http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:14:07 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/on-reclaiming-my-normal-life#post-62703 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:52:31 +0000 nycbedbug 62703@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks so much for your thoughtful response, David. I suppose it's what I expected to hear, and it helps a little -- just looking for that complete peace of mind that has seemed so elusive ever since the beginning of this horrible experience with bedbugs! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/on-reclaiming-my-normal-life#post-62635 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:08:30 +0000 BBcoukHome 62635@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>From the number of cases of adjoining infestations that we deal with in London it does not sound like you case is an obvious pattern of one. Where the source is "local" i.e. either an adjoining property or something that you come into semi regular contact with the pattern displayed often appears like a low treatment efficiency, the bed bugs die back and then seem to resurface again. I am aware of many cases where people have used multiple PCO's only to realise this at a later stage.</p> <p>Now if your source was the hotel exposure or any other "single" source event then a good thorough treatment by someone with experience will often deal with the problem very efficiently and it will remain eradicated.</p> <p>Certainly if you feel the source was the hotel and that you caught it quickly and have had no activity since the last treatment and the K9 team have given you the all clear then the chances are high that the issue is dealt with.</p> <p>I would actually suggest that the first port of call with regards your adjoining neighbours is to ensure that they know what to look for both at home and when they travel. Outside of education monitors might be a good solution either ClimbUp insect interceptors or passive monitors but ideally both as they work in different ways.</p> <p>I have to be honest and say if asked for a professional opinion I would most likely rule with the landlord on this one. With no signs of activity assessing the neighbours may just be a peace of mind for you rather than a logical next step. If you want to do it then I think in fairness the expense is yours to take.</p> <p>Like with all these requests for comment though its not gospel unless I have visited the site and inspected at the level of detail I need to work these things out from the other cases I have seen.<br /> Hope that helps.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/on-reclaiming-my-normal-life#post-62633 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:50:21 +0000 nycbedbug 62633@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Can any experts weigh in on the likelihood that, assuming I brought the bugs in and did not get them from a pre-existing problem in my building, they were contained only to my apartment? My apartment was treated within about 2 weeks of coming back from the trip where I picked them up. I was not sleeping in my apartment for 5 nights during the first week back from the trip because I didn't know I had them. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/on-reclaiming-my-normal-life#post-62541 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:41:07 +0000 nycbedbug 62541@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>My apartment was inspected and cleared by a certified bedbug dog in September and my belongings that were bagged up pre-treatment have now been bagged for over 3 months. I am ready to return to normal life, even though I am still hypervigilant and my skin is still very sensitive and often I have random itches (no clear bites like I had for the two weeks that I had bedbugs, though). </p> <p>I have begun Packtiting everything and am slowly unpacking, essentially moving back into my apartment. While I'm feeling pretty good, I would really like my apartment and the two on either side of mine to be inspected (theirs never were, which was upsetting although I'm 99% sure that I brought them back with me from a trip and caught them within about 10 days, so chances are fairly low that they spread). My PCO has tried calling my landlords to suggest these inspections and they have not responded. They are the type of people that are willing to do just enough to keep them from being sued, but wouldn't go out of their way because of the kindness in their hearts. Does anyone have suggestions about how to get them to pay for the dog inspection of the three apartments? It seems like such a small price to pay in order to have peace of mind and know for sure that the building is clear. If they say no, should I just pay? While I had thought about moving, I'm leaning towards staying now. My lease is up at the end of June. By then it will have been nearly a year since my bedbug experience. If the apartments were not inspected by then, would it be safe to say that if my neighbors have not noticed anything, we're all clear? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/you-want-your-bed-bugs-gone#post-62493 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:24:56 +0000 bedbugsallgone 62493@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I really feel sorry for some of you still dealing with bed bugs...I myself went thru the infestation which was diagnosed on August 31, 2009. Truly I see many of you continuing to live with them and I say HOW? I certainly couldnt....I had to get a plan and figure this thing out... starting with NO experience on the subject it was tough but.....all worth it because now I have been living over a month with NO bed bugs....and when I tell you that I had at least 250 bites on my left arm alone, I am not exxagerating! My doctor had no clue what it was &#38; that only added to the time frame of these dirty little suckers being able to breed. During the process I learned alot and I am on this forum to help, if possible anyone else who wants to get rid of these and move on with their lives....This is what I did....First I contacted my local etemologist to hear from him who he would recommend for treatment &#38; when I tell you we have many pest companies, I ended up going with the most expensive one- the ONLY one who would give me a 100% guarantee...on a limited income, it was tough but I contacted my landlord &#38; he paid for 1/2 ....I then asked questions and learned....Terminix came in &#38; did several CO2 treatments &#38; I had to wait- almost a month for the eggs to hatch for another treatment....3 all together- before I could move anything out (yes, I moved) I got rid of every piece of furniture that I had &#38; the stuff I did bring was gone thru with a fine tooth comb----ALL clothes were washed and pics taken out of pic frames, etc....Yes, I had nice cherry &#38; oak furniture but I wanted this thing to be behind me &#38; yes, it is tough but I am now in a new place, yes I am sleeping on a queen air bed (instead of my nice pillowtop)and I have a loveseat instead of my sectional and....I know where THESE items came from as they are used----Big No No for me from now on! I am 43 &#38; feel like I am starting over, but hey, thats OK--- because I am Bug FREE! My life will never be the same as I check my bed ( air mattress)every night and am constantly aware of any bugs I see but I will chalk that up as a learning exp....Hopefully one day I wont feel the need to do that but for now I still am.... Hope this helps! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62479 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:14:14 +0000 Nobugsonme 62479@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>As in other areas in life, it's not just what you've got, but how you use it that counts. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62477 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:05:00 +0000 spideyjg 62477@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>delorpompom - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62469">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I don't understand how that product would work for bed bugs. I read the label and the directions on how to apply it for indoors and it makes no sense to me. My bed bugs don't live on my baseboards, they live on my futon and my mattress, I can't spray that on those things, so how would it take care of the problem?<br /> Does anyone know if they're trying to find something to kill bed bugs? The last I heard there was still nothing on the market that killed them. How long does it usually take to develop a pesticide? Has there been any strides?</p></blockquote> <p>Many products work and kill BBs but what can go where safely, is what is complex.</p> <p>Best bet is get a knowledgeable PCO to deal with them.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62469 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:46:52 +0000 delorpompom 62469@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I don't understand how that product would work for bed bugs. I read the label and the directions on how to apply it for indoors and it makes no sense to me. My bed bugs don't live on my baseboards, they live on my futon and my mattress, I can't spray that on those things, so how would it take care of the problem?</p> <p>Does anyone know if they're trying to find something to kill bed bugs? The last I heard there was still nothing on the market that killed them. How long does it usually take to develop a pesticide? Has there been any strides? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/4-months-all-clear-in-new-apt#post-62409 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:45:21 +0000 surrounded 62409@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I cooked everything in the packtite before i put it in the bins, so it is all clear. I used plastic bins because i was too paranoid to use cardboard, bugs love cardboard.<br /> I still have some things in ziplocs, they will probably stay there for 1 year.<br /> by the way, you can bake leather in the packtite without damage, if you put a lot of mink oil on in first. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/4-months-all-clear-in-new-apt#post-62408 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:37:38 +0000 damaged 62408@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>How long will you wait before you open your plastic bins? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/4-months-all-clear-in-new-apt#post-62407 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:34:27 +0000 MyWorstFear 62407@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Great news Surrounded! I'm so happy for you. Yes, our lives are different post bb's, but hopefully that means if anything does cross our path again, we'll know immediately and deal with it. You made it!!!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/4-months-all-clear-in-new-apt#post-62403 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:55:45 +0000 surrounded 62403@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>just wanted to check in and report NO BUGS in my new apt, and i didnt bring any with me. yahoo!<br /> There is info in my other posts about the process that i used, but in brief: Packtited everything, anything that didnt fit in packtite got left behind. moved using plastic bins, one small batch at a time. this was long and arduous, and made my summer hell, but it was worth it.</p> <p>i still have climp up interceptors on the bed, and white sheets, and probably always will..... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-removal-recommendation-cesar-soto-of-freedom-pest-control#post-62367 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:51:15 +0000 Nobugsonme 62367@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>ljr22 - 8 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-removal-recommendation-cesar-soto-of-freedom-pest-control#post-62296">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> We had a bed bug problem about two and a half years ago. It was a nightmare and we had our place sprayed countless times until we FINALLY got rid of the bugs. We also replaced ALOT of furniture - bottom line, it cost us about 10 grand to get rid of them (money we really didn't have). Because it took so long tyo get rid of them, we were so nervous afterward about having them that we were not nearly at peace (it took us at least six months or more). Finally, we found Cesar Soto and his dog Tre of freedom pest control. </p></blockquote> <p>Hi ljr22,</p> <p>I am just curious, when did you have Cesar treat your bed bug problem? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62356 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:33:51 +0000 cilecto 62356@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>DeathToAllBBs - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62332">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Anytime someone comes here and declares that they found some great solution and it's their first post, I don't even read anything after it. It just seems suspiciously like solicitation since people who have made dozens, hundreds and maybe even thousands of posts still haven't found that 'miracle' solution.</p></blockquote> <p>Yeah, but usually it's for HIS/HER product, not for something that a billion-dollar multinational makes and sells in a billion-dollar big box store (I don't think Home Depot and Bayer are shilling here). So, I'm guessing s/he posting to provoke or is a "regular" who's posting a success story but doesn't want the controversy of the off-label approach.</p> <p>...or "Jason1" is back for another round. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62342 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:13:05 +0000 watkinsnewan 62342@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I couldn't even imagine going through it for that long.. I just found out late SEP.. I had one treatment and they forgot the Wood bunk bed in my sons room and had to come back for the second.. no charge for the second treatment..They sprayed the whole house again and the beds again and treated the wood bunk beds.. The second treatment was this last Friday.. I haven't seen any yet.. an no bites on me or any of the 5 kids.. I also live in a single dwelling.. and followed some strict guidelines.. from this web site..<br /> I was very strict on the PCO.. and my family.. The funny thing is I only payed $450.00 for A thirty day guarantee with A minimal payment if I need it after that... the District manager thought it was expensive that someone would have to pay that much...hahahah NOT.. Orkin.. John's my guy.. he is the District Manager..<br /> I was taking no malarkey.. AT ALL..<br /> I also weeded through 4 or 5 companies till my GUT told me to go with this company... It took two weeks till I decided to hire one.. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62338 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:59:36 +0000 DeathToAllBBs 62338@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You're lucky then, watkinsnewan, because the professional they've been using where I am has yet to get rid of these little bloodsuckers. It's been going on for around a year, too. So frustrating. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62335 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:52:00 +0000 watkinsnewan 62335@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>DeathToAllBBs - 9 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62332">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Anytime someone comes here and declares that they found some great solution and it's their first post, I don't even read anything after it. It just seems suspiciously like solicitation since people who have made dozens, hundreds and maybe even thousands of posts still haven't found that 'miracle' solution.</p></blockquote> <p>I did ......~~~~A PROFESSIONAL~~after I self treated and made things worse.. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62332 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:41:17 +0000 DeathToAllBBs 62332@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Anytime someone comes here and declares that they found some great solution and it's their first post, I don't even read anything after it. It just seems suspiciously like solicitation since people who have made dozens, hundreds and maybe even thousands of posts still haven't found that 'miracle' solution. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62319 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:22:51 +0000 watkinsnewan 62319@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Okay DIDNT WE go through this with the Ortho.. aren't they ALMOST the same product..</p> <p>Also I Think I read some where this product helps with the mites that live on mice... Does anyone know if it is true.. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62317 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:16:56 +0000 cilecto 62317@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Tempo and the above Bayer products are beta cyfluthrin. Temprid combines beta cyfluthrin and imidacloprid. Bayer's lit on Temprid implies that it is a repellant. Hmm. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62313 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:40:11 +0000 bait 62313@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm not interested in buying this, Spidey. </p> <p>For the sake of information sharing, it would be helpful if more information was posted here, rather than less, that's all. </p> <p>Is Tempo Temprid? -- one of the three products mentioned in a recent report on a seminar. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62311 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:21:44 +0000 cilecto 62311@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Congratulations on two days' respite. </p> <p>Hopefully, this will work for you. Please keep us updated over time, 20, 30, 60 days. </p> <p>What works for you now may or may not work for you longer term or for others. The "wisdom" in the field is that prople often get a temporary reprieve, only to learn that they drove the problem to less accessible areas of their homes. </p> <p>BTW, what country are you in? Is the product labeled for BB and for indoors?</p> <p>Best of luck. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62310 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:53:13 +0000 buggyinsocal 62310@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Also, with bed bugs, it's less about the strength of chemical used and much more about how effectively the chemicals and materials are applied and where. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62307 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:43:27 +0000 spideyjg 62307@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>bait - 53 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62299">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite></p> <p>Can you post the ingredients, active and otherwise? If/when you do, please tell us the prescribed application.<br /> Thanks. Keep us posted; two days is not a long time in the span of a bedbug infestation.</p></blockquote> <p>Google it up and read the label. Any and all pesticides the prescribed SAFE application is on the label.</p> <p>It is a pre diluted formulation that is using the active ingredient as Tempo.</p> <p>Liquids can be good, dusts are far better. That is a fact presented at the recent BB conference with prominent entomologist. </p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62299 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:46:42 +0000 bait 62299@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Congratulations, zenmasterx. Getting sleep is crucial to your having control. W/o sleep, people get crazy. </p> <p>Can you post the ingredients, active and otherwise? If/when you do, please tell us the prescribed application.</p> <p>Thanks. Keep us posted; two days is not a long time in the span of a bedbug infestation. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-removal-recommendation-cesar-soto-of-freedom-pest-control#post-62296 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:24:51 +0000 ljr22 62296@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We had a bed bug problem about two and a half years ago. It was a nightmare and we had our place sprayed countless times until we FINALLY got rid of the bugs. We also replaced ALOT of furniture - bottom line, it cost us about 10 grand to get rid of them (money we really didn't have). Because it took so long tyo get rid of them, we were so nervous afterward about having them that we were not nearly at peace (it took us at least six months or more). Finally, we found Cesar Soto and his dog Tre of freedom pest control. They came in and gave us the all clear and we were finally able to rest easy. What's more, Cesar explained to us alternate methods besides pesticides that we could have used that would have worked just as well, quickly and without harmful residue. Not only was he very concerned about getting rid of the pests but he was also equally concerned about doing so in a manner which would be the safest for our family. He gave us plenty of cost effective, safe recommendations for prevention as well. We wish we had found him sooner because our 3 year old son got pretty sick from all of the spraying and it took us quite a while to get his health back on track. Cesar, I hope I never need you again but if I do, I would NEVER, NEVER go to anyone else to handle our problem and keep our family safe. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62295 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:17:34 +0000 KillerQueen 62295@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>yawn! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-strong-bedbug-killer-that-works#post-62292 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:12:33 +0000 zenmasterx 62292@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I found a strong bedbug killer after spending lots of cash on bad products that did not produce.</p> <p>I found this product a my local home depot and want to let everyone know i cant believe the results</p> <p>No bites at all after 2 days!! the product is BAYER ADVANCED HOME PEST comes in 1 gal for $11</p> <p>Now i can sleep spray baseboards under bed and in cracks you will love this product and dont smell bad either. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/there-is-hope-my-success-story#post-62085 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:37:58 +0000 BuggyinLA 62085@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p><strong>nightmare</strong>: Thanks for sharing your success story! Hopefully we'll be able to share one soon, too. I think it's always important to be reminded that people to actually get rid of these damn bugs. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/there-is-hope-my-success-story#post-62055 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:05:41 +0000 nightmare 62055@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I thought I would never get rid of my bed bug problem, but 7 seven months after my last treatment by a PCO and no evidence of them being still there, I think I can call it a success story. My house has been treated about 5 times by a certified PCO, and until the fifth time, I would still have bites after each treatment.<br /> But, since then, no more bites, no more unidentified spots on my new bed sheets, nothing on the walls and base boards... I still inspect my bedroom every month, but so far, nothing. And quite frankly, if they were still there after 7 months, I think the reinfestation would be easy to see. I am still a little paranoid and I have a thought for my tiny ex roomates every time I go to sleep... But it feels so good to be able to visit friends again without being worried and relax on the couch without fear!</p> <p>There is hope!!! Hang on there! Life in plastic bags do not last forever! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-think-i-may-have-a-glimmer-of-hope#post-61983 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:07:40 +0000 ThisBItes 61983@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm finding them because I'm on constant bug watch. Another reason is that my couch was HORRIBLY infested. Monkeybugger are your bbs gone or were they just hiding? These little demons are extremely good at hiding and I seriously doubt there were only two to be found in your place. What I found is extremely normal for an infestation that is being treated and from a lot of the pictures I found on the web, my problem was quite minimal and thank God, easily contained with diligent behavior as explained by the FAQ's on this website and by my PCO, whom has been very helpful and calming. I hate bbs more than anything now since becoming a victim of this growing epidemic that is occurring all over our country. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-think-i-may-have-a-glimmer-of-hope#post-61951 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:51:57 +0000 monkeybugger 61951@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi ThisBites, I've only seen bugs during my PCO's first inspection (two in wood bedframe--which I have since thrown out). Where are you finding all of these? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-think-i-may-have-a-glimmer-of-hope#post-61936 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:42:01 +0000 ThisBItes 61936@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well it has been 7 days since my last treatment and to date I have seen only five live adults (all unfed), about the same amount of dead ones, three nymphs (unfed), and one fed nymph which I squished with delight. For the last week we haven't been bitten and there is a weird calm in my house. The bugs I saw alive were all struggling and probably were dying from residual pesticide and the infested couch remains visibly bb free upon twice daily inspections. Are they truly "under control" as the PCO stated or am I hopefully delusional?? I,'m planning on keeping up my current routine of keeping most of our stuff out on the balcony bagged and daily hot launderings, etc. indefinetly at this point in time. The PCO is coming back in another week to do a follow-up inspection and said that given the life cycle of the bb and it's eggs that by then it will be clear if one last treatment is needed or not. Do I have a reason to believe I may be winning the war on these bastards?? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/finally-my-little-bedbug-success-story#post-61759 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:54:11 +0000 twitchyscratchy 61759@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>wow trees, </p> <p>that is some SERIOUS dedication! good for you, i really really hope they leave you alone. forever. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/finally-my-little-bedbug-success-story#post-61758 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:53:29 +0000 twitchyscratchy 61758@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>wow trees, </p> <p>that is some SERIOUS dedication! good for you, i really really hope they leave you alone. forever. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/diatomaceous-earth-4#post-61377 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:23:00 +0000 Nobugsonme 61377@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>BBSinSeattle,</p> <p>I know you're trying to help but sometimes a little information can be a dangerous thing.</p> <p>We have been advised that a "mask" (dust mask) is not sufficient for dealing with DE, but you need a full respirator mask.</p> <p>We have also been advised that heavy applications of DE (anything but the lightest dusting, actually) may both cause bed bugs to avoid the product as well as potentially causing health problems.</p> <p>Please do more research before considering using DE (or anything else). The <a href="http://bedbugger.com/faqde">DE FAQ</a> is a more informative place to start but just a beginning as others are researching this. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hopeful-sucessneed-advice#post-61322 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:59:31 +0000 Counting Again 61322@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You had your things heated up in a moving van? I've never heard of that. Who do you call for something like that? I've been wondering if I should have my bed heated up to kill the bugs, but have no idea where to get that done. Any suggestions? How much did it cost you?</p> <p>I'm not sure what advice to give except to get up at night and check the bed when they would usually be out. I usually check mine 3x a night, and if I find any, it's often only one of those times, not all 3. I usually sleep about 1.5 hours, then set my alarm and check, then sleep another 1.5 and 1.5 hours. It means I often sleep in much longer than usual, but knowing I've caught some of them is worth it to me. I really hope your move goes smoothly, and bed bug free! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/diatomaceous-earth-4#post-61320 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:18:21 +0000 BBSinSeattle 61320@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>3 weeks bite free!! havent seen anything except a very few small flat critters...dry and DEAD. The only down side is the periphery of the apartment (a studio)is heavily sprinkled with Diatomaceous Earth...under my bed, and on the legs of the bed. My dog ate some one night and coughed a bit the next day... but she is fine. My vacuum cleaner had to be serviced so I am careful to sweep, with a mask on and then vacuum. The DE doesnt mean instant death, but with a little patience it DOES work. I bought food grade from Earthworks in Vermont...shipping was a little slow but it was inexpensive, and it DOES work. If you have pets be careful about them breathing it in, if you have asthma, same thing. As long as it is STILL under your bed, no fans going etc. it should be fine. DO NOT use pool grade DE it is different...Good Luck y'all..... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/thinking-we-are-bug-free#post-61198 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:37:10 +0000 offsides1971 61198@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>We found them in our master bedroom and seemed to be isolated there. Frankly, we had no option but to move to the guest room as my asthma was triggered by these so badly we couldn't stay in the room. However, he did have us continue to shower in there so there was some people activity in the room. We threw away our master BR mattress/boxsprings because they were old and we were planning to get a new one anyway. Since we had to move to another bedroom, our PCO felt we needed to treat the entire area and we did. Master, hallway, son's room, guest room. He also sprayed the hall bath and laundry room up on that floor for safety(we have a split level and all of these were on that top floor of it). We threw out all sheets and linens we had, threw out all pictures in our room. Heck, even all my jewelry is still in the freezer since Aug 30 when our nightmare started..lol. We popped the carpet from the baseboards in all these areas also so he could spray under it. He used the spray that kills them and also one that sterilizes them. He also dusted all the dressers, etc. with that white dust. He came back a week later, another week later, another 10 days later. We saw some head up the walls after he sprayed the first time..so he sprayed also the top of the walls, vents, outlets, and lighting fixtures. During this time we saw some dead adults, we even had about 10 leave our master and go to the hall bath and laundry looking for a place spray wasn't..so he sprayed those to. But each week the bugs became smaller and smaller until right before the last time he sprayed all I saw was the beige nymphs and only 5. He told us this meant we were making progress, basically killing and also sterilizing so the big ones couldn't lay more egs. He then had us pay Steamatic to steamclean all carpets at 200 degrees. Then he came back and sprayed all the baseboards in those places. It's been four weeks now that he was here. We haven't seen a thing. We've been bite free in the guest room and my son is bite free so obviously spraying those rooms was the way to go because they didn't get to us when we moved out of the master bedroom. The tape around the legs of our beds is clear, linens have no marks. We are going to move back into our master after the painters come on Nov 16th. It needed painted anyway and frankly he sprayed the vents so much, etc that we had trails of spray running down the wall so it needs painted. I'm scared to death to move back..but know we have to. He assures us if there was anything left, we'd see it in these four weeks. We check day/night/flashlight/regular light/on the ceiling around the baseboard...I swear as many ladder steps as I've climbed in the last two months I should have buns of steel..LOL.<br /> If you are in the Kansas City Missouri area, I'll give you his name if you want it. He works for a national company but frankly..I'd specifically ask for this guy. He was not only good at what he did..but the customer service, responsivness was great. Frankly, also was his "counseling"..lol. He helped me stay sane even when I burst into tears in front of him the first day. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/four-months-bite-free-steps-taken#post-60788 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:17:28 +0000 watkinsnewan 60788@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>gregkala This is not the step you want to take there are many dangers when working with DE!! If you start a NEW THREAD and introduce yourself and let the elders in here know your situation than they can give you some Advice!! otherwise Please read DE dangers above in search box!! That search box was A life saver for me!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/four-months-bite-free-steps-taken#post-60786 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:33:50 +0000 gregkala 60786@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi all, I'm new to the forums as a sublet seems to have brought bedbugs into my apartment. Hooray!<br /> It seems that the first post detailing Jeanette's steps is missing from this thread, anyone have the steps? Thanks all! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hopeful-sucessneed-advice#post-60624 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:48:05 +0000 sunshine1583 60624@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Two weeks ago we recieved the final treatment from our PCO. These men told us we were BB free, which I did not really believe. We were in the process of moving so I had our things heated up in a moving van. The van reached temps of 160 degrees and held that temp for four hours. They made sure that even the insides of the books reached that temp and held for two more hours. We moved into the new apartment four days ago. I have been cleaning and inspecting like crazy and I don't see any signs of the little buggers. Am I really out of the woods? Everything, including my boyfriend, my cat and myself were sanatized before entering this apartment. Am I really safe? How do I know? I am seeing a couple little red bumps on myself but they hurt, not itch. They are not close together, and they really don't look like the bites I had been getting. Does anyone have any advice? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60236 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:17:19 +0000 watkinsnewan 60236@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>thanks for adding that!! I needed that info !! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60234 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:43:19 +0000 spideyjg 60234@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>watkinsnewan - 1 hour ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60230">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> oh by the way do you know that the BB can go dormant for up to 18 months!!</p> </blockquote> <p>Just to add to what KQ said the lifespan under starvation conditions is very temperature dependent and the longest survival in that study, 484.9 days was at a constant 50F and at 99F the longest survival was only 37 days.</p> <p>Most homes have climate control and will always be above 70 so 18 months is out. The longest survival at 64F was 277 days. 80F was 86 days.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60233 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:16:46 +0000 KillerQueen 60233@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>watkinsnewan - 1 hour ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60230">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> oh by the way do you know that the BB can go dormant for up to 18 months!!</p></blockquote> <p>They don't go "dormant" and they will not live for 18 months either.</p> <p>In the home with a host... you would be very lucky (or unlucky) to see one live 10 months. When you hear about a bug living 18 months, this was done by a controlled study. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60230 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:59:26 +0000 watkinsnewan 60230@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>oh by the way do you know that the BB can go dormant for up to 18 months!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60229 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:57:34 +0000 watkinsnewan 60229@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>you say dont call ORkin that is who I am having come out to my house and treat!!BUT, I live in the south where things are way differnt!! I have had several long talkes with them. they explained to me along with othershere in the forums that this process is long and tedias I actially have decided to go with Orkin!! I am also going to sign a year long lease with them I know I cant have them at my beck ancallBut I have confidence that i will get them to come back!! I will be paying monthly, what I have also found out is that they use differnt chemicals for the differnt bugs!! I would like to know more about you treatments with orkin!!how long after your treatment with Orkin did you start getting bites and seeing them again!! And how big was your infestation!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60227 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:42:43 +0000 arielh85 60227@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>It was a success for me...I mostly had old Salvation Army furniture, so it wasn't a big deal to toss it. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60223 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:20:19 +0000 bait 60223@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>She has her life back. Who cares about furniture. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60216 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:22:45 +0000 stevebeast 60216@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I dont know if i would call walking away from everything but a lamp a success. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60215 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:19:10 +0000 soscared 60215@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Congratulations! I am happy for you and jealous, as I sit and type on a folding chair after having thrown out my couch. :) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/success-1#post-60213 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:38:43 +0000 arielh85 60213@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey all,</p> <p>I was so depressed when I first logged on here a few weeks ago, and all the tales of woe here convinced me that I would be stuck with bed bugs for many months, if not years. But less than a month after my bed bug saga began, I am (fingers crossed) bed bug-free. Disclaimer: I realize not everyone can just pick up, move, and ditch their furniture. I was fortunate enough to be able to.</p> <p>My saga began about 3 and a half weeks ago. I was already planning to move to a new apartment when I discovered some strange bites. My landlord called Orkin (don't EVER call them), and sure enough, eggs were in my bed frame and bed bugs were in my mattress. So I panicked, cried, etc. and then got to the dirty work. I ordered tons of big zip locs, got a pack tite, and had Orkin spray my room, to no avail. So I started throwing out furniture in preparation for my move -- basically everything except a small lamp. I slept on the same mattress until the day I left.</p> <p>I tried to get Orkin to come back for a follow-up 2 weeks later (I was still being bitten like crazy), but they kept missing appointments. I eventually just gave up since I was moving anyway, and about a week before my move, started methodically drying, bagging, and packtiting everything I owned. I moved in 2 stages, both times by stripping in front of the dryer, putting on fresh clothes, sticking my shoes in the packtite beforehand, throwing them out the door , and then putting them on outside. The day after I moved (Oct. 4), I had a Pestec bed bug dog come (great PCO here in the Bay Area) and got the all clear. I felt great...until a few days ago when I started getting bitten. But the bites somehow weren't the same as my previous bites. Still, I freaked out and called Pestec for a follow-up, and once again got the all clear from the dog. Turns out I have a spider infestation in the phone jack behind my bed! Now *that* I can deal with. </p> <p>So yes, there is hope. And not just for those who can afford heat treatment or Vikane. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/experts-bat-bugs-bed-bugs-condo-and-success#post-60043 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:32:34 +0000 entropy8098 60043@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>FThat,</p> <p>If you're still curious about your inspections, there is a new company in the Minneapolis area that uses the bed bug sniffing dogs - Minnesota K-9 Detectives (http://www.mnk-9.com/). It might be worth the money to pinpoint the location of or determine once and for all if you have an infestation. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/the-best-exterminator-ever#post-59952 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:06:54 +0000 LisaShu 59952@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I hope all of you that are struggling are reading this. Worry no more. Bennett at Positive Pest is the smartest and best and most decent man around. I can tell you that I have had crazy bug issues and many friends with bed bug problems and in every case, they got taken by exterminators who pay a publicist to get a lot of press but just leave them doing a lot of the work themselves and never get rid of the problem (and keep charging money). Bennett is so clever, his method works like a charm. I havent had bugs in over a year (of any type) and everyone else I know is bug free as well.<br /> I felt funny writing this but I am so grateful to him I finally bit the bullet and wrote in to share my gift. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/experts-bat-bugs-bed-bugs-condo-and-success#post-59801 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:21:39 +0000 buggyinsocal 59801@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>FThat,</p> <p>The only thing I would take issue with is your PCO's assertion that bed bugs almost never spread from unit to unit unless it's a massive infestation.</p> <p>I would think that that would not necessarily be true depending on a lot of factors like the construction of the building and the strategies used by people with the infestation.</p> <p>My experience is that condos are often much more solidly constructed than many apartment buildings. In the condos that I've been in, you don't really hear your neighbors. In my apartment, I hear my downstairs neighbors snoring and my next door neighbor peeing in the middle of the night. Not the toilet flushing afterwards, the actual peeing.</p> <p>And my apartment building is better constructed than some I've lived in.</p> <p>If condos have that much more soundproofing, I'm betting that they're also more solidly built with more barriers between units. In older buildings with, say, radiators, it would be a lot easier for bugs to move from one unit to the next.</p> <p>We also know that when some people self-treat, they use foggers that release chemicals that cause bed bugs to scatter as they run away from the chemical. Use a fogger like that in an apartment building without the solid construction of a condo . . .and, well, you get the idea.</p> <p>I myself had bed bugs for several months before I realized what was going on. When I was out of town, my cat was still here for them to feed on. I didn't self-treat or disturb them much so they didn't migrate.</p> <p>So my personal experience suggests that it is a bit harder than people think for them to move from one unit to the next.</p> <p>But I've also seen enough stories from people here to believe that the exact likelihood of them moving will vary widely based on building construction and resident behavior. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/experts-bat-bugs-bed-bugs-condo-and-success#post-59794 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:27:31 +0000 hathead 59794@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>first of all i am a big fan of thermal<br /> even though our first treatment failed<br /> and we had to have them to come back a second time<br /> which they did willingly<br /> we are now (about 60 days after 2nd treatment) cautiously optimistic<br /> still got mysterious bites, but could have been mosquitoes<br /> or other things<br /> will know more now that the weather is turning colder<br /> and we are not in the garden as much</p> <p>but here is what i want to say:<br /> we have a large (3200 squ. ft) victorian single family<br /> they quoted us $10,000-15,000 to treat the house (over the phone)<br /> when they came to see it, we got a much better quote of $8000<br /> which looked good to us in view of our situation<br /> and in comparison to where they started</p> <p>i would do it again<br /> but those of you who have access to thermal for $1200??<br /> no-brainer!!! go for it and thank your lucky stars you don't live<br /> in our area where only rich people could possibly afford this treatment</p> <p>we are not "rich" by most standards (I'm a schoolteacher and my partner was laid off 9 months ago)</p> <p>and in a related thought, re: the prejudice that only poor people have bedbugs<br /> everyone can get bedbugs<br /> it's just that poor people often cannot afford effective treatment<br /> so they end up living with them more longterm - IMHO<br /> the health boards and government should get involved in this<br /> and offer affordable (and competent) thermal remediation<br /> so that everyone of every income can deal with this problem </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/experts-bat-bugs-bed-bugs-condo-and-success#post-59790 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:54:39 +0000 Strabat 59790@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Wow. You've got strength! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/experts-bat-bugs-bed-bugs-condo-and-success#post-59789 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:36:46 +0000 FThat 59789@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>All - </p> <p>After finding ONE bedbug in my condo (weeks of random bites) and having the top two pest control companies in Minneapolis come tear my place apart (and identify it as a bed bug in a lab), they found NOTHING. They ripped into my couch and mattress/boxspring (with my encouragement) - NOTHING. They turned the place upside down. NOTHING. I have lived here for NINE years. NOTHING. I can not communicate the thoroughness of the search. Bites started two weeks ago. </p> <p>I only found the one BBG after doing insect "foggers" all over my condo, thinking I was being bitten by spiders seeking fall shelter. After the fogger, and my scrupulous eye, there it was on its back next to my bed, ew. However, because my condo is at the top of the building., there was some question by the PCO's about it being a Bat Bug (we have many bats in the rafters). </p> <p>Sadly, it was not. </p> <p>BUT. IF YOU LIVE IN A BUILDING THAT HAS BATS OR MAY HAVE BATS, BAT BUGS ARE A VERY REAL POSSIBILITY. THEY LOOK EXACTLY ALIKE AND CAN NOT BE DIFFERENTIATED WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL AND A MICROSCOPE. </p> <p>HOWEVER. I was not so lucky. My bites started two weeks ago. I have lived in my condo NINE years. I do not travel. I do not have guests. I do not bring in used items. According to the PCO: friend or neighbors. </p> <p>Now. I have read SO many accounts on this site about people dealing with neighbors who had bed bugs. I asked for the scoop from the pros twice, and was given the scoop twice. Here is the reality: A neighbor's infestation would need to be RIDICULOUS before the bugs would come find you. To the point of law suit. The number of insects that can feed on 1-to-2 humans is massive, and would have to be a problem for so, so long before another host was needed, that these people either vacated or ignored the issue. It's NOT COMMON. </p> <p>If you get ONE, or TWO BBGs that you or PCO can find - and no more - after scrupulous searching, it is far more likely that a) there is an infestation "starting" around you. If you are a condo/apartment owner, demand inspections for all surrounding units, and/or b) you traveled/stayed at a friends' home recently (I did not) and brought a few back, or had a friend stay with you (I did not) who brought a few with them or c) had someone in your home briefly that brought them. Note that this last scenario is so rare as to not really be a reality. </p> <p>Know though, that once there is one, there will be more. </p> <p>Next step? Ensure there is not an infestation near you. It would be next door or below/above you. If none of the scenarios above is possible, screw your pride and demand your landlord/association do an inspection and as needed, a thermal-heat treatment to all units - AT THE SAME TIME. Or, alternatively, move, naked, leave all of your belongings behind, and start your life over. </p> <p>Targeted pesticide treatments do not cause them to spread, but do not keep them from coming back. Items bought at the drug store do NOTHING. </p> <p>Thermal heat treatment is about $1200. From what I have read about the people on this site NOT doing this, they must be insane. It will kill EVERYTHING. If you are in a position to know that someone else will not re-introduce them, do it. WHY NOT?? Take out a loan! </p> <p>If you have few and can not identify a source (travel, hotel, guest, neighbor) DO IT. Otherwise, they WILL spread - lots more to you, and then to others. Be responsible. If you have more, again, DO IT. What, I ask, is stopping you????</p> <p>There is NO scenario other than potential neighbor infestation where thermal heat is not THE solution. </p> <p>Do NOT let your landlord/association tell you that pesticide will work, unless the problem has been 100% identified as your unit only. Even then, not guaranteed. </p> <p>I feel like I have read a lot of posts where a) someone has not spoken to a pest control professional, b) has spoken only to a pest control*inspector*, and not an remediation expert, or c) has spoken only to pest control *experts* assigned by their landlord or association.</p> <p>All three are just ridiculous. You CAN combat this. Take the situation into your own hands. DEMAND the units around you be inspected, by YOUR inspector. And take it from there. If they are infected, DEMAND thermal heat treatment all around. Pay for it, and sue them if you have to. If it is just you, do the thermal heat, and get a good night's sleep for the first time in FOREVER. Then decide what you want to throw out. You have given your neighbors fair warning. If they choose to ignore, they can not come back at you weeks/months later and say you infected them. They may have traveled, etc. </p> <p>Do not throw out/buy new furniture before you do any of this. You know that much, right? </p> <p>It is solvable. I see so much hopelessness on this site, it makes me sad. Take charge. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/finally-my-little-bedbug-success-story#post-59785 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:42:53 +0000 persona-non-bugga 59785@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p><blockquote>We woke up every morning and checked the tape for many weeks, finding a lot of bugs coming from all directions. I killed them with steri-fab to put them out of any misery in case they do suffer somehow stuck like that.</blockquote></p> <p>That is a breathtaking act of compassion. </p> <p>Thank you for sharing your hard-earned victory. There's so much hope in your story, especially the part about extending your lease. A battle site becomes a home of peace again. Congratulations. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/finally-my-little-bedbug-success-story#post-59776 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:19:15 +0000 treesinbrooklyn 59776@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi everyone,<br /> I wanted to post my success story primarily because I used this blog to solve the problem, and I wanted to give encouragement to others who are in the overwhelmed stage of it.</p> <p>One thing I noticed is how varied the solutions are and that different things seem to work for different people.</p> <p>My concerns and main issues from the start:<br /> <ul>My landlord refused to pay for anything (yes, I know this isn't right).<br /> Toxicity (I have three cats and also live as natural a lifestyle as possible).<br /> Money (I'm unemployed).<br /> The Bugs (They are indeed horrible and caused great interruption to our lives for a solid few months).<br /> My stuff (lots of wooden musical instruments, records, books, papers etc...)</ul></p> <p>My story begins with my boyfriend and I moving into a new apartment which we were very excited about and had been planning to do for awhile in order to leave a bad living situation we had been in for a couple of years (noisy building, crime issues etc...).</p> <p>About one week after a month of unpacking, organizing, cleaning, hanging pictures etc... we started noticing weird bites or a rash or what... we didn't know. We thought it was something in the new water or spider bites perhaps? I should have taken pictures of the place then, because the newly arranged and tidy apartment became chaos for the next six months.</p> <p>We had once had a neighbor in our old building who had bedbugs (and had major treatment) but that was definitely over a year and a half ago, so we were doubtful that somehow we never got infested there, but would take one to our new place. Though ultimately we still have no idea where the bugs came from. The old tenant? A new neighbor, suspiciously the apartment below us moved out soon after we moved in, but I didn't see any items being thrown away. </p> <p>Finally, after a couple of weeks I found this blog. I spent hours simultaneously disgusted and fascinated by what I was reading. Then I went to inspect the bed. Hmmmm, nothing, I didn't see any signs. Still deep down I knew that bedbugs were probably what were biting us.</p> <p>One week later, clear signs. Bugs hiding in the corners of the box-spring just like those horrible pictures. I went into action mode after reading everything on this blog and devised a plan as fast as I could.</p> <p>My call to the landlord did not go well. Heated conversation in scraps of poor English resulted in threats and a clear answer that he would not pay for anything. Plus he said we could not say anything to anyone else in the building since how does he know it's true, etc... Rather than fight that battle, I started working on what I could do immediately on my own.</p> <p>I spent many many more hours on this blog. After several hits and misses, I found the combination of things that ultimately worked for me and without ever hiring an exterminator. I'm not saying don't hire one, because I know that the policy of this blog is that you need one, and I can certainly attest that I worked really hard to get rid of the bugs without one. If I had had the money I would have definitely thoroughly researched that option.</p> <p>What I did instead:<br /> Got the little red Reliable steamer... we love it! I admit my mom bought this for me since I was basically broke. Central Vacuum Factory shipped it the next day at no extra charge. We immediately steamed per excellent instructions on this blog. </p> <p>Next I began the tedious launder and ziploc bag process of clothes, blankets, curtains etc... In New York these huge bags are at all the drug stores now due to this epidemic. I found several live bugs crawling on my clothes in the closet and actually threw away a favorite skirt because I didn't know about steri-fab yet and couldn't handle killing it, so just threw the whole skirt away (sealed of course).</p> <p>Then, I got rid of my mattress, frame, and box-spring, which actually I was ready to part with anyway because it was all really old. We sealed it all up in heavy duty garbage bags with duct tape and marked with signs warning of bedbugs before putting them on the curb.</p> <p>Bought an Endura aerobed. This thing is amazing and actually super comfortable. We put it directly on the floor. It is camouflage and great for camping when we stop using it as our main bed. My cats have slept on it, jumped on it and kneaded claws into the blankets with no damage to the bed.</p> <p>Got Steri-Fab, Bedlam, double-sided tape, DE powder, spray bottles, caulk and excellent heavy duty clear duct tape.</p> <p>Over a couple of week period of time during which we still got bit a lot (turns out that the infestation was pretty bad as we were to find out) we implemented many things that began to give us relief.</p> <p>Steri-fab kills on contact. I could not live without that spray during the height of the infestation. We strategically sprayed a border of Bedlam a little above the base of our bedroom and hallway walls. I found a formula on this blog for spray-suspended DE that left a nice thin chalky layer. We have a molding that goes all the way around the bottom and three-fourths of the way up the walls around the entire room. We put one solid spray of DE on both of those which dried nicely with little visibility due to the color of paint on the molding (kind of cream color).</p> <p>We found a nest or accumulation of perhaps a hundred bugs hiding all over and inside the radiator in the corner of the room, and after steri-fabbing like mad to kill them all, thoroughly treated that area with DE and bedlam, after steaming and sealing with caulk, and duct taping any possible escape holes into the wall or floor. This was a pretty scary day and fortunately we were both home to work hard to deal with it right away. We also used face masks to protect ourselves from inhalation of chemicals and dust.</p> <p>We placed double-sided tape all around the bed. We just couldn't take anymore waking up with several bugs in the bed biting us. We woke up every morning and checked the tape for many weeks, finding a lot of bugs coming from all directions. I killed them with steri-fab to put them out of any misery in case they do suffer somehow stuck like that. We replaced the tape often.</p> <p>One danger of isolation that has been discussed on this blog happened. Or at least this problem didn't start happening until we started laying the tape down. The bugs went to the ceiling. Soon we had a step ladder at the ready, a couple more bottles of steri-fab and sprayed the overhead lamp base with Bedlam. They were already crossing the DE on the upper molding before reaching the ceiling.</p> <p>This was probably one of the more horrifying aspects of the infestation. I slept with a shower cap and ear plugs and after getting bitten on the eyelids, a little sleep mask to try to stop them.</p> <p>We stepped up the steaming, used Murphy's oil soap to clean the floor, and basically just cleaned, steamed, cleaned and inspected a lot with a high power flashlight. I got really good at spotting nymphs that were barely visible and killing them on contact. The aerobed was amazing. Every few days we thoroughly steamed it, steamed the floorboards underneath, and I think in that way killed a lot of eggs.</p> <p>We also completely sealed the floor molding with clear duct tape so that no bugs could come into the room that way and sealed any cracks we saw in the wooden floor that seemed troublesome. </p> <p>The ceiling phase probably lasted a few weeks at it's height.</p> <p>After that things got a lot easier. One life-saver was the Pack-Tite. I scraped money together to buy this thing and then systematically heated up everything I could and then sealed. Books, papers, CD's, DVD's, clothes, shoes, hairbrushes, everything that I didn't think would combust or be destroyed in the process. I had it running two times a day for a awhile.</p> <p>This allowed me to take trips to visit people after making sure my bag with all my stuff came straight from the pack-tite out the door with fresh clothes on my back from a ziploc, freshly-showered me and steri-fabbed shoes carefully isolated until I put them on.</p> <p>When we had a house-guest, he followed all the protocols and received no bites, and also pack-tited all his stuff before walking out the door. Then when he got home he took extra measures there as well and didn't have any problems.</p> <p>We haven't been bitten in about three months and the bugs are nowhere in sight, nothing on the tape either (a practice which we've been slow to let go of). In May, after being reduced to a trickle where we would spot an occasional bug crawling on the wall near the bed it seemed that our system was working to stop the breeding and eventually kill the ones still hiding. </p> <p>We are still using the aerobed. I like the simplicity of picking it up, turning it over, checking it for anything and cleaning if need be. After getting the pack-tite, I also heated up the bedding often to make sure nothing was hiding in it before using it for sleeping.</p> <p>I am just now opening the ziploc bags. I always pack-tite it first and then put the stuff away. We finally put all the books back on the bookshelf. I am still careful not to take anything out of the room that has been in the closet or wherever, without re-pack-titing it for extra safety.</p> <p>So that is my story. February, March and April were the worst months. By May we were fooled into thinking it was totally gone, but realized we had stragglers. By July we seemed to actually be in the clear but kept vigilant. Now I think that if there is one hiding somewhere, I feel totally confident in handling the situation with the right tools. Plus, as I've said I use the pack-tite a lot to be safe. So far, still clear. I also carefully watch what people put out for trash pickup to see if anyone else in the building has them. I don't think they do, so maybe we did bring one from the old building without ever having actually been infested ourselves, or maybe the previous tenants had them, but they hadn't spread to anyone else. </p> <p>We have kept all the tape down on the moldings as protection for any bugs coming in or getting out.</p> <p>I just signed a lease extension and am looking forward to finally enjoying the apartment. So far, so good.</p> <p>I want to officially say thanks to everyone here who's stories, knowledge and advice helped me deal with this. I think it's really good not to panic and get rid of things you can't replace. My wooden classical guitars, vinyl records, and favorite books are all ok. As many people here have said, understanding BB habits, breeding etc... goes along way toward figuring out what's going on with your particular infestation. Also, getting over squeamishness, which I definitely had to do, to actively look for them and kill as many as possible.</p> <p>Best of luck to everyone. I see what looks to be a whole family's group of mattresses out on the street pretty much daily now walking the streets of Brooklyn. Obviously, this is a really big problem. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/declaring-the-big-v-in-the-war-on-bed-bugs-1#post-59510 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:34:13 +0000 Nobugsonme 59510@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>hgv001 - 8 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/declaring-the-big-v-in-the-war-on-bed-bugs-1#post-59458">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Jim,<br /> Freezing for 2 weeks worked for our laptops, shoes and other items. I've read that extreme cold and extreme heat will both kill bugs (that are wrapped up) fairly quickly. </p></blockquote> <p>But temperature matters -- freezer temps vary a lot. And duration matters. And how fast the temperature is reached matters. And whether the temperature is maintained matters. </p> <p>Knowing exactly how long to keep your stuff in a freezer (without opening the door once) depending on your freezer's temperature? Not easy. I think that's why Jim declares it not reliable. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/declaring-the-big-v-in-the-war-on-bed-bugs-1#post-59458 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:17:38 +0000 hgv001 59458@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Jim,</p> <p>Freezing for 2 weeks worked for our laptops, shoes and other items. I've read that extreme cold and extreme heat will both kill bugs (that are wrapped up) fairly quickly. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/declaring-the-big-v-in-the-war-on-bed-bugs-1#post-59457 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:09:21 +0000 spideyjg 59457@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Better off to keep the bags in the house and warm. Cold slows the bugs metabolism and prolong the starvation period.</p> <p>Cold sucks in any form as a 100% reliable treatment.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/declaring-the-big-v-in-the-war-on-bed-bugs-1#post-59456 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:01:31 +0000 hgv001 59456@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I felt like I had to throw so much away, simply because if you take more belongings with you, you're increasing your chances of infesting the new home. I am quarantining 2 bags of books downstairs in my basement, triple-wrapped, of course, that have been sitting there for 7 months. I was even nervous to keep those in the house at first. I do not plan on unwrapping them until the outside temperature reaches below freezing and I can toss the bags out on the patio for a few nights. Those who have the storage space within their home, could do this with most of their items and avoid throwing out a lot of stuff. This can also obviously be done with rented storage space. Still bed bug-free 7 months strong. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-days-bite-free#post-58322 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:35:20 +0000 concernedmom1 58322@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I was told yesterday by the exterminator that 60% of the cases are resolved with one extermination and one followup for good measure. It is tougher to treat the space though, when the bugs are not clearly evident, in the earlier stages of infestation. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-days-bite-free#post-58277 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:14:04 +0000 frakthebugz 58277@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you for posting your success story! Just starting the battle now and it's very encouraging to hear the progress you've had. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-days-bite-free#post-58275 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:57:55 +0000 concernedmom1 58275@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>ritanna3<br /> I suspect I know your location in Chicago as I think you are in my daughter building perhaps on the 4th floor. She is so busy with her new life there I have been assisting from afar. Her infestation has also been light but difficult to get under control. No bites for more than 4 weeks and one final extermination recently. We are keeping our finger crossed. Your landlord has been a gem in confronting this problem. Good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-days-bite-free#post-58242 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:48:20 +0000 BugzBGone 58242@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>That is wonderful news! Thanks for coming back and sharing the good news. See? There is hope for everyone! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-days-bite-free#post-58239 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:20:40 +0000 ritanna3 58239@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well, 59 actually, but that is the number of days since I last got a bite. Wanted to share some positive news with the forum, b/c I know when my bed bug ordeal first started, I got really hopeless from reading everything on here. Which is understandable b/c of course people with bigger problems will be posting a lot more. Just a couple notes about my experience:</p> <p>- Randomly got a bite or two every couple weeks beginning in April 09 (later realized that I got these bites on nights that I had been on my couch in the living room pretty late)<br /> - My bites didn't show up until about midday after the night I got them and I reacted really badly (often referred to them as "hot tumors" b/c they swelled up huge and were warm to the touch). At first, I thought I had a spider biting me at work or something since that is when the bites showed up.<br /> -Finally, I was on my couch at like 3pm one afternoon and saw this bug crawling away, after biting me of course. I killed it, and started looking online and realized what it was.<br /> - I immediately informed my landlord, who then told me that a couple people on my floor had them. Gee thanks for the heads up. Turns out some guy bought something used, his infestation got bad and he moved out, dragging his infested mattress throughout the building. Before the PCO came, I killed one more adult on my couch and one nymph. I feel pretty lucky that I was able to randomly catch them, especially during the day!<br /> - PCO came for my first treatment, confirmed that the two bugs I killed and saved on a paper towel were BB's so he knew I had them, but he did not see any evidence of them in his inspection. So I must have had it pretty light.<br /> - I put bedding encasements on and bagged up all the clothes in my dresser and started doing all the washing. I never bagged up the clothes in my closet b/c I have way too many, so I was waiting to see if things got worse before I did it since thus far, I had only seen bugs or gotten bites on my couch in the living room.<br /> - Got bitten about a week after first treatment. PCO came for a second treatment. Haven't seen or gotten any bites since!<br /> - My landlord also brought a dog in to search all the units to make sure everyone who had the bugs were getting treated. The dog couldn't go in units already in treatment (which included mine), but it found 3 additional units which have all been treated. The maintenance guy seems to think that the problem in the building is gone, no one has needed subsequent treatments since earlier in the summer. Several of the people who seem to have had the bad infestations moved out, and new people have now started to move in. The only thing that worries me is if the bugs were hiding in the walls and will come out to bite new people. But I am trying to warn new tenants I see to keep an eye out so they could catch it early, but I want to think positive! During my initial freakout period, I talked to the owner of the PCO company and he said that they were recently successful in getting rid of the problem in a very large apt. building in Chicago, so I want to be confident that the problem could have been eliminated from my building (4 floors with 12 units per floor).<br /> - I am still keeping all the clothes I wash in big ziplocs and haven't brought back out all my pillows or anything, but I am happy that I never had to do my whole closet or all my books and everything. I want to stress that my infestation seemed very light, so this probably wouldn't be a good idea for a lot of people.<br /> - I am still considering DE and caulking, but have been too busy. But I know that sounds like the best thing for me to do to keep the problem out of my apt.</p> <p>Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to give some info. that people may be able to relate to and see that there is hope! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58063 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:03:57 +0000 bbfiend 58063@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh, am totally "happy" about my reactions since the education on bbs. That's the only way we managed to catch the bugs so far! If I hadn't reacted so quickly, I think the infestation would have been worse, it seemed like quite a few we caught were females. At least no new eggs and nymphs from these dead bbs.</p> <p>I feel bad for those who don't react fast or who don't react at all, it's hellish, I think, not knowing. That's worse than knowing, or seeing the bbs, or the itch/pain.</p> <p>We can do without the paintings for a good while, these are my husband's work, so it's really storage for now. When we painted the painting rack about 2 months ago, 2 came out (we think) and got me, so the paintings have to be sealed up, JUST IN CASE. </p> <p>I think I have to look into buying a packtite next, with guests visiting from overseas next year, I think that will come in handy - for my guest's and our protection. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58054 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:18:58 +0000 Nobugsonme 58054@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>bbfiend,</p> <p>Paintings are harder to decon, but remember you have options for dealing with books if they're needed before 2 years.</p> <p>I agree with you on the caution. Just be glad you react to bites! Seems crazy to say it but imagine wondering for years -- it happens. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58033 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:46:04 +0000 bbfiend 58033@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks Nobugsonme, </p> <p>No, I don't intend to slack our efforts in battling these crazy vampires. In fact, our books and paintings that are sealed up will continue to be sealed up, for 2 years, probably. We are a little obsessed, as you can tell. </p> <p>I still think there must be some in the apartment, lurking, waiting till we aren't as cautious. The last bite was from a female and it bit me on the couch. Caught it and killed it and if it's laid eggs, am I right to assume that the eggs would have hatched? The PCO sprayed the couch 2 days after, so if there are nypmhs hatched from the hypothesised eggs, I'm assuming they would have perished from the crossing the spray barriers. Possible?</p> <p>Sometimes, the bbs don't seem to behave normally, or what we think is normal, and I guess that worries me. </p> <p>Seen dead water roach the other night, in the walk in closet, so i think the spray is still effective. But I think we are going to live out of ziploc for quite many more months, just in case.... maybe a little extreme, but better that than to redo the whole process again. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58030 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:38:19 +0000 Nobugsonme 58030@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I believe it started with Rick Cooper, an entomologist connected with Cooper Pest in New Jersey. The idea is that 55 days <strong>after the last sighting or bite</strong>, you're pretty safe taking stuff out and resuming normal life. That is, if you react. Many people don't and so IMO 55 days might not be enough time to actually<em> see</em> a bed bug.</p> <p>If you react instantly, then you might be safe resuming normal life sooner than 55 days, but it is important to realize <strong>you have NOT crossed the 40 day mark</strong>. You said you went 10 days without a bite. That is not a long time. It's a good sign, do not get me wrong -- obviously improvements are being made. But bed bug nymphs may be hatching and biting. I would give it at least a month <em>more</em> with no bites or sightings. Otherwise you risk maybe having to redo washing and bagging you may have carried out.</p> <p>If you get any more bites or see any bed bugs, you need additional treatments. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58026 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:26:25 +0000 bbfiend 58026@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>how did the 55-day mark come about? why 55 days? (so far, we've hit right under 40 days..) but am very curious. I'm super allergic, so react instantaneous, no half-hour lag, nor 1 hour-lag nor 1-day lag, etc. </p> <p>Right now, since the last bite, it's been 10 days.. (still counting...).</p> <p>Does anyone know why - about the 55-day mark, that is??</p> <p>Thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/self-treatment-success-story-and-parting-reflections#post-58005 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:27:41 +0000 de-selftreat 58005@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Though I am grateful for this forum's existence, and a few posters — David Cain, Lou Sorkin, and others whose names I've forgotten — have been generous and helpful. Thank you. And a shout to sweetblood, who was a comrade-in-arms (though eventually went the heat-treatment route). And thank you nobugsonme for hosting. </p>