, BUT NOT SO SURE ABOUT THE BABIES. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/batbugs-do-not-transfer-to-humans#post-61463 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:28:02 +0000 Louise 61463@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you, David, for your input.</p> <p>The one casing I found (the discovery of which was concurrent with the finding of the first bug) was in fact on the windowsill. We have not seen any fecal traces anywhere, and only found three other bugs when we inspected the beds (including the dismantling of the bed whose frame sat on the floor). One bug on the tape we had placed the previous week around the on-the-floor bedframe, one bug on that mattress, and one bug the next day in the vacuum cleaner storage compartment that we had placed outside in the shed. (The last three bugs were all identified by an entomologist as batbugs.) That was all in June. </p> <p>We saw nothing the rest of the summer. No one, to the best of our knowledge, was ever bitten.</p> <p>Granted, we avoided the bedrooms except for sleeping in them at night, all clothing was kept in plastic bags and bins every time we went out to the cabin, and the windows upstairs were left open whenever we were there. It appears that we didn't bring them home with us, even though we had four weekends during which no precautions were taken (since we didn't know about them then).</p> <p>I had assumed that after excluding the bats, any bugs/mites they left behind would be dealt with by the Ficam D that was in the walls (which had been placed there in June 2008 for the carpenter ants), but apparently that was optimistic.</p> <p>Or...the bats are still there, and that's why we didn't see any bites. </p> <p>There are other cabins in the area with worse (and current!) bat problems, sans batbugs...or so it would seem.</p> <p>I'm just having trouble figuring out how concerned I should be about going back out there in the spring, and what the next plan of action should be. </p> <p>Sigh.</p> <p>Thanks again. I'm trying to piece this puzzle together...slowly.</p> <p>Louise </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/batbugs-do-not-transfer-to-humans#post-61440 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:04:18 +0000 BBcoukHome 61440@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>I do not come across many bat bug cases in the UK but I have found something similar with the few martin bug cases I have dealt with.</p> <p>I have noticed that martin bugs <em>Oeciacus hirundinis</em> will feed on humans in the lack of a bird host but they do not tend to make these refugia or hiding places in the same locations that bed bugs do.</p> <p>Yes they will feed but they tend not to hang out in the same location, bed frames etc. They are therefore harder to find within a domestic setting and therefore harder to confirm before treatment. To illustrate this point I can call upon a recent case which I had visually confirmed as Cimex related on a single nymph sent to me isolated on tape. I did not put it under the microscope for detailed analysis as I was rushing out of the door. When I arrived at the job the usual inspection showed non of the signs that I would have expected, no faecal traces, no cast skins and certainly no live samples. The bite frequency was low but greater than 30 in total of the last 1.5 months.</p> <p>I stood there scratching my head for a while and then asked "have you had a Martins nest on the outside of the property". They shockingly replied yes but it was taken down 2 years ago. A survey of the outer walls revealed a significant number of house martin nests on the adjoining properties which lead me to investigate the windows in the affected rooms. I found what looked just like bed bug faecal traces in two locations and designed a spray pattern to cover all ingress locations and advised that someone inspect the nests on the adjoining properties for activity.</p> <p>It would appear that Martin bugs are happy to rest a long way from a food source and travel for food. This may be because they rely upon the birds for regular food and transport between locations.</p> <p>Although it is pure theory I could see the same being true of bat bugs that may only ingress into a property for food only to return to remote areas not leaving the same tell tale signs.</p> <p>I believe bat bugs are a lot more common in the US than the UK and I have only confirmed martin bugs in 5 locations now which is dwarfed by our over 13,000 cases of bed bugs.</p> <p>If you suspect bat bugs rather than bed bugs I would suggesting looking for an entomologist to have a good look and confirm and then ask them to brief the PCO on exactly what the control strategy should be.</p> <p>Hope that helps.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/batbugs-do-not-transfer-to-humans#post-61430 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:18:03 +0000 bugfreebed 61430@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Lets start with that they believe the start of bed bugs came about 10'00 years ago when humans moved into caves and the bat bugs came down and started to feed on us , and over the years developed to the blood suckers we now fight in our homes . While the bat bug may prefer bats it is not unheard of that they will feed on humans when there's no bat around or the infestation gets that far out of control . Just like it's not unheard of bed bugs feeding on our pets when there's no people around . All insects and animals are going to do what they have to to survive . The biggest difference for treating bat bugs is to get rid of the bats and treating where they were harboring . </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/batbugs-do-not-transfer-to-humans#post-61409 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:59 +0000 Louise 61409@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Okay, what our PCO actually told us is, "Batbugs do not <strong>generally </strong>transfer to humans."</p> <p>Does anyone have any opinions on this? I have read the Ohio State University article (and various other things) that would suggest that they DO in fact transfer, and quite easily.</p> <p>However, in our case, the batbugs at our cabin don't seem to have "transferred" to us. (Allow me to knock on a piece of wood at this point...)</p> <p>What is up with that?</p> <p>Has anyone else experienced batbugs and had them NOT transfer? Or vice-versa? (And yes, I realize the former is far less likely to be on these forums...)</p> <p>Just curious.</p> <p>Louise </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61398 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:07:51 +0000 watkinsnewan 61398@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You go Nnobuggs... I wrote the company a letter.. I will post response IF I get one.... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/when-should-you-disclose-your-bb-problem-to-coworkersacquaintances#post-61390 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:58:18 +0000 Nobugsonme 61390@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>And someone else claims she/he just got fired, having told coworkers about bed bugs, but without any apparent evidence bed bugs had been brought to work:</p> <p><a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/fired-because-theyre-afraid" rel="nofollow">http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/fired-because-theyre-afraid</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61388 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:53:23 +0000 Nobugsonme 61388@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Karen has now spammed another thread and her account is suspended. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61381 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:48:13 +0000 watkinsnewan 61381@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>yep vall...<br /> I would like to know if they can withstand my kids jumping on them all 5 of them... and what about animals for every one else.. I just looks like the sheet in my closet...<br /> Come on Karen We all would like to know your experience with them.. why are you keeping us in suspense.... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61378 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:26:51 +0000 Vell23 61378@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>No bugs ur gangsta! LOL for blowing him up like that so everyone can see </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/should-i-buy-a-new-couch-1#post-61374 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:10:58 +0000 Nobugsonme 61374@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Karen14's message deleted. <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61365">See why here.</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61365 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:48:10 +0000 Nobugsonme 61365@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Karen14 - 1 hour ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61352">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I purchased a Sofa Safe from a company in Ohio. Its a full couch encasement, and it saved my couch. thesofasafe.com 937.344.3536, I even talked with the owner and he was very easy to talk to and gave me a ton of information. So if you want save the your couch I highly recommend it.<br /> -Karen</p> </blockquote> <p>Karen,</p> <p>A sofa encasement is an interesting idea, but I would recommend that people do not purchase any kind of encasement unless it has been tested by an independent entomologist to ensure that bed bugs cannot get through the fabric, bite through the fabric, or escape the zippers. The last problem is a significant one.</p> <p>You seem to be connected with the company you're recommending. I suggest this because you placed four ads in our comments for this product -- and you have no other posts. This is a big no-no. It's actually not forbidden for a manufacturer to come here <strong><em>once </em></strong>and tell us about their new product (at which point, we may ask for testing data). It's also permissible for someone in the bed bug industry to come and participate on the forums, provided your posts are not ads for your product/service.</p> <p>I am also concerned as to whether you are who you say you are, because there is additional evidence available to me as admin which suggests this is not so.</p> <p>It is against the rules <strong>to spam us</strong> with ads for a product, and especially against the rules to do so <strong>while pretending to be a disinterested happy customer</strong>. Your other posts on this product have been deleted, though I have allowed this one to remain.</p> <p>Please read the site's <a href="http://bedbugger.com/terms-conditions">Terms and Conditions</a> of use before posting again.</p> <p>Also, I looked at the product's site: <a href="http://thesofasafe.com/" rel="nofollow">http://thesofasafe.com/</a></p> <p>I see no data on testing by an independent entomologist. I think everyone would be interested in seeing any data you have proving this encasement is effective. If you are connected with the company, I'd be happy to see you provide such information and to discuss the product, if you have more information on it. If the product is effective, it could be useful to a lot of people. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61352 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:47:03 +0000 Karen14 61352@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I purchased a Sofa Safe from a company in Ohio. Its a full couch encasement, and it saved my couch. thesofasafe.com 937.344.3536, I even talked with the owner and he was very easy to talk to and gave me a ton of information. So if you want save the your couch I highly recommend it.<br /> -Karen</p> <p><strong>Admin's note: there is evidence this post was left by someone connected with the company. Please see <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free?replies=8#post-61365">the admin response below.</a></strong> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/which-is-easier-for-bed-bugs-to-climb-metal-vs-pvc-pipe-dog-bed-question#post-61332 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:42:02 +0000 wchicago 61332@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for all the ideas!<br /> i bought this (because all my fabirc and craft supplies are in ziplocs or rubbermaid tubs awaiting my pactite) instead, which seems to have a similar idea (washable bed over foam, legs). i salute your DIY craftiness though!</p> <p><a href="http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=958883" rel="nofollow">http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=958883</a></p> <p>and i will try her on the climbups on the legs. worst case -she licks them and i have to retalc them every night. there are worse things than retalcing every night. . .for example, these evil little monsters biting her. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/33-infestation-rate-in-1930s-how-did-we-recover-so-fast#post-61328 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:53:35 +0000 buggyinsocal 61328@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I also remember reading that bed bugs were never 100% eliminated. However, pest control practices that were in wide use at the time may have held bed bug populations in check.</p> <p>That is to say, growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in apartments in a part of the country with epic bug issues, we used to have a pest controller who was hired by the apartment complex spray our buildings once a month or once every few months.</p> <p>When routine spraying of broader spectrum chemical pesticides was standard pest control protocol for, say, roaches and ants, there is some speculation that the chemical pesticides there held any existing bed bug populations in check.</p> <p>As pest control shifted to a more integrated pest management approach--using chemicals specific to specific pests--and as more bugs in general and bed bugs in particular became more resistant to some classes of chemical pesticides, bed bug populations were able to make a resurgence.</p> <p>I'm not an entomologist or pest control pro, and I might be misremembering, but that's the explanation I remember reading somewhere. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/33-infestation-rate-in-1930s-how-did-we-recover-so-fast#post-61316 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:41:14 +0000 cilecto 61316@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Some speculations:<br /> DDT was persistent enough in the environment (hence the hazard to other living things) that eventually BB ran into them. Kind of like if you didn't take a flu shot but everyone else did so you didn't have anyone from whom to catch it.<br /> It wasn't just DDT, and BB, but the general application of all sorts of "broad spectrum" agents against any and all insects, in many parts of the house (as an added bonus, any insects you missed were eating your BB). Contrast this with more modern practice of placing roach-specific bait traps (eg Combat) in roach-prone locations, a technique that misses BB entirely.The roaches are toast, the BB get a free pass. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/33-infestation-rate-in-1930s-how-did-we-recover-so-fast#post-61307 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:43:21 +0000 bugration 61307@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>It seems to be widely accepted that the overall BB infestation rate reached horrific levels of about 33% in cities like Stockholm and London in the 1930s, and that through the use of DDT from the 1950s they ceased to be a real problem by the 1960s. However, I really don't understand how this is supposed to have happened. No doubt DDT was effective in those days, before BBs developed a resistance to it, but still... I mean, even if all of the infested houses could have been treated with DDT and completely freed of BBs, this couldn't have been done overnight and the re-infestation rate (given the background infestation level of 33% of all accommodation, obviously many times higher than in 2009!) of already treated properties must have been extremely high. </p> <p>Furthermore, as is often stated on this site, a large proportion of people (maybe as many as 50%) never react to the bites and aren't even aware they have BBs. Therefore, imagine all those houses in the 1940s with major BB problems that weren't treated at all and yet which could keep re-infesting other places (both adjacent properties as well as anywhere that the occupants might travel like subway, office etc).</p> <p>I also get the impression that at the beginning of the DDT era, BBs were largely treated on a case-by-case basis, as opposed to major city-wide drives which surely would have been all over the news. Imagine having to treat all the subways, buses, offices, houses etc - I presume they didn't do this back then? Yet it would seem that major city-wide drives in e.g. London would be the only way to reduce the infestation rate from more than 33% to a very low number by the 1960s/70s. Thoughts? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/which-is-easier-for-bed-bugs-to-climb-metal-vs-pvc-pipe-dog-bed-question#post-61287 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:56:23 +0000 hathead 61287@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>if you have some time (i did this for my dog)</p> <p>i bought a square coffee table (low to the ground)<br /> i bought natural rubber latex foam (but synthetic foam will work as well)</p> <p>you wrap the foam in cotton batting (can buy at an upholstery store)<br /> then sew a linen or muslim cover for it.<br /> then make a washable cover with a zipper or buttons<br /> or you can improvise a temporary thing, wrapped and pinned in blankets....<br /> (if you are not a big sewer) - but important to not let the wrap drape to the floor<br /> i sewed "ties" to tie them to the legs so that the "mattress" does not slip around<br /> worked great!</p> <p>then put the legs of the bed in climbups - voila!<br /> you have a dog bed which your dog can enjoy<br /> and not get into trouble with the climbups,<br /> as they are empty and not tempting<br /> and as long as the coffee table was clear of bugs and the materials you used<br /> were not contaminated, no bugs can bite your sweetheart</p> <p>hope this helps!</p> <p>our cats sleep on this too occasionally! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/which-is-easier-for-bed-bugs-to-climb-metal-vs-pvc-pipe-dog-bed-question#post-61282 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:46:41 +0000 persona-non-bugga 61282@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>A teflon product to apply on pet bowls was mentioned in this <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/new-coating-gives-insects-the-slip#post-60059">thread</a>.</p> <p>I salute your resourcefulness, dude. Hope the pet bowls work, and your pug is more comfortable. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/men#post-61264 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:49:07 +0000 watkinsnewan 61264@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>just a quick up date The treatment Went very well it has been the best nights sleep I have all had in a long time.... I got frustrated cause the PCO was 3 hours and 15 min late BUT he had a very good reason.... aaaauggg..But was happy when they showed up in FORCE TWO trucks 3 guys But that aside... The man did A 2 and a half hour treatment... Made me turn the central heat up to 90..... My gas bill is going to sky rocket But is Very OK with me.... we were out of the house for almost 9 hours and when we returned very late at night None of us could even smell That he has sprayed... He Forced me to take the encasement cover off of all beds(MY sons it at the Land fill with a bunch of spray paint on it all ripped up.....) I throw all vinyl encasement's except mine in the trash I do plan to wash dry and pack away for a little while later when he says I can place it back on....... I Hate this but he is the Professional not me...He soaked all the beds And told me very stern.. Wash and dry before placing back on...There in plastic bags in the back of my husbands truck ready to go to the laundromat this morning ...I have 3 sets of sheet and blankets for all beds... I am glad I did the whole wash dry for 2 hours at the laundromat vacuum seal 80 percent of my stuff.. He did not do one thing I ask him Please leave a list of exact chemicals you used...There is a list on the back the the paperwork but I really don't think he used all of them.. there is over 100...He also told me I had done a good job with cleaning the and to STOP cleaning the way I am cause of the chemicals.. He put dust in all the plugs things... He sprayed Every thing...mattress included..(not the toddler bed of my lil one... )I got to go kids need breakfast but just thought you guys would like to hear how it went... I am very satisfied with him..ang going with the whole professional thing instead of doing it my self... Now I can relax a LITTLE... will start A new thread soon wit my success Story...YEA....Total cost so far 800 dollars... that I can think of right now...he also told me 30 guarantee for BB treatment he will come back if i need him... I sure hope I wont... But also know I may... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61256 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:59:54 +0000 ThisBItes 61256@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>UPDATE: Was just walking past the couch and saw not one, not two, but four freaking bbs crawling on the back of it and on one cushion. They were yellow and unfed but still nasty and now dead after I smashed and flushed them. I've decided to junk the couch for once &#38; for all as soon as I can get someone here to help take it where nobody will pick it up after I slash it up and bust up the frame of this bb motel. I am itching and crawling all over now and hate the little bastards more than ever. DIE BBS DIE!!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/landlady-threatening-eviction-if-we-dont-kill-bedbugs-the-first-time-advice#post-61252 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:24:07 +0000 Deathlyallergic 61252@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>KillerQueen - 10 months ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/landlady-threatening-eviction-if-we-dont-kill-bedbugs-the-first-time-advice#post-40271">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Thanks for the kind words guys!! I'm lost on ohDear? I looked over my PM's and don't recall the screen name. Did we speak over the phone? ufatbasted ..LOL (I love that name) Have no worries... You will soon be a success story my friend!</p></blockquote> <p>Can you come out to Cali and save me from them. Im deathly allergic as I found out so abruptly a few weeks ago!!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61242 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:51:52 +0000 Deathlyallergic 61242@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I am in total sympathy with you, these things are deadly to me, and causing me multiple, exhausting and unnerving health problems effecting my everyday life, I have to inspect every piece of clothing I put on, I am so careful about walking around my apt.<br /> The exterminator was out 3 times this week, tho I haven't been bitten since Sat., I can't afford to take any chances where the bites are concerned. My life depends on getting rid of these, truthfully. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61240 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:44:39 +0000 ThisBItes 61240@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Actually nobody sits on or near the infested section of the couch anymore. I was told by the PCO that the couch was infested when I first got it in May even though the bites were first noticed about 8 weeks ago. At the time, the couch was thoroughly inspected for bbs (or so we thought) and even now when you look at it there are no outward signs. It's after the dustcover on the underside was taken off and the PCO showed me very minute signs of excrement the problem was actually confirmed because it looks very clean and it's fairly new. Since his last treatment we've only seen 4 or 5 bugs and only 2 had fed, the rest were yellow and nymphs. He told me his aggression with treating my place was because multiple treatments are necessary due to a 15-20% survival rate of the bbs after a treatment. I just really hate these things and wish them on nobody. We seal up all bedding and laundry in plastic bags and take no chances on anything being on or near the couch. The hide abed is what we sit on now. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61225 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:59:05 +0000 BBCOUKonTour 61225@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Who usually sits in the section that is bad. Its highly likely that they are the source of the bed bugs getting into the property.</p> <p>Unless they change the behavioural pattern that brings them in you will never be free from them.</p> <p>I would also suggest that you ask you PCO how they came up with such a rapid treatment cycle, this is not a job where one spray per week is necessarily better than 1 treatment per two or three weeks if it's part of an integrated approach.</p> <p>There is definitely such a thing as too frequent application of insecticides just as there is too much being applied.</p> <p>Please take care.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-couch-frames-truly-ever-be-bb-free#post-61222 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:49:11 +0000 ThisBItes 61222@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have had four treatments and will have the fifth in about three days in a period of about six weeks. My infestation is localized to my sectional couch and the problem has definitely gotten better since the PCO started coming. Does anyone know if I can treat the couch frame with Murphy's and exactly how to do it effectively? Does anyone know if a piece of furniture can ever truly be free of these little demons?? What is strange about my infestation is that only one part of the sectional was bad and the hide abed part of it had very little bbs and none in the mattress at all. I actually feel pretty fortunate compared to some of the examples I have seen on the web. The PCO also showed me what looked like dust on the side of the couch and explained to me that it was actually eggs--GROSS. If anyone has any answers for me I'd really appreciate it. I had to toss my son's playyard because the PCO found evidence of bbs and I WILL DO ANYTHING to get these things gone for good. The mental stress and being on constant bugwatch has really been almost worse than the bites. Good luck to anyone out there fighting these evil b#*@$rds!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/men#post-61215 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:51:56 +0000 Adele 61215@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey this is my 666 posting right before Halloween!!! is that a good sign?!! not sure on that one..... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/men#post-61214 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:51:00 +0000 Adele 61214@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So everyone has been gracious not to mention my posting on this thread so ok - I retract my comments!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>just sharing what worked for me but I don't want to provide wrong advice....... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/when-should-you-disclose-your-bb-problem-to-coworkersacquaintances#post-61210 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:05:18 +0000 sickofbugs 61210@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>yes, UV Blacklight, that is what PCO inspectors used to say that the entire building was bug free. Took him all of 1 min looking behind sofa bed to say my unit was bed bug free. This is what they did for all units. Of course, the building was not bed bug free. I was bitten 3 times 3 day after this inspection. Moved out next weekend, and when movers who were taking out my furniture to go to the dump, 2 bed bugs jumped out of wall unit when loading it into back of truck. They did not even cover my furniture, just hauled it out the side door 3 feet from my door. I had to pay for this ($300) even though LL admits that they knew there were bed bugs in my unit and still moved me in there. Wish there was a way to sue them. Then LL moved a new tenant into "this" suite the next day, no treatment at all. And of course, other tenants from some units are still experiencing bites and seeing bed bugs. But LL still say building is bed bug free.</p> <p>I was very very cautious when moving and so far (3 weeks) have not had a bite. I also can't see up close, am having a serious eye problem now, and can't read normal print, so you can imagine how difficult it has been for me. What I see is blurred/double vision and when a bed bug is tiny, I can't see it at all.</p> <p>sickofbugs </p>