http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:45:53 +0000 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/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/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/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-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/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/co-op-board-hysteria#post-44946 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:20:49 +0000 Scamwary 44946@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I need to know my legal rights, but our story is the opposite of most. I believe we’re being forced into unnecessary, costly exterminating efforts by panicked residents and opportunistic PCOs.</p> <p>First let me say that I am in no way downplaying how horrible it is to have bedbugs or the real suffering that so many are going through. Or how hard it is to get rid of them, that they're hard to see, or that it's easy to be in denial about having them. I am well educated on the subject (now!), and this situation just doesn't feel right.</p> <p>About six weeks ago a resident in our building alerted the Board that she thought she had bed bugs. Trying to be proactive, they sent budbug dogs in to EVERY apartment in the building. This dog/handler came out saying that something like 60% of the apartments had “hits” and had to be exterminated. When this man’s results proved suspect, we had another company with dogs come in and do the sweep again about 2 weeks later. This time, 29 out of approx. 70 units had hits - and the results in no way matched the first sweep.</p> <p>Now, here’s what makes me really uncomfortable. Everyone who had a “hit” on this second inspection is being strong-armed into having their apartment treated for bedbugs - which, according to the info sent out by the PCO, involves sealing most of their belongings in plastic for NINE MONTHS - even though they have NO BITES, and cannot find a SINGLE BEDBUG, alive or dead, in their apartment. Even though the building is paying for the extermination, the resident has to pay to have all of their clothing cleaned, all of the storage materials, and even the purchase of a particular kind of vacuum, etc. - I expect it can easily run over $1,000 per family. Not to mention 9 months of having a barely livable apartment.</p> <p>Does anyone know if the residents can make up their own minds about the course of action to be taken, rather than have the board decide for us? Can they force us to exterminate when there’s no physical evidence (bites or otherwise) of infestation? We’ve been told that if we fail to comply, they can take us to court. Lawyers out there, is that true?</p> <p>P.S.<br /> The basic premise the board is going under is that they want to completely eradicate bedbugs from the building. But even if they could (which is by no means certain) next week someone goes on a business trip and brings home a few more, and what then? Even if I agreed with their approach, surely this kind of massive extermination effort is not a tenable solution in the long term. </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/danger-of-storage-unit#post-8676 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:14:12 +0000 Lizzeepp 8676@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi,<br /> Luckily, I've never had bed bugs. However, I put my mattress and headboard (which has a fabric back) in storage in Bethesda Maryland about 6 months a go. In the rush, the two items were not covered very well (they have plastic but weren't 100% sealed). Am I at risk for getting bed bugs? I'm now scared to bring the items into my new home. I haven't found any info on google about the risks of storage units.<br /> Thanks </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/are-these-nymphs-1#post-25348 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:11:47 +0000 Leiram38 25348@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I just moved out of an apartment I found out had bed bugs. My friend came to help me move out only really exposed his shoes to the carpeting in my bedroom. A week later he just realized his shoes have very small white bugs crawling all over them. He threw them away but I'm scared that they are bed bug nymphs. They do not have any red spots and were about 1mm in length. They crawled very fast and you could not see them unless you stared at the shoes for a while. Is it possible these are another kind of bug? If they are bed bugs.. what precautions should be taken? </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/when-should-you-disclose-your-bb-problem-to-coworkersacquaintances#post-59773 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:42:28 +0000 tinyvampire 59773@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi, all:</p> <p>we just had our first PCO treatment yesterday morning! i was giddy all day just knowing the ball is rolling...the PCO guy came to my workplace to pick up the payment check, and he gave me a very positive report. apparently our case is not that severe...</p> <p>but then, later in the day at work, i started feeling extremely itchy, particularly when i use my heating pad. i know the itchy feeling from heat against your skin, but this itchiness was on my legs, shoulders, butt, etc...so now i'm worried that i've brought BB here with me via my clothing or bag, and that they come after me when the heating pad goes on.</p> <p>maybe it's just BBIP (bed bug induced paranoia), but it seems to me lately too that a lot of my coworkers are itching and scratching (particularly one who sits near me), and have bites on their necks/faces (although maybe they're pimples and it's all a coincidence)...</p> <p>now that most everyone has left for the weekend, i'm going to get to the task of dusting some DE around the floor and baseboards under and around my desk.</p> <p>my boss and her partner both know about my problem, and a couple other coworkers who i'm close friends with also know.</p> <p>but at what point do i need to "go public" with my BB problem?</p> <p>thank you,<br /> -tinyvampire </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/should-i-buy-a-new-couch-1#post-59874 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:21:54 +0000 kimintheeast 59874@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So I just moved into my new condo. I may or may not have bed bugs. My co-worker had them and I took over her old office. I noticed bites but they weren't like the ones I have had in the past when I was attacked by bbs. I found a dead bug last week that may or may not have been a bed bug b/c I got some shady cryonite guy to confirm and did the treatment. I haven't seen any bugs, blood, or feces to my knowledge. my mattresses and pillows are encased. There's just the question of bbs...were they really here...are they really gone? I need a couch for my new place or should I wait for a few weeks just to be safe. Hate to miss out on Columbus Day sales but hate to have bb's infest my new furniture.</p> <p>Thanks for your thoughts in advance! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/which-is-easier-for-bed-bugs-to-climb-metal-vs-pvc-pipe-dog-bed-question#post-61110 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:04 +0000 wchicago 61110@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello<br /> Sorry, I feel like I may be in the running for most annoying newbite of all time, given all of my questions. I have read FAQs and searched forums but can't find this info and wondering if anyone knew about bed bug climbing abilities on metal vs PVC. My dog is getting bitten. Thus, I will buy her a raised dog cot (as per recommended on a prior forum). There are two types - one with metal legs, one with PVC plastic legs. Both would presumably be smooth, but is one harder for BBs to climb? My dog is a very small pug and very playful -she would lick vaseline off legs, play with sticky tape and i worry, if there were bowls under the legs, play with those too. SO ideally the bed would be bed bug deterrent (difficult to climb legs) all by itself. here are my options, price is no object (she is a very well loved little dog, and her bites swell and take longer to heal than mine -they are all on her face and stomach, or maybe thats just where i can see them because thats where fur is sparse. seeing bites on her enrages me) </p> <p>metal option<br /> <a href="http://www.stacksandstacks.com/pet-cot?id=176&#38;sku=4517&#38;utm_medium=shoppingengine&#38;utm_source=googlebase" rel="nofollow">http://www.stacksandstacks.com/pet-cot?id=176&#38;sku=4517&#38;utm_medium=shoppingengine&#38;utm_source=googlebase</a></p> <p>pvc option<br /> <a href="http://www.jbpet.com/displaygroup.aspx?displayid=549&#38;ns_md=CSE&#38;ns_sc=Google&#38;ns_cn=Google-Base&#38;utm_source=GoogleBase&#38;utm_medium=CSE&#38;CAWELAID=397374922" rel="nofollow">http://www.jbpet.com/displaygroup.aspx?displayid=549&#38;ns_md=CSE&#38;ns_sc=Google&#38;ns_cn=Google-Base&#38;utm_source=GoogleBase&#38;utm_medium=CSE&#38;CAWELAID=397374922</a></p> <p>input, opinions please? i'd like to order one as soon as possible, but don't know which would be better.<br /> THANKS AGAIN </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/men#post-61100 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:19:10 +0000 watkinsnewan 61100@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>okay MEN I am not here to bash you I just found out my husband did A NONO and would like some advice from the experts.... or any other thoughts will be appreciated... HE SPRAYED one of the beds with the Ortho home defense Max..OMG but there is good news HE put the vinyl cover back on it and taped the zipper with duck tape... NO one has slept in the bed Because my PCO has told me to isolate the room..<br /> SO the question is Should I get rid of the Mattress all together and get another one or would It be safe for A KID (7)to sleep in as is.... Could I shampoo it then steam clean it.... then shampoo it again.... if so how long should I wait.... any help would be appreciated...men....... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/landlady-threatening-eviction-if-we-dont-kill-bedbugs-the-first-time-advice#post-39368 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:41:31 +0000 rgrobste 39368@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi ya'll. i could really use some advice. my roomies and i discovered we had bedbugs this weekend after a couple months of imagining we were the victims of really large, tenacious spiders or mosquitoes. our landlady has told us that we have one shot to get rid of the bugs, or else she'll evict us and take our security deposit. so we have been combing through our stuff like crazy, sealing it in plastic boxes etc., before the exterminator comes. but it seems like an impossible task to get rid of them thoroughly the first time, given all that i've read. (in fact it seems like sealing stuff away is a bad idea unless we intend to leave it unopened for 18 months, though we're following instructions of the exterminator.) should we just move out now?? any advice?? very desperate and anxious. thank you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/any-tax-deduction-for-bb-expenses#post-61020 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:50:30 +0000 bedwarrior 61020@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>It looks as if our $5,000ish (and rising) expenses relating to bedbugs will never be compensated (the hotel where my wife first got bit claims they never found a trace nor are there prior records, and it is thus our word against theirs). Is there any sort of deduction one can take on documented losses due to BB's? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/strange-bed-bug-behavior-or-serious-infestation#post-14802 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:06:45 +0000 bekalekah 14802@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I keep reading here about people who never see their bugs, or who only find them at night with a flashlight. In our situation, we've seen more than a few.</p> <p>A little background first.</p> <p>My roommate acquired a mattress/box spring from a friend upon our moving in together in August. The friend had lived in a bedbug situation less than a year prior (which we found out later, after confronting her about the mattress), and said she thought they were only in her roommates room. She wasn't really sleeping or spending much time at home in the month or two leading up to her giving the mattress to my roommate, so it's possible they were dormant inside of the mattress.</p> <p>My roommate also, upon moving in, promptly left town 2 days later for about a month. So now we're getting into September. No signs yet. In fact, she did not discover the bedbugs until late October. And they were just hanging out on the seam of her pillow. She pulled back the sheet to find more, and as the days went on she began to see them crawling around her room -- on the walls, the furniture, the floor -- with the lights on, in the late evening hours but by no means their pre-dawn feeding time.</p> <p>The night of discovery, she killed the ones she saw, tossed the pillow, bagged up her bedding, opened the window, closed the door, and began sleeping on the couch (against my objections). We covered, then tossed the mattress/box spring about a week later, a few days before the first treatment. (The PCO that inspected said it was pretty bad.) We sealed the doors shut with tape since they were now homeless, and tried not to think about them retreating into the walls/floors. We still found some here and there when we would go in, but nothing like the activity we saw those first few days. </p> <p>We were sprayed once about a month ago, and he said he was unable to flush any out, that it was a good sign. He did the whole apartment, not just her room, per my demands. </p> <p>My roommate found another this weekend crawling on her while she was on her (new and encased) bed, again in the late evening. It was smallish, but my no means a nymph. </p> <p>Neither of us ever got bitten with any frequency during this time, but maybe we are both non-reactive? I did have some suspicious bumps last week, a couple days before she found it in her room. </p> <p>Since this all sounds abnormal compared to what I read on these forums, I'm wondering if this is just strange behavior or a sign of a larger problem? The theory that gets me through the days (and more importantly, the nights) is that we did get rid of the bulk of them with the mattress, and that the spraying killed most remaining active bugs, but some eggs hatched and that's what we found. Is there any good info out there regarding the behavior of dormant bed bugs becoming active? Is it possible that's what the frenzy was all about?</p> <p>I'm calling to set up for our second appointment today, and we are being even more thorough this time in our preparations. But any insight would be appreciated. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-replaced-by-roaches#post-60885 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:46:44 +0000 bbboogie 60885@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I haven't had a chance to post my bedbug story yet but here's the latest. After self treating and being bedbug free for about one month now....I'm findng roaches in my bedroom! Ugh! I had roaches years ago in the kitchen but used TAT and never had them again. Now I am finding them in the bedroom and one even crawled accross my pillow! I don't eat in the bedroom, don't have any clutter so I can't understand why I am getting them now. My husband said they must smell bedbugs in the encasements, assuming that roaches eat bedbugs, but I'm not convinced. Anyone else have this happen? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/eaten-alive-80-welts-on-my-body#post-60806 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:24:36 +0000 seriouslybugging 60806@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Came back from an 8 day work trip with 80 welts on my body. After doing some diligent research, determined that bed bugs in my hotel room were the culprit. I had seen signs such as blood specks on the sheets, found what I thought was a tick on the bathroom wall. Interestingly enough though the welts didn't appear until the morning after I returned. I confirmed it with my boss who also stayed in my hotel room after I left. He was also bitten and found one on the bed. So my question is.....Is it possible that all of the bites occurred during my stay and the allergic reaction happened a few days later? Or is it more likely that I carried a few with me from the hotel then got bit while here at my home? My husband has no bites. Unfortunately, I had never even heard of bedbugs until 4 days after my return home. Never have been bitten before. Since the confirmation I have fumigated twice(myself) and have not seen any, and have not been bitten since I fumigated...but am worried as it has only been 10 days since I arrived from my trip. Is it likely that new ones will hatch or are dormant? Also another concern is my car since I drove. Does this mean I have to fumigate my car as well? What to do? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/no-physical-signs-other-than-bites-help#post-58804 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:04:02 +0000 bugsNOmore 58804@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>About two weeks ago I noticed a patch of ''bites'' on my left hip. They were very very itchy. I also noticed a bite on each of my legs on the inner sides near the bend of my knee. The bites were in almost identical spots on each side. A day or so later I noticed another patch of bites on my outer right calf, and then another day later a patch of bites on my inner right calf. During this time I had been sleeping at my house, and ocasionally visiting my boyfriend in the hospital. </p> <p>When my boyfriend got out of the hospital (about 4 days after I noticed the bites) I was complaining about how itchy they were and wondering where they came from and he suggested they might be bed bug bites because he'd seen a show about them on tv. At first I disregaurded the idea, but when the itching persisted I decided to look into it. Of course after looking into it there was no way I was getting any sleep in my bed at home, so I started sleeping at my boyfriends house. I first checked my bed for telltale signs but found no spots, no skins, nothing. I washed most of my recent laundry and pillow cases and sheets, and only went over his house wearing clothes that had been washed and dryed on high heat, and not been in my room since. I also set up a heating pad on my bed with some tape sticky side up surrounding the heating pad and near various suspected hiding places but never found anything. </p> <p>In the time I spent sleeping at his house, about 5 nights, I noticed what seemed like more bites but they were in close proximity to the other ones. I had been putting rubbing alcohol on them and itching them like crazy so I thought maybe it was a rash that was spreading and hoped that was the case rather than bed bugs. Then I read online that some bites may take a few days to show up. I figured at least that they weren't new bites, unless it was common for the bugs to bite close to previous bites, but I had not read anything about that. I also noticed a small irritation on my back that wasn't itchy but has become more itchy recently, but my boyfriend never got any bites so I feel like they aren't at his house.</p> <p>Finally I decided I needed to sleep in my own bed to figure this mystery out so I went home and slept in my newly washed sheets. I took some melatonin, and put on my ipod to help ease my nerves and finally I fell asleep. It wasn't very restful, but I managed to stay there all night. In the morning I inspected for bites, there were three near the bend of my right arm. They weren't too itchy, and dissapeared by the end of the day. The next night I slept on the couch, and woke up with no new bites but some irritated old bites that were ''calming down'' before the day before. </p> <p>I'm getting very stressed out over this and am feeling little tingling prickling all over my body all the time. I'm scared to lay down anywhere even on my couch. What freaks me out is how unpredictable the bites are and how elusive the bugs are, it's almost impossible to know if I have the, when I got them, and where they've spreaded to since. I don't have money for a PCO which stresses me out more. I also want to add that about 5 days before I noticed the bites- me, my boyfriend, and his friend bought a second hand rug at a flea market. We sat on it that day without cleaning it. A few days ago his friend got "poison ivy" on his feet and ankles. He said it was like blisters and they were popping and stuff. He didn't go to a doctor but just guessed it was poison ivy even though he couldn't think of where he could have gotten it. I don't know what to make of this, I feel like I could be getting paranoid (I have ahuge bug phobia), but I also dont want to ignore it and let it get worse if it is bed bugs. I don't think it could be a rash because its in random spots on my body far away from eachother.</p> <p>My mom bought a kit online from something called Q-Based Healthcare (hopefully not a scam?) for 99 dollars it comes with a spray, some DE, a steamer, and a matress encasing. I'm going to do some major decluttering in my room and bag all my clothes etc.</p> <p>I'm sorry for the long rant but I wanted to give every detail so my question could be better answered. My question(s) is this: does this sound like bedbugs? What else could it be? Could it be possible to bring home one bedbug and thats it? Do bedbugs only come out of hiding if they detect a host? Is it possible to rid a room of bedbugs on your own without the help of a PCO? Can a put DE in an electrical outlet without a plate, or is that unsafe? Would all the bedbugs in my room come out to feed at once? And do they all hide together, or could they be scattered? Can a put DE in an electrical outlet without a plate, or is that unsafe?</p> <p>I know I am asking for alot, but these are the questions I couldn't find answers to, and I really just need some help! Thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/so-many-questionscan-you-help#post-60597 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:31:47 +0000 Itchygal 60597@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi !<br /> My sister recently found out she has bed bugs and suffered from bites without knowing what they were for about 2.5 weeks.<br /> While I was never in her apartment during that time, I was at my mothers where my sister was every day during her 2.5 weeks of bites. And my sister was in my car a few times during that time.<br /> A few questions -</p> <p>1. What is my exposure risk? Should I be washing my entire wardrobe? Spraying chemicals? Caulking cracks? Dry cleaning coats? I have no bites or reason to believe my home is infected (at this time).<br /> 2. I heard that movie theaters are infected too. What are they doing to help reduce the spread?<br /> 3. What is the city doing to help prevent the spread?<br /> 4. My mom's house was sprayed with a non-toxic and oderless liquid that the PCO said was good for 30 days. He did not give her the name of it, would you know what that may be? He said it was also used to prevent roaches. Sound familiar?<br /> Thanks so much for your help! Good luck to those out there! You will survive! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/polyester-mattress-covers#post-60406 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:21:43 +0000 ruthven78 60406@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I see some mattress covers marketed for bedbugs like Allergy Luxe that uses a woven polyester. Anyone have any experience with these? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/afraid-of-the-laundromat#post-40022 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:04:10 +0000 rebugcca 40022@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I've been in what I like to call "remission" for several months--no signs, although we're still ziplocking/vacuuming/laundering all the time. We were sprayed 5 times by a pro throughout our treatment of a mild infestation.</p> <p>I went to the laundromat to do my regular weekly load. Inside was a family who appeared to be washing EVERYTHING they owned. Undies to socks to shirts to dresses to coats to towels to bedding. They had stuff in plastic bags galore.</p> <p>They were also putting said stuff in the metal carts. It appeared before they washed said stuff.</p> <p>I started to get super anxious. It's been a long and expensive road. I am well aware that a friend or coworker or my BF could lead to a reinfestation in the future, or another problem in our building could start up again, or my roommate or I could pick them up in the subway or bus. . . . But somehow, seeing people in my laundromat who obviously has them scared the crap out of me.</p> <p>Does anyone know about laundromats in NYC and have any idea how "safe" they are to use? I realize that dryering sufficiently will kill anything, but I'm worried about transmission from dryers to home, etc. I know we need laundromats to fight our battles, but is there a risk of picking something up from the laundromat? Yikes. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hibernation-dormancy-bed-bugs-why-when-and-how-#post-5416 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:31:32 +0000 willow-the-wisp 5416@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>This question has come up often. I am hoping some experts will pitch in here and answer this question (or at least some of it). Maybe we could have a special on it on the blog?</p> <p>Here is the Question I would love some decent answers to--please:</p> <p>What are some of the causes creating a bed bug to go into and or come out of Dormancy? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-can-i-keep-and-what-do-i-junk#post-60113 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:52:42 +0000 comawhite 60113@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have a severe infestation, I am waking with 100-200 bites and my kids as well.<br /> I am renting a house and am on welfare with 3 kids. welfare told me to move out asap, as in their experience over the years treatment doesnt work and they will pay my moving costs.<br /> I just dont have the time, the energy or the $ to keep this under control anymore. Landlord is indifferent, I dont have the resources to fight, who knows if i brought them in, or if they were here to begin with. They are under the carpets, everything.<br /> So I am leaving this place.<br /> What can I bring with me, how do I sterilize it,<br /> What do I have to toss? (like wooden dressers, comfortors, pillows, houseplants, kids stuffies, etc?)<br /> and what do i do with the rest? Is setting it out for garbage enough, or should i burn it or what?</p> <p>Also, is the whole house a write-off, or is the stuff in the basement safe.. just wondering how the possibility of spread out eggs could be throughout the house...<br /> Thanks all! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know-for-sure#post-60037 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:45:16 +0000 renemeum 60037@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My wife and I discovered bed bugs on July 31st. We took a radical approach based on everything I've read. We didn't hire a pro, but we seem to have won the war. We live in a commercial building that has a few upscale small businesses, modeling agency and an architect, but also a few small t shirt companies, only one other person lives in the building and they do not have bed bugs.</p> <p>When we discovered them, we dismantled and discarded all of our bed room and living room furniture. We slept in the bed room while we emptied the contents very systematically. We sealed and sprayed everything in the room and even re painted. We painted the floors and walls. In the end we found 2 live bed bugs and maybe a few eggs but we can't be sure. We also found 2 dead bed bugs.</p> <p>After we did the bedroom, we went through everything we owned in every room. Inspected and bagged everything and after 3 weeks with no signs of bed bugs we bought a new bed and bed frame. 4 post metal bed frame and mattress from IKEA. We got climb up protectors and mattress safe beg bug cover for bed and new pillows. </p> <p>To keep things clearly separate, we change our clothes before we get into and out of bed. Anything worn in the bed goes straight into a plastic sealed laundry bag. We shower after being in the bed as well. After 5 weeks we had seen no signs of bed bugs, so we started to relax one thing. We would still change our clothes but we stopped taking extra showers when we would get out of the bed. So far so good. then one night my wife felt something on her shoulder while laying in bed. She didn't react right away, but got up a moment later and went into the bath room. She was inspecting herself and noticed a bed bug on the bathroom floor right by where she had felt the sting on her back. Although it is possible it didn't fall off her, we both are pretty sure it had bitten her and that she had carried it off the bed.</p> <p>This occurrence was hard to come to terms with for several reasons. First, we had isolated the bed. The new bed is open and easy to inspect. We wash the sheets and blankets every 2 days, and we are not wearing anything on or off the bed. Yet we saw no evidence in the climb up protectors or anywhere for that matter of any bedbugs other than the one. A main problem this occurrence created for us was that now we are wondering how it could get on the bed or if not the bed where did it come from if we are stripping and putting on fresh bed clothes?</p> <p>So we allow that it might be a straggler as everything we've read says it can take a while to get rid of them. BUT! Now we are trying to figure it out considering that bed bugs and hibernate for up to 18 months. So here is my question. If you have Bed Bugs in your proximity, and you are sleeping in your bed, won't they come after you? It seems to make sense that if you had them, you would find evidence in a climb up protector at some point.</p> <p>After all the info I've read, I still don't know when I can start to feel confident that we have beaten them. After the one follow up incident, my wife got very upset and started to think bed bugs were in her computer. Even though we had sprayed her computer and we were keeping it in a plastic bag when she wasn't using it, she was convinced that something has climbed out of the laptop and somehow bitten her and then disappeared, all while she was sitting right there. I tried to pursued her to think it was possible that it was something else, but she was convinced. Then a week later something was on her arm while she was at the computer. She squished it but she was certain it was a bed bug. We saved the squish and I've looked at it under a magnifying glass but it just looks like a squish of something. It could be a piece of food for all I know. But still at this point we are in lock down mode for 10 weeks. In that time I know we saw one more bed bug, but the second incident I'm not too sure was anything.</p> <p>So all that said, I go back to the the question. Wouldn't you see evidence that they were trying to get into your bed if you had climb up protectors and a well isolated bed? Even if your sheet touched the floor once a week, it's not like the bed bugs are hiding someplace waiting for you to make that mistake is it? Wouldn't they just come after you with the instinct to feed driving them to try to get on the bed. It just doesn't make sense to me that they would hide out somewhere waiting if you are sleeping near by. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/infants-and-toddlers-while-fighting-bb#post-59994 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:10:10 +0000 watkinsnewan 59994@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>OK so I decided to start this thread cause I know with the title a lot of others are curious!! I am tired of everyone telling me that I have to use my baby as LIVE BAIT and to just throw her to the wolves to be devour!!! What can we as Parents use that is safe for our infants and toddlers until the PCO can come down and treat!! Liftup’s can be poisons to the child so we can rule that out!! So all of you who are old timers, host, and PCO”S what the HELL can I use to keep my baby safe from BEG BUGS until the PCO can come out an treat!!!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/advice-on-treating-a-3-level-5-bedroom-house-desperate#post-58156 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:30:19 +0000 losingmymindx5 58156@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Please Help! We first discovered bedbugs on August 6, 2009. We were leaving on a nonrefundable vacation in 5 days and were in a rush to get these rid of these bugs. We signed a contract with the only PCO that could come before we left. We have a 3 story 5,000 sq. foot house. They felt that only the master bedroom and the two rooms directly below it needed to be sprayed. We believed them. At that point we hadn't had the time to do much research and just wanted them gone. We were not given a lot of instructions before hand so we bagged and moved to a different room. They came and treated, our bedroom was bad but they saw no evidence anywhere else. The next morning before we left for vacation we started checking mattresses and found 3 in my daughter's room. They insisted we probably just carried them in there. Came back and treated our bedroom 2 weeks after initial treatment, slept there one night and bedbugs had a feast. They came back a third time. We are still sleeping in other room and finding an occasional bedbug. Then we found a few on the sofa in the room that backs up to our bedroom. Immediately called PCO out again. They thought only needed to treat 2 other bedrooms , family room and our room again. We told them we wanted the whole floor treated plus my son's room over the garage where they once again found no evidence. Just went up there and I found evidence under the sheet. They have not been back to treat two bedrooms downstairs or 3 living spaces down there. Insist there is no evidence there. We are now all living down there because we can't stand the thought of bugs eating us. I know not the best option but I am going out of my mind. We moved the dogs down, too. We gave them a bath, sprayed crate with rubbing alcohol but I have this sinking feeling they are here , too. One of our dogs has lots of bites, don't know if they are from a bed bug or not. Have I mentioned we have 5 kids? I have started washing everything and putting in ziplocs but we can't walk out the door immediately after we shower and change with 5 kids. I am really losing my mind. I don't know whether to insist they spray the whole basement or not. There is 7 of us sleeping here plus 2 dogs. If so, how do you prepare a house of this size to be treated. We have to prepare the upstairs this week because they are coming to treat it on Saturday. Not to mention we are maxing the credit cards to pay for all of this. I see no end in sight and don't know what to do next. By the way, we got a different PCO inspector to come out the second time because we didn't trust the first one. The second PCO inspector was much more thorough and brought help with him. We are still using the same company. We, also, think that the PCOs that spray are doing a really good job. Someone please give us some advice and talk me off the ledge. I don't know how much I can handle. How do you ever live normal again? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bugs-heat-038-carbon-dioxide-red-led-light#post-15282 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 21:45:37 +0000 Anonymous 15282@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I had put this up under the advice and was asked to post it here. I'm curious how one would accomplish this. I find the red LED light quite interesting. Where would one find this type of light?</p> <p>Onto the other topic:</p> <p>Ok so I’m driving myself mad and trust me it’s not that far of a drive to begin with. I think it’s time I start my own forum about all this.</p> <p>I am still seeking advice on this part though. Ok so bed bugs are attracted to the heat from your body and the carbon dioxide you breath out while sleeping. So would it be possible to try to attract them out by using say a heating pad and mixing vinegar and baking soda to create carbon dioxide?</p> <p>Hey I said I was going mad. I find myself in a position of possible needing to catch a few critters for proof of them being here and in my mad state had this thought. Anyone know if this or some other similar would be feasible? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-on-my-pets#post-44914 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:50:20 +0000 pickupstick 44914@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm newly afflicted with BB's and I've read most of the FAQ's...but I'm still confused about a few things. I'm not sure if bedbugs bite my dog, or hang out in her fur, or if she could bring bedbugs to other people's lives by carrying them on her fur. I like to take her places with me and since she's so cute everybody wants to pet her. If she could be carrying bugs the same way my shoes or clothes might have picked them up, how could I get them off of her? I don't want to spray her with rubbing alcohol or put her in the dryer. I have cats too, are they in my cats' fur? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/breaking-a-lease-and-suing-a-ll-in-nj#post-59606 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:51:50 +0000 mionina 59606@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi Everyone.....</p> <p> I have been dealing with Bed bugs since early August of this year, and they keep coming back ....to answer some of the questions concerning variables here is a brief "plot synopsis" of my situation.</p> <p> I live in an apartment in Middlesex county, NJ...It's a multiple unit building, in an upscale rental community. I have to travel for my job very regularly, so I have always been mindful about checking my hotel room for anything shady(including BBs) as soon as I arrive. I started noticing some funny bug bites on me in the beginning of August, which made me uneasy because I have severe allergies, and Lupus on top of it....I walked around for a week covered in hives and welts that I thought were mosquito bites.</p> <p> On the ninth I actually saw one on my living room sofa. I spend time in Manhattan regularly for work, so I was well aware of the problems in NYC and knew what they looked like. Naturally, I called my property manager's office as soon as this happened and I will give credit where credit is due, they did have their PCO out at my place the next day. I told management that I do travel for work regularly, but I am very careful when I do so. The problem is the PCO......I am not going to say that he is incompetent....He may very well be pretty good at what he does when it comes to other insects.......But these things keep coming back! I have not been neglectful....I know a few people that have worked in the hotel industry and have heard all of the horror stories(not to mention reading the ones here!) and knew that the problem had to be handled really aggressively, otherwise they would never go away. I have had to take a month off from work, and move in with my Godfather(I can't risk living there because of the other health issues, a lupus flare-up on top of all of this would suck) My LL sent the PCO out a few times...They claim it was four treatments, but I think it was only twice each time he spent about five minutes, tops....I have done everything possible to help get rid of them, and have even resorted to working and living at my godfather's house for the past two months...My boss doesn't want me bringing them into the building, and I can't blame him one bit.....I got two packtite units right away, and have been heat-treating everything I own non-stop that was able to be heated to 130 degrees since then. I have had my furniture all hauled away, and thermal treated by a reputable firm(the furniture, including properly encased mattresses and boxsprings is back in my place)everything else I own has been quadruple-bagged, shrink wrapped, heat treated and put into storage... I took a lot of time, and over 10 grand of my own money to do all of this, because I really wanted to eradicate the problem, and my LL had led me to believe that I was partially responsible for doing so as well......I finally hadn't seen any activity...nor had I been bitten so around September 20th, I spent the night in the apartment....only to get bitten again....so I went to the LL's office, showed them the bites, told them the lengths I had gone to, and they sent the head of maintenance out....he saw the measures I was taking, and promised that they would have the carpets ripped up and sprayed underneath and that they would seal up all of the cracks, etc in the unit. But what freaked me out was that he mentioned "off the record" that they had a situation in another complex last year or so where management sued the tenant when the neighbors got infested. I went to a lot of trouble to pull off all of the outlets, seal some of the cracks up, etc....and the PCO that they have a contract with spent 20 minutes instead of the usual five, Dismissed my bites with "you could have gotten those from anything" and treated me like I was nuts because he saw no signs of them, and he knows I have gone to some extreme measures to get rid of them.....This was last Thursday....I have a now dead bedbug in a caper jar that I had to chase down Sunday morning, and I am waiting to get my Bug domes in the mail(Stern Enviro emailed me yesterday and I ordered four right away) so I can prove the lil' bastards are still in here. I am no Entomologist, but common sense tells me that they could very well be coming in from next door. The few I have found have been very close to a common wall I share with a neighbor, and with all that I have done to get rid of them, I don't see any other rational explanation for them still being in here. I'm about at my wits' end.</p> <p> The problem is, that between the severe allergies and the lupus, I haven't been able to live in the apartment for nearly two months, and I can't go on like this....I can't run the risk of getting bitten up again, it could aggravate the lupus and lead to serious health problems for me, I have tried to explain this to my LL, and don't feel that I am being taken seriously at this point....The law that was passed on 2/5/09, A-3202 was brought to my attention a week or so ago, and now that I have seen that it's their sole responsibility, I am pretty upset.</p> <p> I guess my question is, what do I do from here? I simply can not live in this apartment...even if it is treated properly...Do I have grounds to break my lease? or better yet, to go after them for my expenses and the rent I paid for the time I wasn't able to live here....Management is swearing up and down that they have never had issues here before, but I'm not buying it. I know I need a lawyer that handles BB cases too.....If anyone here knows of a good one that is not going to charge me a ton of money, please send their info my way.</p> <p>Sorry about the rant, but you all know how it is...... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/request-for-duvet-encasement-recommendations-can-only-find-ones-for-mattresses#post-59578 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:38:02 +0000 Dusk 59578@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Could anyone please recommend duvet encasements that trap/keep out bed bugs? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know-when-theyre-gone#post-24763 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:42:33 +0000 bugginginKY 24763@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I discovered I had a problem almost one month ago. After occasionally waking up with series of itchy bites, I did a full inspection of my bed and found one live adult in my bedskirt and a few small areas of black marks in my mattress and box spring.</p> <p>I immediately began decluttering my bedroom, doing the laundry/plastic bag thing, and successfully isolated my bed. I have been practicing a hardcore regimen of vacuuming and applying DE around my condo. During the cleaning out process, I found one more live one on my headboard a few of the nymphs as well. I killed all of them with rubbing alcohol and threw away the headboard.</p> <p>Since then, I have found one dead bedbug on an item of clothing and one dead in my cat's basket. I have not received any more bites - nor have I seen any live bugs.</p> <p>I guess I'm just wondering how we measure the success of our battle? The number of bites? Number of live ones? Number of dead ones? Number of days since we last saw signs?</p> <p>Thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/summer-time-vs-winter-time#post-6198 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:58:43 +0000 ihateBB 6198@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>Does Bed Bugs go to "sleep" in the winter like cockroaches?</p> <p>I have noticed that a lot of bugs aren't around in the winter and they come out in the summer, like flies, mosquitoes, etc.... is Bed bugs the same? Do they stay dormant and only come out in the summer?</p> <p>thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/seeking-individuals-and-families-to-interview-about-bed-bugs-3#post-59466 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:48:06 +0000 Bed Bug Central 59466@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Bed Bug Central is currently seeking individuals or families in the New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut areas that are interested in being interviewed on a nationally-syndicated, morning talk show based in New York. </p> <p>The purpose of the interview increase awareness of the bed bug ‘epidemic’ that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the country. This interview will be an important part of the overcoming the gross factor of bed bugs and create dialogue towards containing the problem.</p> <p>The show is set to run Oct. 8, and we will need to hear from people dealing with infestations soon. If you are interested please follow the <a href="http://www.bedbugcentral.com/about/">link to contact us</a>.</p> <p>About Bed Bug Central<br /> Bed Bug Central, developed by Phillip and Richard Cooper, is a division of Cooper Pest Solutions and is home to the nation’s most comprehensive website devoted to bed bug information and products for the public. Vice President, Rick Cooper, is regarded as one of the leading bed bug experts in the pest control industry. He recently co-authored a book titled “Bed Bug Handbook: The Complete Guide to Bed Bugs and Their Control,” and he is a highly sought out speaker on bed bugs and other pest management topics. Jeff White is also regarded as an expert in bed bug research and has featured articles in several publications. Bed Bug Central has created a variety of resources that are available to the industry including on the job observation, documents package, and Bed Bug University. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-kind-of-bug-is-this-please-help#post-59412 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:59:25 +0000 twoleftshoes12 59412@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt57/twoleftshoes20/CIMG0251.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt57/twoleftshoes20/CIMG0251.jpg</a></p> <p>please help, this was on my porch and im worried about what it might be!</p> <p>any help please? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cats-and-best-medication-eg-frontline#post-43021 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:09:18 +0000 mbvireo 43021@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I read in a couple of places that it is helpful to give your pets medication, e.g.Frontline which is typically used to prevent fleas, to alleviate your pet's discomfort and minimize any spreading of BBs by your pet.</p> <p>Back when I thought we had fleas, I gave my cat Revolution which works for a month. I recently administered it to her again hoping it will help.</p> <p>My vet wasn't able to advise on this topic. Does anyone know if there's any medication that is recommended for BBs? I am only aware of Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution and they all seem to be the same type of medication but just work at different speeds. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bugs-or-pantrycarpet-beetles-help#post-11952 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:18:51 +0000 minibughater 11952@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi everyone. so for the past 2 weeks, my daughter has been getting bites not many, just maybe like 2 here and there and they are very small almost like someone dotted her with a red pen. I searched the bed area and I caught maybe like 10 bugs around the floor behind the bed. I checked the mattress sheet etc and everything seems to be clean. I was very careful and killed all the bugs I saw, but some looked dried up and dead. So it seemed weird to me, because I know bed bugs are hard to kill and live for a long time. Anyways, I noticed that these "bed bugs" were hairy actually fuzzy and when I came to this website and many others I realized that they were not bed bugs. So I was just reading through most of the topic forums and came across what someone had mentioned as "carpet beetles".</p> <p>I looked it up just for curiosity on how they looked and they actually looked a lot like the bugs I have been finding around the mattress. I did further research and found this website called what's that bug ( <a href="http://whatsthatbug.com" rel="nofollow">http://whatsthatbug.com</a> ) and they basically have a whole bunch of bugs and pictures so you can identify them. I looked through and then saw another similar one that is called the "pantry beetle larvae" and that also looks similar to the carpet beetle larvae. </p> <p>Sorry so long anyways. My question is I have also found 1 shedded skin but I read that these bugs also shed their skin too, so I don't know if I have bed bugs or not. </p> <p>Why would my daughter have these suspicious bites and why would these so called pantry bugs be upstairs in the bedroom? if they are supposed to literally be in the pantry?<br /> I also found some "droppings on the mattress on top of the bed sheets and I don't know if these bugs bite humans as well.</p> <p>I am very confused and want to resolve this. Please anyone help and respond PLEASE.<br /> I have also brought some Kleen Free and was wondering does this help with the pantry/carpet bugs as well?? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/is-pest-control-tax-deductable#post-59318 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:31:29 +0000 NewBlood 59318@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey everyone,</p> <p>The K9 team I hired to do an earlier inspection is being awesome enough to come back and do another inspection - this time with a visual to follow up on what the dog alerts too. I am attempting to take this opportunity to get my real estate agency and land lord involved so that at least they can understand the danger of these miserable little insects (how expensive and troublesome they are to treat), ask questions, and see how prep is done.</p> <p>I began wondering if pest control (especially multi-unit buildings as the apartment I am in) can be wrote off as tax-deductable or wrote off, or whatever I am trying to say? (Can some of it be declared in a way that it saves the Land Lord money?) I like my land lord - he's been great with service for me in the past but I know he has NO idea about these insects at all. I'm in New Jersey - if the laws here about such things are different then in other places. I am of the belief that providing as much information as possible as early as possible will help my situation (and possibly my neighbors, and the LL himself as well) alot.</p> <p>- New Blood. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/needed-clarification-hope#post-58866 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:44:57 +0000 helpthejos 58866@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello all you lovely, itchy people...</p> <p>I'm a newcomer to the forums, though I've been dealing with BBs for about two months now.</p> <p>To make a long story short, I had to choose between ending up homeless or moving in with friends of mine until I could get back on my feet... and I didn't know that the place was horribly infested until RIGHT BEFORE I moved in. Cue panic. BBs have been one of my biggest fears for a long time.</p> <p>I have only actually SEEN two since I moved here- the most recent one was just about an hour ago. He was slow-moving and very very flat, so I suspect he hasn't eaten in a long while... hopefully.</p> <p>Anyway, the landlady is ignorant and extremely unhelpful so far... the guys I live with are messy and leave clothes and clutter all over the house... and the house we live in is three floors, and so full of cracks, nooks, and crannies, that I nearly cried when I tried to get a feel for where the little assholes could hide.</p> <p>I'm currently on government assistance. I'm piss broke. I have some help from my parents, but they're not rich by any means, and can only help with a few hundred dollars at most.</p> <p>I'm also in Ontario, Canada.</p> <p>My questions are...</p> <p><strong>Am I stuck here forever?</strong> Basically, it's dismayingly clear that the infestation will take AGES to clear up, if we are ever successful. Due to financial issues, the guys feel they need to wait three more weeks before calling in the exterminator and this problem has already been going on for at least six months... I do NOT want to think about how many BBs there are in this place. </p> <p>I'm thinking that my best bet is to seal everything I can live without, load it all in a truck, have the truck treated with vikane gas, and stick it all in a storage unit for two years. What do you think?</p> <p><strong>How paranoid do I need to be?</strong> I have obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety issues, and as you can imagine, they're in overdrive in this situation. I need a decent idea of how paranoid I should be. I've been keeping small things in ziplocks; do I need to worry that there are bugs on the mouths of the bags? If I touch the outside of a bag, is my hand now contaminated? If I rest a bag on the floor for a few minutes while I fold my clean laundry and load it in, is the bag contaminated? Should I be freaking out about putting socks on before I leave the house, even if it's just in the doorway? Can I re-wear clothes that have been stored in a bag? Is it OK to reuse bags if I've kept them tied up or in the freezer while empty? Just give me a ballpark figure... I've been acting as if my whole house is covered in AIDS-infected blood and it's running me ragged. Pretty tempted to just burn the place down.</p> <p><strong>I have dreadlocks.</strong> Please, leave your prejudices at the door. I take good care of them, and yes, they are clean. They're pretty precious to me; they reach to my thighs and I've had them for nearly six years. I've been keeping them in a tight bun at all times while in the house except when I wash them (once a week, which is already irritating my sensitive scalp... it only accepts twice monthly washing without complaint... I know that SOUNDS gross, but I've had very honest friends inspect me many times and there's never been any ickiness). I've read here and there that BBs don't like hair and won't go in it... I need some reassurance. I keep them covered when I sleep just to be sure, and when I wash them I let the length soak under scalding water for a while... should I be worried? </p> <p><strong>I'm an artist.</strong> This is the really tricky one. I have tons of art supplies, delicate papers, finished artwork, and a collection of hideously expensive markers that I don't just use daily, but rely on to bring in money as I live off of commissions (and I have commission work to finish). How the hell do I decontaminate them enough to safely bring them to a new place? I certainly can't store them for 18 months, and none of this stuff can be boiled, frozen, or put in the dryer. Direct pesticide spraying is very dubious... and I don't trust my art in the microwave. I don't want to mail my commissioners buggy art... Help? *cries*</p> <p><strong>Technology.</strong> I've not been able to find anything conclusive when it comes to decontaminating tech. I have an old IBM powerbook, a horribly expensive tablet (that I also need for my art), an external hard drive, and a PC, along with various accessories. So far it's looking like my only surefire option is the 18mo storage... Any ideas?</p> <p><strong>Critique my decontamination routine! </strong> I go to my boyfriend's house every weekend. I obviously am terrified of infecting them, so this is what I do before I leave...<br /> <strong>1.</strong> I wash and dry the clothes I plan to wear in hot. They go in the dryer for a full hour.<br /> <strong>2. </strong>While my clothes are drying, I shower in the hottest water I can stand. I bring my glasses in with me because I'm scared of them getting buggy if I put them down. I run them under scalding water for a few seconds too. I keep them in a ziplock while I sleep.<br /> <strong>3.</strong> I wash my hair (mostly just my scalp, as it would take a whole bottle of shampoo and two hours of rinsing to do the whole length of my hair) and rinse thoroughly. When the shampoo is gone, I let the lengths run under scalding water for as long as I can stand it. This is definitely not pleasant and I've burnt myself a bit doing this, but I'd rather that then bring house herpes with me.<br /> <strong>4.</strong> I turn off the water and dry off without leaving the stall. I use a clean towel that was kept in a bag, though I've had it hung (not touching anything else) on the towel rack while I've been in the shower. Is that bad? Should I keep it in a bag until the second I use it?<br /> <strong>5.</strong> I get out of the shower on tiptoe, put on my deodorant as quickly as possible (not bagged), grab my sidebag and my shoes in their tied up bags and throw them out the back door, run downstairs and get dressed right out of the dryer as quickly as possible while doing a stupid little tip-toe dance and trying not to let my clothes touch the floor... I cram my socks in my pocket and I run back upstairs and out the back door, and I put on my socks, shoes, and bag in the back yard. Makeup and stuff I do in transit... I don't care if people look at me funny.</p> <p>Is this good enough? My cellphone is kept in a ziplock at home, and I take it out of the bag to put it in my sidebag, though sometimes I put it in a new bag then put it in my sidebag... I take things out of their bags and toss them back inside, usually tied up. I sometimes reuse them after putting them in the freezer for a few days. I thought that was okay but after doing more reading, I'm not sure.</p> <p>Augh... please help. I feel like I've got six STDs or something. My boyfriend says that he's comfortable with me coming over because of the precautions I take... but I want your opinions.</p> <p>Sorry for the long post... I'm a bit off my rocker lately. I wish the heebie-jeebies would stop!</p> <p>Much love,<br /> Jos.</p> <p><strong>P.S.</strong>- The most useful thing I've done for myself so far is sleeping in Ninja Pyjamas! Shirt tucked into pants... pants tucked into socks... shirt sleeves tucked into armwarmers... those tucked into socks on my hands... A t-shirt with neck and sleeves ziptied shut goes over my head, and a bandana goes around my head to protect my hair in case I pull it off my face in my sleep. I tuck the bottom the head-shirt into the neck of the torso-shirt, but loosely, which isn't the most reassuring thing, but I can't seal myself in or I'll wake up freaking out. I had an incident before I started doing this where I woke up with a TON of bites, SIXTEEN of which were in clusters all over one side of my face, and I was so pissed off that it completely ruined my whole day. Since I started sleeping in my ninja PJs, I haven't been bitten a single time. Also, the shirt covering your face makes it much easier to sleep with the light on... try it, seriously! It looks totally dumb, but not being horribly itchy with Quasimodo face is utterly worth it. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-uncooperative-roommate-and-landlord#post-58768 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:52:38 +0000 StellaO 58768@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi everyone, I need your help. My roommate recently told me she has found bed bugs on her mattress. We called our landlord and he advised her to clean up the space as much as possible, but said he doesn't want to call an exterminator because they will just keep coming back. Help me! I live in NYC, and I know that landlords are supposed to pay for a licensed PCO. What should I do?</p> <p>P.S. I was planning on moving in 6 weeks until I got the news. I am terrified of carrying them to my next location, but my living situation has become unbearable (long story) without the bed bugs even! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cleaning-laptops#post-58671 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:50:17 +0000 diatom 58671@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My daughter is concerned about cleaning out her Apple laptop. She uses it while in bed to watch movies, do homework, etc. It's the last peice of de0infesting left to do after all the drying, disposing, spraying, etc. etc. The exterminator suggested she take it to an Apple place, whcih she did today. After waitng for an hour to talk to someone, she was told they don't clean laptops, whcih I find hard to believe. On the other hand, laptops get really warm, so maybe that would kill BB?<br /> Anyone have suggestions about this? Thanks so much - you all have been a great help during this siege. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/laws-re-condo-owners-and-responsibilities-to-report-to-condo-boardproperty-mgm#post-58623 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:45:41 +0000 BugZapped 58623@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Does anyone know what are my legal obligations in San Francisco in terms of reporting bedbugs in my condo unit? I'm having the condo treated immediately by an IPM and have not treated myself (i.e. I have done nothing to cause the critters to want to move out and into the apartment next door, the one directly above us and the one with whom we share 1 foot in common along a wall (or possibly 0 feet. I think our study wall shares an outside wall only to their patio).</p> <p>Its not that I don't want to tell my neighbors. I just want time to treat my place and seal up the known holes in the kitchen under the sink and behind the oven - and possibly dishwasher and see if that takes care of it along with the non-pesticide heating and steamng treatment - not to mention massive decluttering of sealed stuff going off to the dump in sealed withduct tape contractor's bags with cable ties0. I'm sure my condo association board and the property manage they hired would blame me and then either do nothing or they'd barge in here with THEIR PCO with inappropriate, ineffective, toxic pesticides. My cat is chronically ill with a disease and so am I and this course of action would harm us both. Or, my worst nightmare: they make me pay for extermnating the entire block-long condo complex. Needless to say I no longer sleep. The bugbites are painful enough but the financial and especially legal burden is destroying my life and health. And I worry about my property values going don, my neighbors hating me...and my condo becoming unsaleable even if I successfully eradicate the bugs (which I am determined to do).</p> <p>So, how do I find out what the law here is? I've been to the City and County of San Francisco Publi Health site and the California Stae Public Health site. Guidelines, etc. only refer to tenant/landlord situations and property managers of rental apartment buildings and hotels/motels. What about condo owners and condo assoc. boards and their hired-gun property managers? There's a definite assumption in these outdated government documents that only poor people who rent get bedbugs not "nice" people who live in "nice" buildings on the "good" sign of town. Everybody's awareness needs to be raised. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-they-live-in-your-car#post-9579 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:35:46 +0000 jb2007 9579@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I wanted to know if anyone has had an experience where bedbugs appear to be in their car, like under the pedals when they are driving? If so, how would you get rid of them? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/carpet-beetle-questions-for-those-more-experienced#post-58385 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:25:04 +0000 Paranoid001 58385@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have carpet beetles. Thought I had bedbugs but only found CB and hope that's all it is.<br /> I've done a LOT of reading on this site and know that they are relatively harmless, I just happen to be allergic to their hair. They aren't after my pets or biting me. I get it.</p> <p>I remember finding one years ago in a container I had of cat hair. 7 1/2 yrs ago when I bought my house there were a few dead birds in the attic. I've never seen such skeletons. So I know they've been around. It's an old house. LOTS of cracks and places to go.</p> <p>Okay...here are my questions:<br /> Why am I only reacting now? Is this some kind of season where they are more active?</p> <p>I am in pain from all the cleaning last night. Threw out cat beds, cat toys, washed the few I kept. Pulled out furniture. They were everywhere. Not tons. Like five in the sofa bed. A few under the couch. One in the daybed in my guest room. A few under my headboard. A few under my nightstand. But it feels like I'm infested because I found two in the bathroom on my bathmat! I'm getting a new vacuum today with a pet hair attachment.<br /> Will all this cleaning make a difference? Are they here to stay or will they just progressively get less? It's an old house with tiny closets and lots of stuff. I'm not taking apart my great grandmother's dresser to see if they're in there. </p> <p>How crazy do I get? </p> <p>Thanks in advance. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/clothing-hitch-hikers#post-46295 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:48:06 +0000 OutOutDarnBugs 46295@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Just found this on the Cornell website and wanted to see what you guys thought of it:<br /> <strong><br /> 12. Will bed bugs actually travel on me?</strong></p> <p>It’s unlikely that a bed bug would travel on you or the clothes you are wearing. You move too much to be a good hiding place. Bed bugs are more likely to be spread via luggage, backpacks, briefcases, mattresses, and used furniture.</p> <p>-----<br /> Now, I knew about the bugs not traveling directly on your body, but I thought they would hitch-hike on your clothes...? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bbs-and-wounds#post-9595 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:27:59 +0000 Nobugsonme 9595@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>A few people have wondered if bed bugs were not biting more during their menstrual periods, but I don't think this has been studied. If they are, it's probably not the smell of blood, since we're told they are not attracted to wounds, just to heat (combined with C02). (But there could be some other factor, who knows?) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/5th-treatment-new-beds-bedbug-dog-need-help-to-determine-plan-of-action#post-19130 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:09:22 +0000 MixedFeelings 19130@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>So we're now a little over 2 months into our fight, and the bites continue (say, 1-3 per day). We've had 3 Tempo WP treatments (Cyfluthrin) and 1 Catalyst (Propetamphos, organophosphate). The last treatment (Catalyst) was 1.5 weeks ago. The PCO is (reluctantly) coming again in a few days for another treatment.</p> <p>We are now getting a little more desperate. Already we've tossed 1 couch and all rugs. All curtains are down, bagged, and outside. We keep only 2 weeks of clothing in our apartment, all laundered, in bags (save a few drycleaned items that hang in my closet). The rest of our clothes and shoes are outside in bags. All non-launderable items have been PERC-cleaned at our drycleaners (and are still there, waiting for us to pick them up later).</p> <p>We feel we are getting bitten mostly (exclusively?) in bed. We have a metal bed frame (hollow), with a memory foam mattress (encased). No boxspring. Our son has a wooden crib with an (encased) vinyl-covered mattress. Pillows are also encased. But beds are not isolated.</p> <p>I found a bedbug detecting dog that is available in early March. I need advice on the order in which to proceed. What order would you recommend?</p> <p>- Replace all beds, mattresses, pillows (my husband's idea)<br /> - Next Catalyst treatment (this weekend!)<br /> - Get bedbug dog in (not available until ~Mar 03) &gt; I am also going to try to get my neighbors inspected at the same time, not sure if they will agree.</p> <p>I don't know how to proceed. My husband thinks we should do in order as listed above. I *really* didn't want to have to toss our bed and mattress - they were wedding gifts and rather expensive. And we like them! Our son's crib was inexpensive so I'm fine with losing that.</p> <p>Any suggestions?</p> <p>MF </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/seeing-centipedes#post-58228 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:54:23 +0000 allbbsmustdie 58228@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>We are post treatment and playing the waiting game to see if we are in the clear. Throughout, none of the PCOs found any evidence or live bugs. All we saw was one dead bug after the second treatment. Because f this we're havign a hard time telling if they are all gone. Over the course of the past few months we have been seeing centipedes 3 adults and 1 baby. I dont' remember seeing any last year. This might be a dumb question, but could this be a sign that we still have bed bugs? Are the bugs attracting the centipedes? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/packtite#post-53065 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:41:55 +0000 Desparate 53065@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I would like to hear from those who are using Packtite. Does it work? </p> <p>When we travel - always by car - we take four suitcases. From what I have read the only way to use this without bringing all into the house and then into the unit one at a time while the others re-invest the house, is to bring each suitcase in, bake it for four hours - while the others remain in the vehicle. Is this what you do? </p> <p>What about the car? I am sure in route if there are bb they can get into the car. While this has nothing to do with Packtite (though indirectly as the cases waiting for baking are in the car) what is done to insure the car is de-bugged. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-long-to-keep-dry-things-in-the-dryer-to-kill-bed-bugs#post-36786 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:13:29 +0000 Jeanette 36786@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Since it takes less drying time to kill bed bugs in a dry item, and I need to ensure that my knapsack that I will be taking with me on my trip next month is bug free, how long would you suggest I keep it (empty and dry and being the sole item) in the dryer to be sure any bugs in it are killed? Can I put it on the Delicate Cycle or do I have to put it on the "Whites and Coloured" cycle? I live in an appartment complex and the dryers have three settings. </p> <p>The complete Delicate Cycle of 60 minutes killed any bed bugs in clothes that could not be put on the other two hotter settings. I know this because I have been wearing these clothes for the past few months and have been bite-free. However, I am not sure how it will work on my knapsack. Maybe 20 minutes on a hotter setting is better for the knapsack since it is made or thicker more durable material than the clothes I put in the dryer?</p> <p>Can anyone help me with this please? Nobugsonme, you mentioned you had put washed and air-dried knapsacks in the dryer to kill bed bugs. Can you please let me know which setting you used for the dryer and for how many minutes? I know that what worked for you might not work for me and I am willing to take the chance that the knapsack may get damaged, but would like you to share your experience with me please.</p> <p>That last thing I want to do is take bed bugs with me on my trip to visit family for Christmas. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cable-box-blewup-what-would-you-do#post-44177 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:31:37 +0000 bedbugsbad 44177@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>All right so here's the issue. Saturday my cable box/DVR blew up. You know, the one that allows you to get all those cool HD channels on the big flat screen. No big deal right? Well not so fast. All I have to do is bring my my old box to the customer service center and they will give me a new one with a new remote. Only it won't be so new. When customers cancel cable or move they return their boxes to the cable company where they make sure they work and then send out the "used/been in other peoples houses" boxes to current or new customers. You rarely if ever get a new out of the box unit. To the average customer this would be no big deal, but I have been very diligent in not bringing other peoples stuff into my house. Anything either goes into the dryer or my Packtite first- better safe than sorry. What would you do?</p> <p>I know the odds are tiny that there would be a BB issue with a used cable box, but the PTSD/fear is very strong. And there is no option to buy new equipment, as it can't be done. I have the rabbit ears hooked up and I still can get HD on the 4 networks but needless to say I have lost over 150 channels. DirecTV is not an option either. Would you replace the box and take the risk? Would you just stop watching TV? Would you run the new cable box through a cycle in the Packtite? (DJames any input here would be appreciated. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bugs-in-my-new-rented-property#post-57811 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:58:16 +0000 kakihara 57811@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I moved into a room as a lodger recently 30/08/09 and as yet have only stayed there one night as from night 1 I was being bitten (my reaction is severe and I was hospitalized and given steroids) </p> <p>The place has been fumigated, the landlord has sorted that. But when I asked him to replace the mattress he said a flat no. Fair enough it's been treated but I really don't want to end up in hospital again and am cautious. So I am going to ask him for half my first weeks rent back so I can at least buy a mattress topper and new bedding. My old bedding was cheap and really not worth laundering. I know he is not going to be forthcoming. </p> <p>So what I want to know is; am I being unreasonable here? I have not been able to inhabit the property, although my stuff has been there. But I have had to find alternative accommodation and pay for it twice. </p> <p>Also, shouldn't he legally get a new mattress? As long as I know what is reasonable and what is not I will feel confident in my demands. </p> <p>Thank you for any advice you can give me. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/new-scared-and-welted#post-26522 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:21:46 +0000 scaredwelted 26522@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I just found out yesterday it was BB's eating me alive also. The house (very old victorian) is being re-roofed wood walls replaced and so on. I rent the house, is there a possibility that could have something to do with it? I found a dead bug on my carpet this am after discovering what this "leprocy" on my legs and rear were. I have read there are BB's that are bird and bat eaters but will move on to a human host if needed.<br /> Terminex is coming tomarrow for an estimate and I'm scared to death of the cost but I have welts, Blisters and and panic attacks from all this. I am going to send the bug to MSU Etomology Head guy to determine which kind it is. But could there be a connection with the construction ? I've had the sleeping problem and visual "bites" for about three weeks now but had problems with anemia a few weeks before that. Any ideas, leads or advice? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/theyre-baaack#post-57799 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:26:49 +0000 Diggler 57799@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Call me in-touch, or hyper-aware, but I can catch a bed bug, and find them, just by being curious. Just today, one day after I thought I was bug-free (Ok, I'm lying to myself), I went on a good old-fashioned bug hunt. Forget the bed, too easy and too white, since I just purchased a brand new futon. I turned my wooden DVD shelf around and found: 1 nymph, so small it scattered as I tried to catch it and fell on the floor. Then I saw and captured (YES!!) a medium one, a cycle 3-4, and put it in a medicine bottle to better observe it. The thing is, it was near the bed, on a unit I had already vacuumed. The bedding has been washed in hot, dried in hot, the clothes are not really suspect, since I have yet to ever find one in or on clothes. When I sleep on the couch, I never get bit. These fuckers are just in one room. Here are my questions:</p> <p>1. Eggs: How long is one cycle before hatching in a 13-day period?<br /> 2. How resilient are nymphs before they've had their feeding? When is the best time of day, for example to kill them?<br /> 3. Who would like my collection? Just kidding! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-my-cats-spread-bed-bugs-to-the-rest-of-the-house#post-57654 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:21:32 +0000 BitteninBaltimore 57654@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We dealt with an infestation last year. We actually managed to get rid of them and get no bites this year until I opened a bag too early. Now we're dealing with them in my new home.</p> <p>My new housemates are worried that my cats may spread them to other areas of the home? I've heard that pets can bring them in from outdoors (presumably from bird or bat nests), but mine have always been indoor cats and it would be nice if they could leave my room again. Any insights into this would be appreciated! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/is-a-house-better-than-an-apartment#post-57288 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:01:21 +0000 Chester2 57288@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My family and I have been considering purchasing a home anyway, bedbugs or not. But we also considered condos and coops. Do you think a house is safer and less likely to have persistent bedbug problems than an attached apartment in a building?</p> <p>If so, could you point me in the direction of research in this area? links? </p> <p>We recently got treated by a PCO in our apartment in a building that is attached to other buildings. The landlords only treated our apartment even though I urged him to treat the building. But if the building is attached to another building then does it even matter? At this point this is our second time getting bedbugs (the first was a little over a year ago). We DO NOT want to deal with them again, obviously. I am looking for ways to reduce our chances of getting them, and enhance my chances of dealing with them if we get them. For that reason a detached house seems like the way to go. </p> <p>Your thoughts? </p> <p>Thank you for reading my first post! This has been a very helpful site, both for knowledge and general feeling better about it all. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/need-help-advice#post-57305 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:36:45 +0000 bedbuggedout 57305@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>We first found bed bugs in our apartment about a year ago, and immediately told our landlord. We did a lot of work, and have been sprayed at least 4 times, after each finding a new bug until the last treatment. I have found no bugs, caught none in the traps, or seen spotting on the sheets for about 4 months or so. But I recently found out that the neighbor upstairs got bed bugs, and she was sprayed, and our apartment was sprayed 2 more times as well with hers. She moved out immediately and did not bait them over the poison.</p> <p>We recently bought a house, and have to move into the house in less than a month and I am TERRIFIED that we could be bringing them with us?</p> <p>Any Advice?<br /> I need some reassurance please!!!<br /> I'm a first time home buyer and the last thing I want is to have to have bed bugs in my new home! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/where-is-everyone-from#post-26230 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:18:45 +0000 Itchybutdealing 26230@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I know that this is more of a support and help network, but to get an idea of how many of us are east coast, canada, aus...etc. I propose a zip code poll and where you have the bb problem.</p> <p>For me: 10024 (NYC)</p> <p>My car: Between these two! </p> <p>My parents: 11977 (Suffolk County)</p> <p>Kids: 2</p> <p>Husband: 1</p> <p>Own a coop, parents own their home</p> <p>Fed Up Meter: 88% </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/neighbor-refusing-treatment-were-on-our-4th-round#post-57049 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:31:47 +0000 bugged in brooklyn 57049@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello All:<br /> I have been a frequent reader since our first bedbug discovery in Sept 08. We bought our co-op apartment in June 08. The bed bug problem was not disclosed, and we did not know to ask. The apartment above ours is a sponsor rental. In September the board had a mandatory inspection of our building, which found a serious infestation in the apartment above ours. We had just been treated and came up as negative, but we continued to have issues into October. The first company we used was cheap, and sprayed 4 times. We then had Assured come in to treat my infants room, with steam and hepa vac. We did not have any problems for 8-9 months. In the end of May I started to get bit again. We had 4 treatments from Green Earth, since I am concerned for my sons health and wanted "safe" products. They were very helpful and honest, but after 4 treatments I am still getting bitten, and now my son is getting bitten too. We have seem to have a mild infestation, as my bites are few, but regular, and we vacuum A LOT.<br /> From what I know, my upstairs neighbor will not continue treatments because his mother is elderly and his teenage son has asthma, but perhaps they do not react to the bites. His apartment is extremely cluttered, which adds to the unlikelihood of total annihilation. What is my neighbor and his landlord's responsibility to the other tenants? Can someone be forced to treat their apartment? I know without his apartment being properly treated, we will be dealing with this for at least as long as we live here, but we own and we are stuck. Is there an effective maintenance program for someone in my situation?<br /> Thanks for any help you can offer. Thanks also to the many people who contribute here. Such a great resource! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/help-with-caulking-techniques#post-56821 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:44:54 +0000 igotbites 56821@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>this is my first post... we are about 3-4 months into our party with the bed bugs... 4 treatments with Metro Pest... lots of laundry... all the same stuff that ive read here...<br /> we live in a multi unit building (which seems to be the kiss of death) in Queens NY (9 units total)... our last treatment was 4 days ago so it is too soon to tell, but any professional I speak to says we have a building wide issue... Landlord has been away literally for the last 2 1/2 months, so we have lost precious time in treating the building if necessary. plus i don't trust him to hire a highly qualifed pro, rather i think he'll hire some random that he knows through somebody who will do an ineffective treatment.<br /> regardless, in an effort to stay proactive about treatment we have a Haan steamcleaner that we have used on the wood floors (old with lots of cracks and crevices) and we are starting to caulk ALL the baseboards in the apt. there are areas with very large gaps where we used expanding foam and other areas where we used normal caulk.</p> <p>***my big question for right now... any suggestions for the huge gaps (mouse size and bigger) around heat pipes, a simple caulk will in no way fill the gaps. i want to stuff Steel Wool anyway because we have also had 2 bouts with mice! but i imagine that BB's can get through steel wool, maybe if i stick steel wool and sprinkle with DE??<br /> thanks for any and all thoughts </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbug-myths-and-debunking#post-57036 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:04:30 +0000 IN HELLS Kitchen 57036@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi I thought it may help to start a thread that people could go to to start finding the truth about myths about bedbugs.</p> <p>For example, I read that you shouldn't try and use regular or duct tape to try and trap BBs because they would stick too quickly and send out pheremones to keep other BBs to stay away. (I had duct tapes the legs on my bed to try and trap them) They said that the "Climb ups" were better, because it slowed them down, rather than stopping them immediately. Is that true? Can they really send out some sort of alarm pheremone to other BBs and does it happen if you try and use homemade methods of trapping? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bbs-at-my-work-how-do-i-avoid-bringing-them-home#post-57076 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:55:51 +0000 DeathToAllBBs 57076@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Where I work has had a definite infestation months ago. Then I was bitten around three weeks ago as was another coworker. They followed with another treatment. Last week I found more of them after a resident showed me his bite marks and told me his sheets were covered in blood. UGH! The did another treatment the next day. Now they'll have them back weekly I believe. Meanwhile, I'm concerned about how to not bring them home. </p> <p>As of now, I don't have any signs that I have, but now I'm being extra cautious by changing before I leave work into clean clothes, putting them in a pillow case that I put in a knapsack. They I empty the contents in my dryers which is in my basement (knapsack and clothes I just changed into included) and put the dryer on for 40 minutes on high. Then I shower. This way I don't bring them into my car, and everything gets killed in the heat of my dryer.</p> <p>A few people at work think I'm being paranoid since nobody has gotten an infestation in their home, but the original infestation was in one bedroom. Then I was bit three weeks ago in the living room. And last week they were in two other residents' bedrooms. Back at the time of the first infestation, I didn't think much of it and didn't know anything about BBs. After I got bit and after hearing other workers saw them in our office, I realized it was much worse than I thought.</p> <p>Is there anything else I can do to avoid taking these gross things home? Honestly, if the economy weren't so bad, I'd just quit, but that's not really an option right now. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/belly-buttons-and-bed-bugs#post-49511 Wed, 27 May 2009 17:11:36 +0000 biztrvler 49511@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Do bed bugs ever hitch a ride on the traveler / person's body, not just the clothes or luggage? Bugs and bites occurred in a hotel room. Came home, did laundry, hot dryers, etc. Then bites in belly area led me to ensure very clean navel area. Is it possible a bug could hide in there? (Sorry this is a repellant thought, but it is a small dark place.) Or I could be crazy.</p> <p>Thank you for the great advice on this website. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/need-some-help-#post-56934 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:01:02 +0000 bedbugvic 56934@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have a few questions re:professional treatment for bed bugs. I moved into an apt apx. 5 months ago &#38; noticed these real itchy bites. Couldn't figure out what it was until a friend mentioned bed bugs &#38; lifted my mattress,found bed bugs and I went nuts. I called my landlord and told him, he came over and said it couldn't be bedbugs so I pulled out my "specimen". He said"that's not a bed bug" so I compared it to online pictures &#38; he called an exterminator. The exterminator came about 2 wks later and sprayed a pesticide and growth regulator, I encased my mattress/box spring and kept getting bit as well as 2 out of 3 of my kids(1 doesn't react apparently) The pco stated that if I had bed bugs after 4 months to let my landlord know and he'd come back. It's now 4 months later..4 LOOOOOONG months later and I called the pco myself and said he needed to come back. My downstairs neighbor claims they dont have bugs, my upstairs neighbors as well..they have to be lying. Anyway, the pco came back and said he was using a new fogger. Not sure what it was but it smelled like cedar and did no good whatsoever. Ive been getting bit since day 1 and nothing has worked. I was the 1st to move into this building and the only 1 w/carpets aswell. Should I demand that my landlord hire another pco, I don't think this guy has a clue what he's doing or is this standard procedure for bed bug treatment.I want to call code enforcement but my landlord has fulfilled his obligation (by hiring the cheapest pco around). I need some advice. Sorry for the long post but i'm furious and fed up. Thanks in advance for any feedback. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/new-questions-from-a-total-bb-newbie#post-56886 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:05:36 +0000 catsy83 56886@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>A couple of questions (three actually):</p> <p>1) Why is it that I feel the burning sensation of a bite during the day with no bed bug in sight? (The burning sensation and a hive-like breakout seem to be my symptoms before the little red dot of a bite appears.) I've read somewhere that the bug's serum doesn't start to irritate the host until quite a bit of time has passed, so that the bugs can't be detected so quickly by the humans they feast on.</p> <p>2) If I wait 5 more days (after waiting 3 already) for a good K9 canine inspector and his dog, will my infestation get humongous? I know I should continue to sleep in my bed to avoid spreading them (tho I made all the newbie mistakes and may have already spread them onto my couch), but I have so many bites, I am debating of sleeping in a tub full of water instead.</p> <p>3) Would it be a smart idea to sleep during the day and spend the night awake and away from the bed? Most people seem to agree that bed bugs don't come out if the light is on, but I had all the lights on yesterday night, and I still woke up with what seemed new bites.</p> <p>Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much in advance. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/stressed-out-over-bb#post-41209 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:03:23 +0000 Itchy Bites 41209@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I need some kind of peace of mind that you can get rid of bed bugs.</p> <p>I'm guessing ive had bedbugs for about 3-4 months now in my room not knowing what they were.<br /> 2 months ago i noticed marks on my valance and thought it was mould. now i have been bitten numerous times i have the pest control coming to do their thing tomorrow. I have had confirmation it is bed bugs.<br /> I have already done all the things you shouldnt, move the bed to different location, spray my room with bug spray as a short term relief, sleep on the couch. my flatmate let of one of those do it yourself insect bombs in her room only.</p> <p>I have spent a day washing my clothes in normal cycle (cold water) then as the pest controller told me to leave clothes in twist tie bags in sun. i have only done half my washing but put the rest of my clothes in bags in the sun for now.<br /> I am now going back and rewashing in hotwater and leaving to dry in sun on clothes line. I Dont have a dryer at home. Is it essential to use a dryer. It is summer in QLD now and sunny all day long. think i already know the answer to that.</p> <p>Now the big panic. I am happy to pay the pest control. but my flatmate who owns the unit doesnt believe the bed bugs are in her room as she hasnt been bitten, and hasnt seen any anywhere else in the house. she thinks the pest controllers are scamming to get money, and that her room and her spare mattresss (which i have seen secretions and eggs on) are not infected. this mattress is stored in the garage and dragged to the loungeroom when people stay over.</p> <p>I can do my part but if the whole place is not done then am i right in assuming that i have just gotten rid of my area before it gets reinfected. I can not seem to get her to understand how important it is to treat the whole house and belongings.<br /> It is really stressing me out and i cant see a way of winning this at the moment.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>some suggestions please </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/what-is-your-specific-routine-when-staying-in-a-hotel#post-56409 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:07:54 +0000 worrywart1 56409@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I've read the travel FAQs and other various ideas on what to do/not do when staying in a hotel, including one website that said to get hotel staff to help you move the headboard of the bed to inspect if necessary (do people really do that?). We travel fairly often including my husband traveling for business, and I'm curious: what is your specific routine when staying at a hotel? How long do you take inspecting the room and what does your inspection consist of? Do you carry luggage or use ziploc bags? What about when you fly? What precautions do you take about your bags?</p> <p>I know a lot more now than I did when we took our recent vacation, but I am feeling fearful about traveling again. (I know it's possible there could be an early infestation of bugs in a room and we not detect them, but I guess that is one of the chances you take when you go about living your life.) I'm just curious what "reasonable" precautions people take and specifically what routines you have developed. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/need-people-to-share-fumigation-chamber-before-sept-1st#post-56147 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:19:05 +0000 seshapo 56147@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Anyone in the NYC area need to fumigate their stuff? I'd love to get the magic bullet Vikane treatment, but I only have guitar, clothes, luggage, computer, books...not enough stuff to fill a whole container. I hear the treatment runs for $1200-1500.</p> <p>Let me know </p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Seth</p> <p><a href="mailto:Seshapo@visi.com">Seshapo@visi.com</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/family-visits-beforeduring-treatment#post-56479 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:42:27 +0000 badbadbedbugs 56479@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>so we are now basically 99.9%...okay 100% sure we have them. Dp found two behind my night table last night :( and I am being bitten like crazy.<br /> A PCO is coming to inspect tomorrow &#38; give us a treatment plan. I have a question....my sister is supposed to come visit this weekend. We have of course told her about her bb situation. And we could REALLY use her help to take care of our two girls while we prepare the house...we have a HUGE job ahead of us, to say the least. She understands the situation, would bring a minimal amount of clothes in a washable backpack and would wash clothes and backpack as soon as she got home.<br /> What do you think? Is it okay to let her come? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/need-help-with-bed-bugs#post-56476 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:53:59 +0000 batracey 56476@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Where to start? I do have a pest control service, Terminix coming this Wednesday...</p> <p>I think I have had bed bugs in a guest room since March. I live alone in a 4 bedroom house &#38; let a friend stay with me in a guest room from March thru May - he must have brought the bed bugs.</p> <p>My mother came to visit me this week &#38; stayed in that same room &#38; was bitten all over that first night. I called a friend who had recently stayed in that room recently &#38; she told me she did in fact have bites - but she didn't realize that it was bed bugs from my house.</p> <p>I think they may be in my bedroom as well. Two weeks ago I had severe bites &#38; swelling on the back of my leg. I had been on the beach a few days before &#38; thought it was from the green flies biting. And then this past week, I had three bites in a row on my elbow.</p> <p>So far, I have thrown out everything in the guestroom except for the mattress &#38; box spring, dresser, tv, a wicker chest &#38; 2 lamps. All bedding, curtains, rug, pillows, etc... have been pitched. I put everything in plastic bags &#38; ran everything right outside. In my room, I threw out the rug, the pillows, my comforter, books, etc... I have cleaned both rooms and both mattresses and box springs now have bed bug mattress protectors. BTW - the rug was too large in my room to put in a garbage bag. Didn't think to cover it. </p> <p>I saw two (I think) adult bed bugs in the guest room. One was on the first day I cleaned the room - it was under the box spring. I used Hot Shot Bedbug &#38; Flea fogger in both rooms. I saw another adult bug on the mattress in the guest room the day after I used the fogger (before the mattress had covers on it). Last night I put a white towel on the floor in my bedroom &#38; sat on it. Little black dots appeared on the towel. I'm guessing those are baby bed bugs?</p> <p>I also didn't realize that I shouldn't sleep in other rooms. Friday &#38; Saturday night I slept downstairs on the couch. Last night I slept in another bedroom. I will sleep back in my room tonight now that I know. I hope I didn't infect the couch - I just had it custom made.</p> <p>Also - as I am washing everything, clothes, linens, etc... I am folding the laundry &#38; leaving it on the kitchen &#38; dining room tables instead of bringing back upstairs. Is that okay? I am washing in hot water with bleach &#38; drying on high heat.</p> <p>As soon as I finish cleaning everyday - I throw my clothes right into the wash &#38; shower &#38; then wash my towel.</p> <p>Is it bad that I used the fogger?Have I made things worse?</p> <p>I also spend alot of time at my computer which is downstairs. Ugh! I have an old house with wood floors everywhere...</p> <p>Again - pest control guy coming on Wednesday. </p> <p>I also just ordered cy-kick &#38; pronto to use in addition to the pest control guy. Thoughts? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/2nd-pco-visit-tomorrow-unbag-afterwards#post-3292 Mon, 21 May 2007 20:53:13 +0000 coopbugged 3292@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>It's been 3 weeks since first visit, and our place will be sprayed again tomorrow. I'm torn about un-bagging. For instance, our suitcases have been bagged for 3 weeks - should we unbag them after this treatment so if any are in there they will come out and hit pesticide and die? What about clothes? Toys? And of course -- the hundreds of books! </p> <p>I haven't been bitten in a month, since we got rid of the bed (in which 10 bugs were found). At least I don't think I have... occasional random itchy spots, but not clusters, and they don't itch and swell up like the bb bites did. </p> <p>My PCO is a bag-it-up-for-18-months guy, but I know other PCOs are unbaggers... any insights appreciated! </p>