http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:23:54 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69501 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:41:30 +0000 DougSummersMS 69501@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>A vacuum cleaner can be a useful tool for physical removal. Place a nylon stocking in the hose and secure it with the crevice tool end... The stocking will act as a prefilter </p> <p>The box springs are a common harborage... consider encasing the mattress and box springs. with a good quality mattress cover... Climb up interceptors can be placed on the bed legs to help isolate the bed from the environment... Read the FAQs on isolating your bed.</p> <p>Steam can provide a spot heat treatment or your entire residence can be heat treated by a professional... A clothes dryer can be utilized to heat treat clothing and linens. </p> <p>Personally, I would hire a qualified PCO that has solid experience with performing a treatment in a sensitive environment given the pregnancy issue.</p> <p>An experienced K9 team may help identify the harborages to provide guidance for the treatment... Where to apply steam, for example.</p> <p>There is no simple or easy solution for your situation... an experienced professional is an invaluable resource. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-powder-unsuccessful#post-69500 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:56:44 +0000 bedbugsyuck 69500@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>thanks for all of your help. the powder we used was the one from bedbugpowder.com the one seen in the infamous youtube video.<br /> it was fairly easy to get rid of the bugs in the bedrooms, but in the den downstaird i guess they have more places to hide, which is why it is so hard to get rid of them... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-powder-unsuccessful#post-69499 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:15:08 +0000 cilecto 69499@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Dubbing credit goes to Spidey. :) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bug-powder-unsuccessful#post-69498 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:57:23 +0000 spideyjg 69498@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Everything about that stuff screams food grade DE at an obscene markup. The schmoe, which Cilecto and I dub "Itchy Mon" due to him scratching so much in his videos, doesn't even show how to use it in a successful/safe manner.</p> <p>DE is an effective product when used properly but is no miracle cure alone. </p> <p>Itchy Mon's frequent scratching doesn't make his techniques look too successful. ;)</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/live-sample-preparation-to-send-to#post-69497 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:55:10 +0000 Strabat 69497@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks. Not enough lens power for anything to be useful. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69496 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:50:57 +0000 Nobugsonme 69496@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>This is not unusual. Knowledgeable and experienced pros will know how to get rid of bed bugs with steam + dusts, or with thermal (if your budget extends to it and it's appropriate in your situation) or other methods safe for you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69495 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:48:13 +0000 Nobugsonme 69495@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>And FYI we did refer to it as Dri-Die, it was actually a block of text quoted (I believe) from an article in the <em>Journal of Medical Entomology</em>, where it was referred to as such. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/possible-bedbugs-a-few-questions#post-69494 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:46:10 +0000 spideyjg 69494@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>All carpet, or other dermastid beetle stuff.</p> <p>FWIW Flikr and photobucket are easier to access for me.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69493 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:03:33 +0000 cilecto 69493@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Not sure about silica with pyrethroids as "preferable" to food grade DE. The DE FAQ is "silent" on this, but I think there's been arguments pro-con (search forum on "diatect", which is one brand of DE+pyrethroids). If in doubt, I'd go conservative and stick with food grade, applied sparingly (as per the FAQ). Less risk of repellance and/or resistance. The advantage of pyrethroids is quicker knockdown for those bugs that are not resistant, but the silica does the heavy lifting long-term. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/possible-bedbugs-a-few-questions#post-69492 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:52:11 +0000 Nobugsonme 69492@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>The final URL only worked when I copied and pasted it (but on trying to edit your post I could not see what was wrong with that last link). Here it is again: <a href="http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CqSG7Bk%2FXggmYh4l5k2TGxc" rel="nofollow">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CqSG7Bk%2FXggmYh4l5k2TGxc</a></p> <p>Anyway, none of them look like bed bugs. The first two are not bed bugs. The third and fourth look carpet-beetlish to me. The fifth looks similar but too small to say for certain.</p> <p>I am not a pro so I will defer to them for the definitive ID, but I think it's safe to say these are not bed bugs. </p> <p>Remember finding non-bed bugs is not proof you do not have bed bugs. That said, some people have apparently had reactions to the presence of carpet beetles (though they don't bite). And fleas are a definite possibility.</p> <p>If bed bugs were present, they would be biting more than once a month. However, people do not necessarily react. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69491 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:43:49 +0000 Nobugsonme 69491@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>soscared - 5 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69470">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Personally, I like the debates. They have cleared up issues in the bed bug dog (no trademark!) industry for me better than reading any summary online, though an FAQ would probably do the same thing really well. </p></blockquote> <p>And I hope it's clear, I am totally open to debate.</p> <p>I guess I thought if we had one designated thread, then the debate would not have to repeatedly rehash the same discussions. It may not work out that way.</p> <p>(That "Bed Bug Dogs" is apparently a trademarked term is one such argument. I am taking Doug on his word that it is indeed so, and have tried to avoid the phrase for this reason.)</p> <p>I am curious, soscared, if you have seen and have any suggestions re: <a href="http://bedbugger.com/2010/03/10/bed-bug-sniffing-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/">the new FAQ on dogs</a>? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69490 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:40:16 +0000 Nobugsonme 69490@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>LVK9 - 8 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69464">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Nobugsonme, I am not fearful of being banned or thrown off your site. I am not someone who throws bombs on this site just to watch the flames, I just try to add my perspective to a topic if I feel it may help. </p></blockquote> <p>I appreciate that and I hope you will share anything you feel is worthwhile, anytime. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69489 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:24:49 +0000 DougSummersMS 69489@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>BedBugDog™ is a trademark of Florida Canine Academy. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69488 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:40:21 +0000 greenapplepest 69488@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>kvv - 1 hour ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69480">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Thank you for your helpful responses.<br /> The treatment time usually goes somewhere between 10 minutes and a half hour. He generally sprays the boxspring (I have a mattress encasement, but just ordered one for my boxspring) and the floor and baseboard around the bed. Once or twice he sprayed most of the floor and once, at my request, he also sprayed the bureau and the bookcase next to the bed that I had cleared out.<br /> He has not used, or recommended, any other methods. I have asked several times if there is anything else we can do since they keep on returning and he more of less said, "Well, with bedbugs, you never know. You could do all those things... if you wanted to spend a lot of money."<br /> The management company refuses to use another exterminator and I did call 311 two days ago, but you can only send in a complaint, not an explanation of inadequacy and the management company told them that they had sent the exterminator back to do a follow-up.</p></blockquote> <p>My vision must be going cause I thought you wrote 10 minutes for a treatment?? Who are these thieves that are treating your home???? The first treatment depending on size is a minimum of 2 hours. I dont think he could have mixed his tank in 10 minutes let alone treat the entire premisis. Second, did you say you asked him to spray the borders and remaining borders? You mean he didnt know he had to treat the whole house??? What a joke and Poor you for having to endure a problem like this with a company that is a joke to be kind.</p> <p>Mike S </p> <p>Green Apple Pest Management Solutions Inc. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know#post-69487 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:36:14 +0000 suspicious 69487@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you so much for your comment Killerqueen. </p> <p>I will have to find a way to get a professional in here. We did tell our landlord in the beginning (almost a year and half ago) that we thought we might have BBs in our apartment. He said they didn't have those bugs in Switzerland. He had never heard of them. So, if we do end up having BBs it will be because we are the dirty foreigners that brought them here. He then told us to find a bug and give it to him. Until he has a bug there is nothing he can do. We are strapped financially so I am not sure we can afford a pro or not. This week I will carefully go through this apartment again turning things over and looking in outlets. I found smaller spots in the corner of my sheets while ironing yesterday. These spots weren't there last week when I washed my sheets. </p> <p>I am so frustrated at this point. I do think that a pro is the only answer. </p> <p>Thank you, again. I really appreciate it.</p> <p>Just curious. Where did you find the bug for your client? Maybe I will be lucky in the place? </p> <blockquote><p><cite>KillerQueen - 2 days ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know#post-69374">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> It does look like bed bug fecal traces. I would find a way to have a pro come in to conduct a full inspection throughout your home.<br /> You can buy a blood test kit and test to see if the spots test positive for blood. <a href="http://www.prolabscientific.com/Presumptive-Blood-Test-Kit-p-23786.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.prolabscientific.com/Presumptive-Blood-Test-Kit-p-23786.html</a><br /> I have seen staining from washing machines but they are usually not as dark and tend to be more in an open area of the fabric. These pictures show typical harborage (if only for a short time) where you may find fecal traces during an inspection. A year of suspicion is a long time to go without a sighting but you just never know. I did an inspection for a woman the other day that had bites over a year ago, then a reduction or next to nothing for a few months.... She looked and never found anything. Her mattress was encased over the last year and typical inspections by her yielded nothing.<br /> Family thought she was crazy.... I found a bed bug in about 12 minutes.<br /> It doesn’t look good from what I see but still get a pro in to inspect. Good luck!</p></blockquote> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/official-bed-bug-k9-industry-thread#post-69486 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:28:16 +0000 Nobugsonme 69486@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I neglected to post a link to the new <a href="http://bedbugger.com/2010/03/10/bed-bug-sniffing-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/">bed bug sniffing k9 FAQ</a> for consumers, but welcome your comments and input on it either here or on the FAQ. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/thermal-imaging-camera-test-results#post-69485 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:15:22 +0000 spideyjg 69485@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Damn. I've seen those used on Destination Truth and Ghost Hunters and wondered if they would capture the heat from a fed and retreating bug.</p> <p>Maybe they do not have the resolution needed. Kinda like the macro mode on a camera?</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/thermal-imaging-camera-test-results#post-69484 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:59:33 +0000 actionwdi 69484@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>With all the talk about K9 inspections and the need for visual follow up I wondered if the use of a Thermal Imaging Camera would be benefical. Well unfortunately Thermal imaging is not the answer as we were unable to pick up a heat signature at even close range (with in 2'). I even fed a bug and then tried to pick up the heat signature with no luck. </p> <p>I've seen the cameras used to locate termites , carpenter ants, and even bee nest and was hoping this would be another tool in the arsenal but it was not to be. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/possible-bedbugs-a-few-questions#post-69483 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:53:41 +0000 noseeum 69483@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Ok, I was finally able to upload some photos.</p> <p>These first two are of the live bug I found in the bathroom last night. Pretty sure they are a carpet (or some variety of) beetle:<br /> <a href="http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CpH5G%2BNA%2Bl40Ih4l5k2TGxc">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CpH5G%2BNA%2Bl40Ih4l5k2TGxc</a><br /> <a href="http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64Co2tcvjN7uXhoh4l5k2TGxc">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64Co2tcvjN7uXhoh4l5k2TGxc</a></p> <p>These are the ones that make me nervous; the cast skins:<br /> <a href="http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CpJZJaq1uH8ooh4l5k2TGxc">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CpJZJaq1uH8ooh4l5k2TGxc</a><br /> <a href="http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CrJLpktYhWPpIh4l5k2TGxc">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CrJLpktYhWPpIh4l5k2TGxc</a><br /> <a href="http://">http://tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=7vBB%2FOG64CqSG7Bk%2FXggmYh4l5k2TGxc</a></p> <p>Do any of these look like bedbugs? Thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69482 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:48:46 +0000 actionwdi 69482@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>10 to 30 minutes isn't enough time. I heard a talk done by a gentleman from Bed Bug Central and he stated the first treatment would generally last 2-3 hours and the follow ups were 1 hour or slightly longer concentrating on the hot spots (how they do them). This definately falls into the splash and dash treatment type. </p> <p>The trouble is many property managers go for the cheapest and not the most effective. Good luck to you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/jb-pest-control-in-nyc#post-69481 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:34:48 +0000 MyWorstFear 69481@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>David, I'm going to call you the "Luca Turin of Bed Bugs" which is a complement! (Luca Turin is a leader in the field of olfactory science with a PhD in biophysics from the University College London.) Although he usually applies this knowledge to perfumes, lol, I've read his books and like you, he tells it like it is. I'd bet you two would have a lot to discuss together.<br /> So, if I understand correctly, you smelled the bed bug, but did your nose lead you to where it was?<br /> The best I can do is smell pesticides which usually makes me decide I'm not going into that place because there's obviously a big problem! ; ) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69480 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:23:29 +0000 kvv 69480@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you for your helpful responses. </p> <p>The treatment time usually goes somewhere between 10 minutes and a half hour. He generally sprays the boxspring (I have a mattress encasement, but just ordered one for my boxspring) and the floor and baseboard around the bed. Once or twice he sprayed most of the floor and once, at my request, he also sprayed the bureau and the bookcase next to the bed that I had cleared out. </p> <p>He has not used, or recommended, any other methods. I have asked several times if there is anything else we can do since they keep on returning and he more of less said, "Well, with bedbugs, you never know. You could do all those things... if you wanted to spend a lot of money."</p> <p>The management company refuses to use another exterminator and I did call 311 two days ago, but you can only send in a complaint, not an explanation of inadequacy and the management company told them that they had sent the exterminator back to do a follow-up. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bugs-and-me-%e2%80%93-our-2009-summer-journey-with-the-buggers#post-69479 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:23:18 +0000 MyWorstFear 69479@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>How does thermal work in an apartment? Wouldn't all the bugs just run to the apartments above, below, and next door, once the place starts to get hot? If so, how would you prevent them from coming back? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69478 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:08:39 +0000 allmusic 69478@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Appreciate all the responses to my original post &#38; I am trying to process all this semi-technical information. So apparently a silica (like diatomaceous earth) with pyrethrins is recommended--right? Someone mentioned this being avail. under several brand names, but didn't name any, or recommend any one in particular. By the same token, I assume these would cost more than simple food-grade DE, which I actually found locally for $1.39/lb. (Since it's used with cattle, I assume this DE has no pyrethrins in it.) So now my questions are...would DE *alone* affect the bed bugs? Or should it really be combined with pyrethrins? And as far as I can tell from my research, one can buy pyrethrin in dust/powder form--in which case, how would one mix it with the food-grade DE? I.e., in what proportions? I trust this makes sense, and apologies for being such a know-nothing with so many questions.... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69477 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:18:41 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 69477@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Delta dust, other then possibly inspiring Joe Cocker is actually a" Pyrethroid", and while the liquid formulation of Deltramethrin is not a first choice dust formulations do offer better results when used properly. Tri - Die is a good product but is Restricted in NY. Perhaps one of the biggest issues in the original post is that even after repeated failure they continue to rely on a strictly chemical approach. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69476 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:18:32 +0000 greenapplepest 69476@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>spideyjg - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69468">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> Nobody considers that clown a hero.<br /> Jim</p></blockquote> <p>Im glad :) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69475 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:16:37 +0000 greenapplepest 69475@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>kvv - 2 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69467">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I have very little faith in the PCO my landlord has hired (after 4 treatments we finally dragged him over to our neighbors, something the management company refused to do) and found out they had a severe infestation. I'm looking at my options at this point, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the wisdom of his treatment methods.<br /> He's sprayed five times now. Three times, he used a mix of conquer (estenvalerquate), gentrol (hydroprene) and exciter (pyrethrins). And twice he used Suspend SC with gentrol and exciter.<br /> Although we've found bed bugs everytime in the past and today was only the second treatment our neighbors had, he didn't see any bedbugs, and he told me the 6 or 7 bites that my boyfriend got a few nights ago could have been from anything. If we didn't know that two apartments had confirmed infestations and we hadn't been doing treatments for 2 1/2 months, I might agree, but I'm pretty sure I didn't just randomly get an infestation of something else that bites. When I pointed out that they might be in the cracks of the of the baseboard or floor (which is hardwood and has enormous ones) he shrugged and said, unlikely.<br /> Anyway, sorry to rant, but I would really appreciate any reflection on his treatment methods (when I asked about encasements and bagging clothing, he told me, "who knows, it might help." I've done both anyway. But my roommate and I are trying to figure out what we can do to force to landlord to use a PCO of our choice.</p></blockquote> <p>You are def right to be concerned as those products are not on the list recommended to effectively get rid of bedbugs. Michael Potter did studies on those products and doesn't recommend that they be used.</p> <p>Mike S</p> <p>Green Apple Pest Management Solutions Inc. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69474 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:12:10 +0000 greenapplepest 69474@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>prego mama - 59 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69471">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I recently discovered that the mysterious "bites" on my arms and hands are a result of bed bugs. I kept thinking I was being bit by fleas (I have an outdoor dog), ants, spiders, etc. I would have NEVER guessed it would be bed bugs until I actually saw (and killed 3) in my bed the other night! Me and my husband stripped the bed and checked everywhere and weren't able to see any more -- however, we did notice the dark black streaks on the corner of the matress (i think I read this was bed bug feces?). Either way, we know for sure we have bugs. I am losing sleep over this and have no idea how to proceed with a safe, non-toxic solution since I am 4 months pregnant. I don't want to be exposed to anything that could potentially hurt my baby, but I also want these bugs out of my home ASAP!!! Please let me know if you have any recommendations. Thanks.</p></blockquote> <p>Prego,</p> <p>Sorry you are dealing with this problem but the good news is there are green and organic solutions that can rid your dwelling of bedbugs.<br /> The products are safe for pets,children, and the environment.</p> <p>Mike S<br /> President<br /> Green Apple Pest Management Solutions Inc. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bugs-and-me-%e2%80%93-our-2009-summer-journey-with-the-buggers#post-69473 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:11:29 +0000 nervousaboutbedbugs 69473@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm glad for you that the heat treatment was successful!</p> <p>I know others on this forum who have had successful heat treatments, but I also know many (including myself) that would not recommend it. After posting several times about problems I ran into, I began to receive many PMs from other unlucky folks who had bad thermal experiences. We required 2 treatments within a month which had its toll on the house. Trim boards no longer meet one another, veneer has unglued from all of our kitchen cabinets, wooden chairs are falling apart because the glue seams melted, etc.</p> <p>You gloss over the Bed Bugs and Beyond option. In my area, Vikane is an option that I also considered. It is a bit more expensive, but in the end I wish I'd gone that way. No damage, no prep work, better guarantee.</p> <p>Best wishes for continued success. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-a-bed-bug-in-my-new-apartment-tough-it-out-or-break-lease#post-69472 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:25:05 +0000 annie_kat 69472@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you EVERYONE for your generous offerings of advice. Having had no one to talk to about this situation, you have all made my day. Everyone thinks bed bugs are a minor issue like roaches or ants and that I'm blowing it out of proportion. I live in downtown SF, where there is known to be bed bugs in many of the hostels and apartment buildings there. My new apartment is in a building I've been familiar with for over year. A friend lived there and it seemed clean, well taken care of, etc. I had never heard of a bed bug problem from any of the residents. So this finding is a huge disappointment and has led me to believe there is a 'don't ask dont tell' policy.</p> <p>I am meeting with the building manager today as well as a PCO. I forgot to mention in my first post that the building manager admitted to me that the unit below me had a bed bug infestation about 9 months ago and there had been no reported problems since. Obviously they did not do a follow up since, which already seems to me like a lack of awareness about bed bugs. The specimen I found was very small so it seems to make sense that some eggs hatched and a new generation's been born. </p> <p>The unfortunate thing is that I seem to have researched and know more about bed bugs than the management. (who said they used spraying/powder during the last incident.) Without sounding like a crazy person, I hope I can keep on insisting the right kind of treatments if I continue to live there. </p> <p>What sorts of things could I say to give me leverage in this situation? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69471 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:10:24 +0000 prego mama 69471@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I recently discovered that the mysterious "bites" on my arms and hands are a result of bed bugs. I kept thinking I was being bit by fleas (I have an outdoor dog), ants, spiders, etc. I would have NEVER guessed it would be bed bugs until I actually saw (and killed 3) in my bed the other night! Me and my husband stripped the bed and checked everywhere and weren't able to see any more -- however, we did notice the dark black streaks on the corner of the matress (i think I read this was bed bug feces?). Either way, we know for sure we have bugs. I am losing sleep over this and have no idea how to proceed with a safe, non-toxic solution since I am 4 months pregnant. I don't want to be exposed to anything that could potentially hurt my baby, but I also want these bugs out of my home ASAP!!! Please let me know if you have any recommendations. Thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69470 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:07:50 +0000 soscared 69470@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Personally, I like the debates. They have cleared up issues in the bed bug dog (no trademark!) industry for me better than reading any summary online, though an FAQ would probably do the same thing really well. Yes, it sucks when the debates distract from the original question, but I do think they are useful. If nothing else, they tell the sufferers 2 things: 1 - alerts need to be confirmed, and 2 - bed bug sniffing dogs are not a 100% answer. there is disagreement and uncertainty even in this field, unfortunately. i think a lot of people hire PCOs with dogs thinking the dog's answer is 100%. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69469 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:46:18 +0000 actionwdi 69469@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm a PCO that doesn't do bed bug treatments. I question a couple of issues that you brought up </p> <p>[He's sprayed five times now. Three times, he used a mix of conquer (estenvalerquate), gentrol (hydroprene) and exciter (pyrethrins). And twice he used Suspend SC with gentrol and exciter.quote]</p> <p>My understanding is that the bugs can develope an immunity or resistance to products over time. Using the gentrol and exciter all 5 times might be an issue. I'm also suprised that they are not using steam as the PCO's I know that are having success are utilizing chemicals as well as other methods.</p> <p>How long are the treatments taking? I'd be curious to know this as splash and dash treatments will not work. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69468 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:06:50 +0000 spideyjg 69468@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Nobody considers that clown a hero.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pesticides-my-pco-is-using#post-69467 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:58:03 +0000 kvv 69467@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have very little faith in the PCO my landlord has hired (after 4 treatments we finally dragged him over to our neighbors, something the management company refused to do) and found out they had a severe infestation. I'm looking at my options at this point, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the wisdom of his treatment methods.</p> <p>He's sprayed five times now. Three times, he used a mix of conquer (estenvalerquate), gentrol (hydroprene) and exciter (pyrethrins). And twice he used Suspend SC with gentrol and exciter.</p> <p>Although we've found bed bugs everytime in the past and today was only the second treatment our neighbors had, he didn't see any bedbugs, and he told me the 6 or 7 bites that my boyfriend got a few nights ago could have been from anything. If we didn't know that two apartments had confirmed infestations and we hadn't been doing treatments for 2 1/2 months, I might agree, but I'm pretty sure I didn't just randomly get an infestation of something else that bites. When I pointed out that they might be in the cracks of the of the baseboard or floor (which is hardwood and has enormous ones) he shrugged and said, unlikely.</p> <p>Anyway, sorry to rant, but I would really appreciate any reflection on his treatment methods (when I asked about encasements and bagging clothing, he told me, "who knows, it might help." I've done both anyway. But my roommate and I are trying to figure out what we can do to force to landlord to use a PCO of our choice. </p>