http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:08:05 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-not-to-spread#post-69661 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:48:02 +0000 noway 69661@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks to both of you for your replies.<br /> I will research and figure out what we need to do. The stubborness is the biggest problem.."I haven't spread them yet, why is it riskier now that we know it's definitely bed bugs?" </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hmmparanoid-in-ga#post-69660 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:12:50 +0000 Paranoid in GA 69660@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Florida St, thanks for that info. Not quite what I WANTED to hear, lol... if you know what I'm saying... but I'll pass this on to hubby. </p> <p>I'd actually wondered about whether my detailed cleaning is hindering the ability to detect a light infestion, but since at THIS point hubby doesn't want to hire a PCO, the idea of "letting it go" by not being so rigorous in my cleaning is abhorrent to me. </p> <p>It's a catch-22 that I'm sure other folks can identify with. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/san-francisco-311-and-bed-bugs-in-sros#post-69659 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:04:51 +0000 Nobugsonme 69659@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>New blog post on San Francisco's push to get SRO (Single Room Occupancy) tenants to call 311 about bed bugs and other problems. Notable: 73.4% of Mission SRO tenants have bed bugs.</p> <p><a href="http://bedbugger.com/2010/03/19/bed-bugs-in-san-francisco-sros/">Check it out.</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/does-your-reaction-to-bites-change-over-time#post-69658 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:46:02 +0000 florida st 69658@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I noticed something weird- my first sets of bites were agonizingly itchy and lasted more than two weeks. I got bit about every 3 to 6 weeks for about 7 months. Over time, it seemed like the bites were getting less itchy. They still looked horrible but I didn't suffer as much, and they healed a lot faster.</p> <p>Anyone else had this experience? Do you develop some kind of resistance to the allergens? Has anyone heard of someone who is reactive becoming non-reactive or less reactive? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depressed-and-anxious#post-69657 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:29:49 +0000 Kieran 69657@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well, I’m inclined to agree with you, moving may be the best option, especially seeing as though you don’t seem to have a great affinity with your current place anyway. I have considered that option myself, but I love my new place, and I did bring the bugs here unwittingly, so I feel a kind of responsibility to stay and sort this out. Plus my landlord is really great about it.</p> <p>If you do decide to move, I guess I don’t need to tell you how careful you need to be when moving. If you live somewhere hot, you could leave all your stuff in a car or van for a few days in the sun. This will kill any bugs.</p> <p>It may be an idea to talk to your neighbours, then you can know for sure. If the apartment has a serious problem then it’s probably a good idea to get out while you can!</p> <p>With regards to your landlord, I’d advise the following steps if you want to leave ... firstly, ask him if it’s ok, say that given the circumstances you think it’s reasonable. If that doesn’t work, write a letter (an official kind of letter) stating your intention to leave and the fact that because you have a severe reaction (which can be backed up by your doctor), and there is a significant risk of re-infestation, you cannot stay on health grounds. There’s probably some legal act or legislation that you can quote (if you’re in the UK it’s something like the housing act – requirements for landlords to do such and such) and quoting that might be a good idea, but you’ll need to research a little. I think after that he’s very unlikely to take you to court, given the costs involved etc. Also, with regards to him stalling, this is evidence of him not taking reasonable steps to deal with the problem – clear grounds for a break of the contract.</p> <p>Could you keep your things in storage for a year? That would be the best way, then you’d know they’d be bug free when you’re back. If you go away for a year, when you come back the bugs will have died or gone elsewhere looking for food, but maybe just next door, and if the building does have a problem then you’re back to square one. Best thing is to talk to the other residents, I know you may think that is difficult, but it’s the best way for you to understand the scope of the problem.</p> <p>One thing I will say – watch out for scratch paranoia. I have that. Not everything that itches is a bug, and sometimes even thinking about them will make you itch. Only go by the evidence – actual bite marks – small black dots (blood spots could just be acne, especially on or near the pillow), and the pitter-patter of tiny bug feet in the middle of the night. Just kidding. Try to stay objective, given the lengths you’ve gone to, and your reactions to the bites, I’d say you have a good chance of success, and you will be able to know when they’re gone. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/three-months-10-treatments-no-success-help#post-69656 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:17:53 +0000 FreetoSleep 69656@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Can you request the a PCO switch pesticides? Or are you just talking about using your own for self treating? </p> <p>I'm also wondering, I know sometimes it takes a while for bites to show up. I haven't physically seen ANY bugs in weeks, but I have tons of new bites. Could it be taking this long to show? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hmmparanoid-in-ga#post-69655 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:55:52 +0000 florida st 69655@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I think a good PCO or a dog inspection is really the best way to tell what you're dealing with. But it IS possible to have bedbugs for a while without seeing signs of them.</p> <p>I was getting bites about every 3 to 6 weeks for 6 or 7 months. I read about bedbugs and knew exactly what to look for, and not once in those 7 months did I see ANY evidence (no bugs, no nymphs, no fecal stains or bloodstains, etc). I even woke myself up around 4am a few times to see if I could catch them in the act. My roommates were convinced it was something else, and we didn't take action.</p> <p>Then I actually found one- on me- in broad daylight.</p> <p>I don't want to alarm you, but it is possible to have a "light" infestation, where you don't see signs (other than bites) for a while. I think this has to do with two factors- regular laundry (I also wash my sheets at least once a week) and the bedbug's life cycle.</p> <p>If you have an infestation brought in on a piece of furniture, there's already probably a fair number of bedbugs in the house. But if your infestation came from a "hitchhiker" or two, it takes a while for the population to build- especially if you're cutting down their numbers with regular washing of laundry. Newly hatched bedbugs must feed 5 times before they molt into adults and start laying eggs. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/can-you-use-ddvpnuvan-in-your-car-with-stuff-in-it#post-69654 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:34:58 +0000 florida st 69654@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello, thanks for the input. I am treating my car because I had a lot of possibly infested clothes in the trunk, and my roommate used it several times to move dirty laundry that might have been harboring bugs or eggs. Also, I am moving out and will be using my car to move all of my stuff- I don't want to risk re-contaminating.<br /> I spend about 20-30 minutes a day in my car, tops. I figure with the windows rolled down, it's probably less risky than having several trash bags of stuff with nuvan strips in my house. My plan was to dust the interior of the car with DE (just on the floor) so that if any escaped from the trunk into the rest of the car, they'd eventually be killed. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/three-months-10-treatments-no-success-help#post-69653 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:31:33 +0000 kitep 69653@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I had a similar problem. Switching pesticides made a humongous improvement. Went from Suspend-SC to Phantom.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/they-came-back-then-disappeared#post-69652 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:19:21 +0000 buggedagain 69652@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi I had bed bugs late last spring I told my land lord and a company came in and sprayed three times over two months and I was fine. One day while cleaning the apt I decided to clean the walls the next day I took a nap and I woke up with bites all over my back. It was bed bug bites just like before but I couldn't find any bugs neither could the company. I was bit about once every 1-2 weeks, but I haven't been bit in about 3-4 weeks. Whats happening? Has anyone else had this happen? Do I still have them? I'm moving soon should I still go through all the precautions( any points on this would be helpful)?<br /> forgot to add:<br /> I got them form a friend who lived in an infected building so they didn't start out here.<br /> no one else in the building has complained of them </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-shell-shock#post-69651 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:20:36 +0000 bedbuggery 69651@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have been BB free for about 19 months and yes, I still have a newfound strong physical reaction to flea and mosquito bites. I also still have what is apparently permanent shower urticaria. My skin is still destroyed and I have little "scars" that look like freckles and what looks like a fresh pin prick on my inner wrist that has been there since I got the bugs. </p> <p>The issue I would like to bring up, however, is the PTSD that my counselor mentioned may be a result.<br /> There are two types of PTSD, short and long. The first happens to people when their life is risked or a love one dies. The second mostly happens to people in war, hence the term "shell shock." It occurs due to serious or prolonged trauma. For me, getting bit was potentially very dangerous with my allergy and I seem to still suffer from the symptoms a long while later. </p> <p>Here is a fact sheet;<br /> <a href="https://health.google.com/health/ref/Post-traumatic+stress+disorder" rel="nofollow">https://health.google.com/health/ref/Post-traumatic+stress+disorder</a></p> <p>I very curious about PTSD cases expanding in the last couple of years due to BBs.</p> <p>Personally, I still worry about being bit as it could be very dangerous or fatal for me.<br /> On a much smaller scale, it's like coming home from a war and knowing that there are snipers on rooftops in your city..... very disconcerting. </p> <p>The mental battle may be far from over for many. Find someone to talk to. Wave a sign in your street. Whatever you have to do to get support. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depressed-and-anxious#post-69650 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:10:27 +0000 fmlbedbugs 69650@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Kieran - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depressed-and-anxious#post-69641">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Wow, you really have taken the bull by the horns, well done! You didn’t mention but I guess you know that you can rub down furniture with rubbing alcohol and that will kill them. I don’t think you need to change your bed leg setup, alcohol and oil will both stop the bugs climbing up. Slowing down their hatching cycle is probably a little pointless, as they’ll come out eventually. Remember a nymph cannot survive long before needing to feed, so if there are some eggs that are not in the bed, the nymphs will have trouble getting their first meal and the cycle will end.<br /> So are you still being bitten?</p></blockquote> <p>I had a couple itchy patches today but I won't really know if I'm getting bitten until I go off this rather strong antihistamine that I'm on. I have severely allergic skin (nothing that I use on my skin including laundry detergent has any perfumes or dyes in it) so it's probably not a good idea for me to go off it until I'm sure that most of the original bites are fairly cleared up. I did rub down my bed frame with alcohol and I need to do the same with my dining room table since it's so close to my bedroom. I'm also going to go get some DE from the store tomorrow and dust everything with that. Other than that I think it's just a waiting game.</p> <p>I have to say though, I'm not encouraged by my apartment manager's stalling, especially with regards to treating my neighbors. I'm thinking it may be a good idea to get out of here ASAP before the bedbugs come back from another apartment. This is especially true because I'm not sure that I introduced the bedbugs (it's always possible). If someone else in the building is severely infested and the apartment doesn't know about it and chooses not to investigate, I'm setting myself up for failure in the longrun. AS a matter of fact, I believe my next door neighbors have a lot of used furniture and I have been noticing them leaving book cases and things outside their door for a few days which may indicate an attempt to eradicate the bugs. Tomorrow I'm going to go walk around back and see if I can see any DIY bedbug eradication efforts going on on their balcony.</p> <p>I'm not trying to do the bedbug blame game at all because this situation has taught me that it can happen to anyone and that it doesn't mean they are filthy or there is anything wrong with them. But I do have to assess my risk for reinfestation because I'm considering suing my landlord to let me out of the lease early. </p> <p>Another question: I'm going away for the summer beginning in June and not coming back until the beginning of the next academic year. I'm sure that if I do that, the bedbugs iwll either go dormant or search for other hosts. Under those conditions, will it be more difficult for me to move before I leave for the summer or after I leave? If it's okay to move afterward, I won't even need to break my lease since I won't have to suffer for June, July, or August anyway. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-not-to-spread#post-69649 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:06:39 +0000 Nobugsonme 69649@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>There's a FAQ in the <a href="http://bedbugger.com/faqs/travel">travel FAQs</a> about how to avoid bringing bed bugs home. It applies to visiting friends as much as to other forms of "travel". </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/legal-and-vikane-help-campbell-co-ky#post-69648 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:04:40 +0000 Nobugsonme 69648@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I googled bed bugs and Vikane and Kentucky and found <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/just-found-bugs-northern-kentucky#post-23692">this thread</a>: you may be able to get Vikane via Terminex in Cincinnati.</p> <p>If that does not work, I would definitely call DOW as they should be able to recommend a provider.</p> <p>Not sure if thermal is also an option, but <a href="http://www.thermalremediation.com/bed-bugs/find-a-service.aspx">there's a TempAir provider</a> in Kentucky. Not sure if there is also a ThermaPure provider there. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/so-what-were-those-bites#post-69647 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:54:52 +0000 vivyou 69647@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>thanks wchicago! i found another dead carpet beetle so hopefully that's all i have! i definitely don't want both! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-not-to-spread#post-69646 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:52:55 +0000 FreetoSleep 69646@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm only new at this, but it might be wise to have your husband bring a spare set of clothing with him on his trips. Put that set in an airtight ziplock bag and have him change before coming home, putting the soiled clothing in the bag. Wash it IMMEDIATELY. </p> <p>Have the woman/man that is being picked up shower and change into a fresh set of clothes that has been washed, dryed and most importantly SEALED AWAY. This should be done as close to the pick up time as possible, within minutes. </p> <p>That should be a good start. Lets see what others think. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69645 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:42:14 +0000 FreetoSleep 69645@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I know you're worried, but as a student who is facing this in her own apartment, here are some positive things about your situation. </p> <p>Since you are in a dorm, you <u>probably</u> won't be made to pay for the treatment, which is expensive. </p> <p>You can usually assume that they bite 2 to 4 times each. So not every bite is a new bug, if it is in fact bed bugs. You probably caught this very early. </p> <p>Bed bugs are freaky things, but if you just think of it like camping and being bit by mosquitoes, it's not as bad. That's all they do really. </p> <p>If you are SURE its them, best thing you can do is get all the cloth in the room except for the sheets you'll sleep in and wash and dry them as HOT AS POSSIBLE. Put them in airtight bags and live out of those until the problem is solved. That way there are less places for them to hide. </p> <p>Best of luck, hope you're just mistaken! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69644 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:02:06 +0000 cilecto 69644@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>As you are in a dorm, I'd expect that mainenance and pest control are the responsibiliy of your school's facilities department. Some schools have been very innovative at fighting BB. U of Florida, for example, has pioneered their own flavor of thermal treatment for dorm rooms and furnishings. Other schools have catching up to do. You questioned why BB would attack a covered area. I'm not an expert, but the bugs might be getting inside your shirt while you're "away", then feed on you when you're asleep. Or, as you indicated, you might be exposing yourself. Or, you are having delayed reactions to bites that are happening at another time and place. Or, it's not BB. Stay vigilant and keep investigating while you develop practices that will help you if you ever do encounter BB. And let me reiterate my first point: in a dorm, it's "facilities" job. If they're not up to it, you can use the student advocacy systems available at your school to get action. Please do not attempt to handle this alone or to contract for your own PCO. Best of luck. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69643 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:26:47 +0000 onefineday 69643@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you! I will call someone as soon as possible. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/three-months-10-treatments-no-success-help#post-69642 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:30:17 +0000 FreetoSleep 69642@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>From what I've read, the province I'm in leaves it up to people to figure out. If they can prove it's us who started in infestation, then we have to pay, but there's no way to know for sure and the landlord told us up front it was out job to fix it. I spoke with a man who has a tracking dog who said that its odd that they didn't as most local apartments will pay for it. </p> <p>As far as my neighbors, I've asked the supers if there were any other infestations, and they said no. I don't really believe that they asked anyone however, because it keeps coming back. I'm worried that if I ask my neighbors and it gets back to them that I'll be kicked out or something. It's not hard to figure out who was asking the questions. </p> <p>As far as self treating, I'd be basically looking for anything to do that job without causing harm. I read about things like Dead Bed Bug Spray, but don't know what to believe. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depressed-and-anxious#post-69641 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:22:16 +0000 Kieran 69641@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Wow, you really have taken the bull by the horns, well done! You didn’t mention but I guess you know that you can rub down furniture with rubbing alcohol and that will kill them. I don’t think you need to change your bed leg setup, alcohol and oil will both stop the bugs climbing up. Slowing down their hatching cycle is probably a little pointless, as they’ll come out eventually. Remember a nymph cannot survive long before needing to feed, so if there are some eggs that are not in the bed, the nymphs will have trouble getting their first meal and the cycle will end.</p> <p>So are you still being bitten? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/three-months-10-treatments-no-success-help#post-69640 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:17:55 +0000 BugsInTO 69640@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi FreetoSleep:</p> <p>Would it make a difference if your landlord was required by law to pay for the PCO? Check your local Landlord and Tenant law and Public Health dept.</p> <p>And, have you spoken to your neighbours? Do you know if your infestation is just part of a larger problem in your building? </p> <p>People on this forum are not going to be comfortable making suggestions about self-treatment with pesticides but lots of people recommend DE (diatomaceous earth)but be very careful how you apply it. </p> <p>BugsinTO </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/nuvan-strips-how-long-do-they-take#post-69639 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:42:13 +0000 DougSummersMS 69639@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Stevie<br /> I don't believe that the label requires you to stay out of the home for 4 months... I believe that DDVP strips are scheduled to be replaced after 4 months for effective treatment.</p> <p>I was told by a PCO that uses DDVP for bed bug control that they usually treat a space like a closet for 10 days. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/three-months-10-treatments-no-success-help#post-69638 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:12:08 +0000 FreetoSleep 69638@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello, </p> <p>I've spent a lot of time searching these forums for answers and thought you all might be able to help. </p> <p>In December, my roommate and I went home for the Christmas holidays. When we returned, we found a bed bug infestation! We cleaned, steamed everything, threw her mattress out (mine is an air mattress), washed everything and sealed all the cloth in airtight bags. We spoke with out supers, who REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE TREATMENT. We shelled out $330 Canadian for a treatment and a three month guarantee. </p> <p>My room mate has since moved out and I am left to battle this alone. The treatments have reduced the amount of bugs, but they seem to be returning! I have terrible bites that have lasted weeks. I'm on my last week of the guarantee and can't afford another three months, as I'm a student paying for the apartment by myself. </p> <p>Is there anything I can do? It seems that this is not an effective treatment and I'd like to self treat, but don't know where to start. There are so few bugs now that the traps aren't catching any and the PCO is starting to think I'm crazy, but I'm covered in three meal bites! Can anyone offer suggestions that are cheap and effective to kill off the last few? </p> <p>Thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hmmparanoid-in-ga#post-69637 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:11:38 +0000 Paranoid in GA 69637@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hmm...no pics, but I know they're not bird mites or bat bugs because they're tiny and winged and resemble mosquitos only much smaller. </p> <p>Thanks for the info on the passive monitors. We're actually thinking about getting a dry-ice monitor. We'll see after trying out these home-made ones for awhile on our bed. </p> <p>Another thing I forgot to mention: I found the same type of gnat (just one) in my car the other day when cleaning it out. After a thorough vacuuming everywhere I could reach, I put 3 Nuvan Strips inside to see if that will help the situation at all. We're using hubby's vehicle to get around in for the time being. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hmmparanoid-in-ga#post-69636 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:02:55 +0000 MyWorstFear 69636@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm not one of the experts on the forum, but since no one's responded yet, I will give it a go. I'm pretty sure that if it were bed bugs, you'd see physical signs at this point. Could you post photos of the "gnats" you found just so whatever those are/were could be ruled out as a biting bug or bat bug? There are a few new passive bed bug "alerts" out now, which would be cheaper than getting a dog in, and I think I would go that route. There are links to those on this website. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-not-to-spread#post-69635 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:51:27 +0000 noway 69635@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>well..an update...We just celebrated the 3 month anniversay of solving the mystery bites(cheyletiella mites)<br /> My husband came home from his friend's apartment with "some bugs in a jar." I got out the magnifying glass and from the excellent photos and information on this site, I had no trouble at all identifying 2 adult bed bugs, a younger light colored nymph and a clump of eggs. Before we were suspicious of bed bugs and now we know for certain and I'm very worried. How do we prevent these from spreading to our house!!<br /> Help!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/hmmparanoid-in-ga#post-69634 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:06:55 +0000 Paranoid in GA 69634@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Don't quite know where to start. First, I've been lurking on this page for some time and really appreciate all the information. It's good to know there are others out there either dealing with this scourge, have successfully been through the scourge and are now free-and-clear, or think they MAY be dealing with this scourge. </p> <p>A bit about my situation in as brief a nutshell as possible. </p> <p>1. We're an average middle-aged, middle-class family who own a single-family home in GA. </p> <p>2. Son was on a MISSION trip overseas and actually ended up with an actual, bonified, HORRIFIC infestation that was almost impossible to deal with (300 people living in close quarters, old facilities with lots of hiding places). </p> <p>3. For several years, I've been dealing with undiagnosed hives. What I have is a fancy name...dermatographic urticaria. In other words, I can scratch a word on my arm or leg and it swells up and shows up like a pink relief -map If I have an itchy back, when scratched it looks like I've been beaten with a cat-of-nine tails. Also, the hives beget new itching, other hives, etc. Some of the hives can be round-ish like bites.</p> <p>4. Also as more background, in the late summer of 2009 husband went on a business trip to Costa Rica around the same time I learned of our son's real bed bug infestation overseas. </p> <p>5. Sometime after hubby came home, the hives I got occasionally became worse. Hubby not affected, however. Also, besides hives very real bite-like wheals that had a red dot in center. These particular bite-like things don't seem to be hives, because hives fade after a few hours and the "bites" would remain a week or so. </p> <p>6. Becoming paranoid that hubby could have brought home bed bugs from Costa Rica, I went on a mission to try to uncover whatever infestation we might have had. This was fall 2009. I emptied all our nightstands and chest of drawers, vacuumed them thoroughly. Found we did have carpet beetles (I've researched pics enough to be certain of this...larva were hairy.) We also removed the mattress and box springs for inspection. Found a few carpet beetles, nothing more. No blood spots, fecal stains, or other insects. Went ahead and encased them to be safe. Luckily, our headboard is a metal frame one and is attached to the wall, so our bed can easily be rolled away from the wall.</p> <p>7. Still dealt with occasional bites all winter long...even in the car. Began rigorous cleaning rituals and regular vacuuming ever y few days...once a week in the car (and sprayed pytrethrin - Ortho Home defense) in car and around baseboard of bed). I vacuumed the bottom and creases of sofa and sofa cushion (along seams), vacuumed the mattress/box springs and vacuumed night stands and behind bed. </p> <p>8. Flash forward to 2010: Time comes for son to come home mid-Feb,. By now I'm TOTALLY nervous about what should be a great homecoming considering the fact he'd been gone a year and a half. When son arrives, we immediately encase his electronics in black plastic sealed bags with Nuvan strips, throw away his suit case after inspecting AND spraying, and washing all his clothes in hot water and drying on high heat. I even inspected and vacuumed his shoes. </p> <p>9. Now it's mid-March and I'm still itching and getting occasional "bites" on my face, neck, legs, and arms. Still get hives, too, but again...hives fade after a few hours. Bites, although they do stop being so swollen and itchy after a while STILL remain for at least a week and sometimes get "re-activated" by heat. </p> <p>10. Hubby has NO signs, still. I know that some people react and some don't, but he's pretty well convinced I'm simply being paranoid and is sick of the whole deal . Admittedly, since first getting itchy in the Fall, six months later there's STILL not the slightest bit of evidence to prove an infestation. Still no fecal stains (I wash the sheets once a week), no blood stains, no carcasses, and no adult or nymph-stage bedbugs. </p> <p>11. Hubby is unwilling (and our budget IS pretty tight right now) to hire a K-9 detection service or get a PCO until we have some obvious sign. What we took the time to do today is to isolate the bed completely. I read elsewhere how to make your own passive traps for the legs of the bed. We took tupper ware bowls and coated the interior with powder, and the exterior with double-sided carpet tape. We placed the legs of the frame in these. We made sure to pull the bed away from the wall. </p> <p>12. FINALLY to the questions: I've only read generalities in the FAQ, so if it's been said somewhere, please forgive me for asking for a redundant answer! It's been six months. In that time, shouldn't we have PHYSICAL signs of infestation by now? We have STILL NOT seen bug one. Am I really just being "paranoid in GA"? What else could be biting me, I wonder. I think that I wash my sheets too regularly for this to be dust mite sensitivity. We've not seen any more carpet beetles on the bed, either. I HAVE found a few dead gnats recently in our night stand and on window sill....tiny... like "no-see-ums" and am now wondering if that could be the issue. </p> <p>Thanks for wading through this long post and for any insight you can provide. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69633 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:02:32 +0000 greenapplepest 69633@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>onefineday - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69630">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Hi,<br /> Please help me determine whether I have bed bugs!! My OCD has been going crazy at the thought of it, and I'm at the verge of tears. I'm frightened out of my wits at the thought of having bed bugs.<br /> I live in a college dormitory, and about three to four months ago, I received one bug bite on my leg. I didn't think much of it because I had been outside, but every once in awhile (several weeks in between each one) I would receive another.<br /> Two weeks ago, however, I began to receive multiple bites at once. I woke up one morning with my right arm, back and belly covered in bites. There were approximately 15 bites total. The following days I continued to receive more. There were two days in between when I did not receive any new ones, or at least none I detected. The bites range from one to three centimeters in width; some are round, and others appear to be more welt-like. They itch, but they are relatively mild in comparison to flea bites.<br /> My bites always occur at nighttime, and they appear most often on my arms, back and belly. Recently, however, they've begun to appear on my legs. I wear a T-shirt and shorts at nighttime, so if they are bed bugs, I don't know whether I accidentally expose my back and belly at night, which allows them to bite in areas I have clothing.<br /> After looking at other people's photos of their bites, mine don't appear to be as severe, but they <em>are</em> grouped together or roughly "lined up". I've gone to speak to my campus health center, but the doctor characterized it as a rash, which I'm absolutely certain it isn't. My roommate has not received any bites, though she told me she encased her mattress with a bed bug protector.<br /> I've searched for signs of bed bugs on my sheets and under my mattress seams, but I haven't been able to find any telltale signs. I haven't detected blood smears or sheddings, but I'm unable to take apart my bedframe to check.<br /> I'm at a loss as to what I should do. I have contacted dermatologists in the area, but none offer appointments until one month later. Should I have someone come in and determine whether there are bed bugs?? Are my bites even from bed bugs?<br /> My camera isn't very good, but I took photos of what I have. Some of them are old bites and are now smaller and fading, but the new ones are itchy, slightly red and raised from the skin like welts.<br /> <a href="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5347/82925463.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5347/82925463.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3918/37951301.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3918/37951301.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9013/45897454.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9013/45897454.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4990/44556941.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4990/44556941.jpg</a><br /> Please help!! I have no idea what I should do! Thank you</p></blockquote> <p>Hey,<br /> Sorry to see you are dealing with this. First Bedbug bites are hard to diagnose in general,the pictures are not clear enough. Number 1 I suggest that you get an inspection by a licensed PCO or do a thorough check of your bed and room. Once you have confirmation you will know that you need to commit to a plan of action.</p> <p>Good Luck to You,</p> <p>Mike S<br /> Green Apple Pest Management Solutions Inc. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depressed-and-anxious#post-69632 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:55:54 +0000 fmlbedbugs 69632@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh trust me, I've been insane about my attempts to get these bugs out. I have washed, dried and bagged EVERY piece of clothing that I own just about (I have a few more pieces in the closet that I have to dry out because I have a LOT of clothes. </p> <p>I have encased my bed and sealed up the zipper area with duct tape. I have vacuumed my apartment from corner to corner every day and dumped the filter outside, then treated it with boiling water and alcohol. I have put all the legs of my bed in tubs of alcohol but I will put oil if you say this is a better solution. I've vacuumed my entire car with a high powered vacuum and left it out in the sun. The PCO has been out once, and I'm insisting that he come out again. Also I've insisted on a steam carpet cleaning later this week.</p> <p>I hope that all this is good enough. I am continuing to do research. I even turned my thermostat down to 65 because I read somewhere that it takes the eggs longer to hatch when the temp is lower than 70 and I was hoping that this would slow their hatching cycle (Probably a pipe dream).</p> <p>I have no furniture except a bed (mattress, bed frame, boxspring, no furniture), and a dining table with four stools. I really just want to move all my heat treated clothes and my dining table to another apartment and call it quits. My apartment doesn't even feel like a home right now. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/nuvan-strips-how-long-do-they-take#post-69631 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:44:36 +0000 Stevie 69631@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm in the process of DDVPing and bagging lots of our stuff, and we're conflicted about the sofa. On one hand, it's been treated by the PCO and we've not seen anything on it (it's white, so it's easier to tell).</p> <p>On the other hand, we're planning to DDVP it in a bag for 2 weeks as a precautionary measure, and I'm just as concerned about the outcome of that.</p> <p>If we seal it up with strips for 2 weeks, will it be safe to use soon after? The brand we bought, Ortho Home Defense Strips, formerly called Vapona (which is all there seems to be here in Toronto), they have no detectable odour. But they also say not to use in your home unless you plan not to be there for 4 months after. So, we're worried about them sort of 'off-gassing' after the fact, in our new apartment. Also, we intended to put it in the attic room of our apartment, which doesn't have windows. So we're worried about the indoor air quality.</p> <p>Thoughts, anyone? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-are-these-bed-bug-bites#post-69630 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:56:09 +0000 onefineday 69630@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>Please help me determine whether I have bed bugs!! My OCD has been going crazy at the thought of it, and I'm at the verge of tears. I'm frightened out of my wits at the thought of having bed bugs.</p> <p>I live in a college dormitory, and about three to four months ago, I received one bug bite on my leg. I didn't think much of it because I had been outside, but every once in awhile (several weeks in between each one) I would receive another.</p> <p>Two weeks ago, however, I began to receive multiple bites at once. I woke up one morning with my right arm, back and belly covered in bites. There were approximately 15 bites total. The following days I continued to receive more. There were two days in between when I did not receive any new ones, or at least none I detected. The bites range from one to three centimeters in width; some are round, and others appear to be more welt-like. They itch, but they are relatively mild in comparison to flea bites.</p> <p>My bites always occur at nighttime, and they appear most often on my arms, back and belly. Recently, however, they've begun to appear on my legs. I wear a T-shirt and shorts at nighttime, so if they are bed bugs, I don't know whether I accidentally expose my back and belly at night, which allows them to bite in areas I have clothing.</p> <p>After looking at other people's photos of their bites, mine don't appear to be as severe, but they <em>are</em> grouped together or roughly "lined up". I've gone to speak to my campus health center, but the doctor characterized it as a rash, which I'm absolutely certain it isn't. My roommate has not received any bites, though she told me she encased her mattress with a bed bug protector.</p> <p>I've searched for signs of bed bugs on my sheets and under my mattress seams, but I haven't been able to find any telltale signs. I haven't detected blood smears or sheddings, but I'm unable to take apart my bedframe to check.</p> <p>I'm at a loss as to what I should do. I have contacted dermatologists in the area, but none offer appointments until one month later. Should I have someone come in and determine whether there are bed bugs?? Are my bites even from bed bugs?</p> <p>My camera isn't very good, but I took photos of what I have. Some of them are old bites and are now smaller and fading, but the new ones are itchy, slightly red and raised from the skin like welts.</p> <p><a href="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5347/82925463.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5347/82925463.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3918/37951301.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3918/37951301.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9013/45897454.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9013/45897454.jpg</a><br /> <a href="http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4990/44556941.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4990/44556941.jpg</a></p> <p>Please help!! I have no idea what I should do! Thank you </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lets-just-hope-in-overreacting#post-69629 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:14:31 +0000 wchicago 69629@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi ohgodwhy<br /> i sympathize with you being freaked out, i really do.<br /> but before you get much more worried about bed bugs -try to rule out two other things<br /> first, your mom said they look like scabies? luckily, there is an easy skin test for scabies that you can get at any doctors or CVS minute clinic or walgreens walk in clinic.<br /> second, do you and your roommate have a pet? does the pet snuggle on/near your upper leg/thigh area? if so, take the pet to the vet and check it for mites.</p> <p>see, mites can bite under clothing, bed bugs can too, but more often bed bugs go for exposed areas.<br /> i was "lucky" enough to recently have experience with both. my dog caught a case of mites from the groomers right in the middle of my bed bug treatment adventures (lucky lucky me) :) </p> <p>anyway, what made the mite bites distinct was that they were under clothes (as well as on exposed skin) whereas my bed bug bites were on exposed skin only. also the mite bites were primarily on the areas of my body (lap and trunk) my dog snuggled on - the bed bug bites were on my upper neck/back (parts that rested against my bed bug infested evil sofa). at first i thought my bite reaction to bed bugs had somehow changed (my reaction to bed bug bites is unfortunately big painful/itchy blisters that last for weeks and leave a scar, whereas the mite bites were smaller pink spots that were itchy but not painful, and they would fade away to nothing within a week - however, i got way more mite bites at a time than i ever did bed bug bites at a time).<br /> anyway, the vet diagnosed mites, my dog got mite treatment from the vet, i cleaned her sleeping area and soft toys, and she and i were mite bite free within 2 weeks of her first treatment (if only the bed bugs had been that easy to get rid of! luckily they are gone now too, but it took a few months).</p> <p>i'm not saying you *don't* have bed bugs, nor am i saying you *do* have bed bugs :) what i'm saying is that there are lots of wee biting things that should be investigated before you narrow your focus to bed bugs. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/so-what-were-those-bites#post-69628 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:59:38 +0000 wchicago 69628@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi vivyou<br /> carpet beetles do not bite, but some people get allergic reactions to their hairs which look and act like bug bites.<br /> david cain (the bb couk poster above)has some pics of carpet beetle reactions on his website, which is linked from one of the FAQs here (look in the FAQs)</p> <p>what i've gleaned from the forums is that carpet beetle hairs can affect you even on parts of the body that are clothed (as can mites) whereas bed bugs are more likely to bite exposed areas.</p> <p>good luck </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/legal-and-vikane-help-campbell-co-ky#post-69627 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:50:17 +0000 nomegustaslasbedbugs 69627@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well, they've officially made it into the bedrooms:( I can't stand this! I spoke with the landlady yesterday, got some more lies from her (she wasn't aware there was a problem and it's still costing her out the yin yang...) and she's accusing my use of the laundry mat as the source (I've been using my laundry mat forever and the attendant says his manager sprays monthly for everything) . She gave me the green light to end my lease early per my wishes, but I've yet to find a PCO in the area that uses Vikane 3X. I'm very aware I shouldn't be asking legal advice as the laws and such are different from state to state/city to city, but I was curious to if there were any cases out there similar to this. If anyone has advice about the PCO, I'd greatly appreciate it! I have contacted DOW to see if they'd be able to make any references, but it is the weekend, so hopefully I hear something over the next few days. </p>