http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:16:21 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69396 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:04:01 +0000 tiredofbedbugs 69396@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>how do bedbugs live so well without adequate oxygen? i mean put a plastic bag over any live creature and they die within minutes. :( are insects that much more durable? </p> <p>insects really bug me! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69395 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:02:07 +0000 buggyinsocal 69395@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I don't know that this matters as far as the thread in question (and I certainly have no words of wisdom about where the best place for those in-industry debates is), but I can tell you this.</p> <p>Relatively early on the boards, I posted something somewhere (I'm not even sure it was a comment I started) that somehow referenced dogs, and before I knew it, a thread I was caught in the middle of had exploded into Yet Another One of Those Industry Dog Posts. </p> <p>I get that every profession has heated debates about certain subjects. I have certainly had days when someone with lesser knowledge than me accidentally set off a landmine like that in a subject in my field (i.e. a student asks what seems to her or him to be a totally innocent question, someone else responds, and before I realize what I'm doing, I've fired a broadside into the debate because they just opened up one of those debates, and I couldn't let it stand.)</p> <p>I continue to come to the boards to keep abreast of current knowledge in the field, so I even gird myself with asbestos pants and read the threads on dogs from time to time. </p> <p>But I've been here for two years, and before I got here, I'd had more than a decade of experience in online fora and communities.</p> <p>What I'd like to avoid is having newbites who are already unsure and stressed out post, only to have their threads hijacked by industry in-fighting that doesn't hold much use for the bed bug sufferer at that time.</p> <p>Of course, as Nobugs points out, beyond asking members of the industry not to get into heated debates about it, I'm not sure what can be done.</p> <p>And, really, if someone walked into a thread and insisted that authorial intent mattered--that Barthes was wrong, that the death of the author was overrated--even if that person was a newbite and I'd been told to tone it down before, if a newbie brought it up, I'd feel justified in weighing in. (And really, if you don't get the references in that, no worries. It's just a good example of an argument from my profession--one I can almost never resist responding to even when I try to remind myself that it's okay for <a href="http://http://xkcd.com/386/">someone on the internet to be wrong</a>.)</p> <p>I guess my point is that I'm happy to read about the ongoing conversation about bed bug detection dogs. I do think that in my time here I've seen the conversations about them in threads to newbies erupt into industry in-fighting less often, and I've seen a marked improvement from everyone in terms of reiterating what I take to be the most important info for a bed bug suffering to hear (make sure that if you hire a dog/handler team, you hire one that will follow a dog alert with a visual inspection to confirm), and I count myself among those who've gotten better about reiterating that important point. I don't think preventing any thread from being hijacked is possible, but I do think that doing whatever we can to contain the most contentious debates to places that won't burn already stressed out newbies is a good thing. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69394 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:36:22 +0000 Nobugsonme 69394@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi KillerQueen,</p> <p>I appreciate the input.</p> <p>What are you suggesting? That handlers not be asked to hash out their differences in one specific thread? Or that the thread be released from the Green Stickies area? Or something else?</p> <p>The intent was not to hinder dialogue. And in fact k9 handlers are still engaging in discussions about dogs on other threads (eg on the New York Times dog story thread). That's not a problem.</p> <p>The problem I was trying to address was that quite frequently other threads -- where people were seeking recommendations for dog teams, or feedback on their experiences -- were rehashing the same old discussions (certified vs. uncertified, one training method vs. another) which not only hijacked threads quite often, but also confused others. It also meant that the same bones were being picked again and again in multiple threads.</p> <p>I know this is true to a degree on every topic, but I think we'll all agree those dog industry threads were the most contentious.</p> <p>If you could be clear about what you are suggesting instead, and maybe others can weigh in as well, I am open to your ideas. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69393 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:21:14 +0000 KillerQueen 69393@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Nobugsonme - 5 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69391">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I'm not sure of your point, KillerQueen?</p></blockquote> <p>I mean .. I’m not so sure the sticky is the right spot for info. The K9 industry is getting short changed because most people are not looking in that thread. While I’m not a fan .. I would still like to read comments, thoughts, ideas, and the like from their prospective. I'm not sure it’s the right place for the thread because it has not been active in a while and it may lead handlers to less activity on the board.</p> <p>All can learn something .. both good and bad if they were not limited. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-bugs-in-hotel-room-what-to-do-next#post-69392 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:15:18 +0000 Nobugsonme 69392@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>If they only dry cleaned your clothing, it may not be enough. Remember they can crawl in a suitcase or into a shoe or laptop.</p> <p>Take the precautions <a href="http://bedbugger.com/2007/08/05/faq-i-stayed-somewhere-that-had-bed-bugs-what-do-i-do-to-keep-from-taking-them-home/">listed in this FAQ</a> to make sure you don't take them home.</p> <p>I agree with others above that the real problem is not being bitten in a hotel but what happens if they come home with you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69391 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:12:06 +0000 Nobugsonme 69391@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm not sure of your point, KillerQueen? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/live-sample-preparation-to-send-to#post-69390 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:11:41 +0000 Strabat 69390@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you. </p> <p>Not just cut away the little portion of trap its on and then into a specimen jar? I'm concerned I'll destroy it trying to remove it. My sight and manual dexterity isn't the greatest. </p> <p>In other words, don't send it LIVE through the mail. Cornell or is there anywhere closer to the West Coast. Would a live sample be of any benefit to a researcher? Like at UC Berkeley? Any contacts?</p> <p>Thanks, once again. You're my life line. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69389 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:57:37 +0000 KillerQueen 69389@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>The "official" sticky is dead! While I’m no fan of dogs I think the sticky is lost in translation. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/live-sample-preparation-to-send-to#post-69388 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:51:00 +0000 KillerQueen 69388@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You can use vegetable oil to get him off the trap then use a jar as mentioned above. Or just leave him on a glue monitor and place him into a jar. Not sure if he will die from the oil but a dead bug is just as good =) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/live-sample-preparation-to-send-to#post-69387 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:42:52 +0000 bedbugman 69387@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>i would advise using a screw top specimen jar with the lid taped in place. As for getting him from the sticky pad you could try a bit of soapy water to loosen him off a bit. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/live-sample-preparation-to-send-to#post-69386 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:06:02 +0000 Strabat 69386@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Greetings,</p> <p>Can someone advise me how to prepare a live bb for transport for id? This one fell onto a sticky trap and landed on its back. It's alive and kicking and has given me the best opportunity to study it. </p> <p>Now, do I cut away the piece of trap its stuck to? Send the whole trap? And, how do I send it? I would think Cornell would be best. </p> <p>Thank you. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/to-dry-clean-or-not-to-dry-clean-that-is-the-question#post-69385 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:57:29 +0000 stricken 69385@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Packtiting them is another option. I spent about $400 on dry cleaning last year and then realized that if I'd simply put them in the Packtite it would have paid for itself in dry-cleaning savings. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/help-packtite-doesnt-go-over-105#post-69384 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:12:34 +0000 djames1921 69384@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Make sure you are reading the thermometer right. You need the out reading not the in and make sure there are no m's on the screen as they are max and min readings that you need to cycle through. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/to-dry-clean-or-not-to-dry-clean-that-is-the-question#post-69383 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:38:07 +0000 wchicago 69383@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>and i also want to add -do not worry about putting your "dry clean only" clothes in a hot dryer. as long as they go in DRY they will come out just fine and debugged - *then* you can dry clean them to remover dirt or odors - but count on the heat of the dryer (or a packtite) to get rid of the bugs and eggs first.</p> <p>it seems that dry cleaners who use "perc" (don't know whole chemical name) can be effective -but perc is apparently horrible for the environment so many cleaners in urban areas especially (like chicago) have phased it out. the more environmentally friendly dry cleaning chemicals are also less lethal to bed bugs</p> <p>so -the dryer is your best friend -and do not worry about damaging dry clean only clothes as long as they go in DRY - i put cashmere, suits, silk, fine lingerie, etc through the dryer and they all came through just fine. </p> <p>good luck </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/to-dry-clean-or-not-to-dry-clean-that-is-the-question#post-69382 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:29:17 +0000 Adele 69382@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Omshiva - there have been instances on the forums where people have brought infested stuff to dry cleaners and the items have come back still infested</p> <p>I recall there was one instance in particular where a woman brought in a comforter to the dry cleaner and after she pickled it up from the cleaners she still sealed it up for several months and after opened it up and used the comforter she found out that it was still infested</p> <p>It largely depends as to what chemical the cleaners use and how thorough they are - as David mentioned the dryer is a Much more reliable and economical choice </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-bugs-in-hotel-room-what-to-do-next#post-69381 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:21:33 +0000 BBcoukHome 69381@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>Your priority at this stage is to take the steps to ensure that you do not take the problem home with you.</p> <p>Read the FAQ's here, get things organised before you get home and at a least isolate all the items in ziplock bags or saran wrap before you take it into the property.</p> <p>I would always suggest that you look at dealing with the problem rather than seeking compensation and to be frank that is not even a relevant question at this stage as should you take the problem home with you would be facing the extermination costs on top of compensation. If you strike a deal with the hotel before you vacate at the end of the week then that may absolve them from responsibility should that occur.</p> <p>I am also a big exponent of resolving the issues rather than resorting to litigation. In reality you are looking at a free night or two rather than a multi million dollar lawsuit as long as you don't take them home with you. </p> <p>Otherwise I hate to think how this forum would be diluted with ambulance chasers.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/to-dry-clean-or-not-to-dry-clean-that-is-the-question#post-69380 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:08:50 +0000 BBcoukHome 69380@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>To clarify what I said in a private memo dry cleaning is not reliable as a method of eradicating bed bugs. This is because of variations in chemicals used and the processes used.</p> <p>Hot drying is an effective solution and is both reliable and reproducible.</p> <p>If you want to challenge these statements I would welcome your input and reasoning as to why dry cleaning does work because from my experience which is over 7 years of dealing with bed bug cases I know it does not. I am not ruling out the possibility that I am wrong but after over 14,500 eradications and almost finishing my second book on the subject I would say the odds are staked against it.</p> <p>Worst case scenario is that you infect other items in the dry cleaners and pass bed bugs on to other people. I have actually traced a few cases back to dry cleaning services in London although it is not in the top 10 sources list.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-clean-hp-touch-smart#post-69379 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:50:00 +0000 omshiva 69379@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have an Hp Touch Smart computer that was located approximately 15 to 20 feet from my bed but we were told that we won't have serious problem. there were some Hits between the two beds. Not actually bed bugs were found in the apt. The PCOs was clear that we cut it early. However to be safe I would like to have the computer cleaned on those that I suspect, based on what I heard, that this is not a place where they would go. Please can anyone comment on how to properly clean this HP touch smart computer and what type of cleaning would I need to have that done?<br /> Thanks </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/help-packtite-doesnt-go-over-105#post-69378 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:48:17 +0000 kelli 69378@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>djames, I am having the same trouble - new packtite - using it for first time today in a stack of paperwork, no box or bag surrounding it - it's in the kitchen with me, but won't heat up more than 96 degrees... What can I do? Ahhhhhhh!!!!!<br /> Thanks.<br /> kelli </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/to-dry-clean-or-not-to-dry-clean-that-is-the-question#post-69377 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:46:48 +0000 omshiva 69377@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Two days ago I posted the following question:</p> <p>When we put our things together to move this saturday, I want to pack a bag that has only toiletries, and an alarm clock. I need my laptop computer, my Blackberry, chargers, etc. and clothing for both of us. I can make sure that all the clothes are all dried carefully or dry cleaned. Please tell me what else I can do to make sure that I bring only us and not the bugs!!!</p> <p>-------<br /> This was one of the replies that I received:</p> <p>Hi,</p> <p>Just to add to the good advice above dry cleaning is not a reliable option and should not be used if you have confirmed bed bugs.</p> <p>------</p> <p>This is not reflect the information that I have received on the topic of dry cleaning or hot dryer for this type of problem. To be clear most people believe that dry cleaning or hot dryer effectively eliminate the problem for clothing. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-bugs-in-hotel-room-what-to-do-next#post-69376 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:01:40 +0000 KillerQueen 69376@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I think they did just about all they can or should do. You did the right thing bringing it to their attention. </p> <p>I'm sure they will move quickly to eradicate the problem but it’s all they can do. They are always at risk because of the turn over a hotel has. Make sure you take all the proper steps to ensure you don't spread them yourself or bring them home. Read the FAQ's here to see how to protect yourself during travel.. Good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69375 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:56:56 +0000 MyWorstFear 69375@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi Van Helsing,<br /> Good to see you kept your sense of humor in the midst of the bed bug saga. You definitely came to the right place. The people here have talked many of us off the ledge. Sounds like you are doing all the right things. I wish you the best of luck in escaping via vikane and please hang around and let us know how it goes. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know#post-69374 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:53:49 +0000 KillerQueen 69374@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>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. </p> <p>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></p> <p>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. </p> <p>Family thought she was crazy.... I found a bed bug in about 12 minutes.</p> <p>It doesn’t look good from what I see but still get a pro in to inspect. Good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/found-bugs-in-hotel-room-what-to-do-next#post-69373 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:38:23 +0000 gtiviti10 69373@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I woke up very early yesterday morning in my hotel room and found bedbugs around me on the bed (its a very nice hotel). I showed the hotel and they apologized, moved me to another room, and dry-cleaned my clothes. I understand the bites may not show up for a while, but I am staying in this hotel for the next week . What sort of compensation should I expect from the hotel for this inconvenience, stress, etc? I see tons of articles on lawsuits and such and its a very big chain, so I assume they may have a policy on what to do for their managers. Not sure what to expect - anyone been in this situation? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bed-bugs-are-back-after-2-yrs#post-69372 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:27:09 +0000 KillerQueen 69372@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Well said Nobugs and Winston. wchicago, I'm going back to dig into your post ... I don't know how you guys do all this typing lol =) It makes me crazy typing this much.</p> <p>Keep us posted BobbyF but tell the landlord to have a building wide inspection. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-do-you-know#post-69371 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:06:46 +0000 suspicious 69371@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Just found another one of those black spots on my son's pjs. I hadn't seen it before until I took a pic of him this morning and was processing it this afternoon. It was so clear in the photo on the back of his pjs. I am so tired of finding these black spots on our pjs, underwear, bed sheets and sometimes shirts. Is there another bug that makes these types of spots? I know it isn't the washing machine because I have found these spots on the chair my cat sleeps on as well. I am so frustrated. I have cleaned everywhere and searched everywhere but still keep getting these spots that are ruining our clothes. I feel like I am going crazy but I have never in my life had this problem until the last few years. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69370 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:13:11 +0000 wchicago 69370@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi van helsing</p> <p>i'm so sorry you have to be here!!<br /> condolences on your sucky ignorant landlord. (though i must admit i giggled out loud when i saw you named them "doof" and "pco-ohno")</p> <p>anyway, wonderful persephone called around and found a company that will heat treat a moving van (all hail persephone!)<br /> it is on the "Resources for Bedbuggers in Chicago" thread, but is not in the top overview post, its several posts down </p> <p><a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/a-list-of-resources-for-bedbuggers-in-chicago" rel="nofollow">http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/a-list-of-resources-for-bedbuggers-in-chicago</a></p> <p>good luck with it all! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69369 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:59:51 +0000 BBcoukHome 69369@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>I am aware of a system being developed that does exactly this.</p> <p>You place the items in special bags, seal them and then a reaction starts that removes the O2 from the sealed atmosphere and kills bed bugs.</p> <p>I have not seen the latest data but its not a matter of hours, its a several days process but has a great deal of potential for dealing with known infested items which cant be treated other days.</p> <p>I am also not sure when it will be on the market as it were.</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69368 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:37:21 +0000 Nobugsonme 69368@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks, Van Helsing! Glad you found us but sorry you're here... </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69367 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:32:24 +0000 cilecto 69367@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Van: here's a link to the forum of Chicago vs Bedbugs discussing your question.<br /> <a href="http://chicagovsbedbugs.org/forums/bbpress/topic.php?id=30" rel="nofollow">http://chicagovsbedbugs.org/forums/bbpress/topic.php?id=30</a></p> <p>I'd bet your LL is not ignorant at all. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69366 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:36:46 +0000 Van Helsing 69366@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh, and nobugs ... for probably the 1000th time from someone you have helped with your hard work -- thanks. It makes a world of difference. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69365 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:33:59 +0000 Van Helsing 69365@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks guys,<br /> I called 311, put the address on the registry, and am going to start the registered letters on Monday morning. </p> <p>After sitting down with my wife tonight, we have come to the conclusion that Vikane treatment would be best for us mentally and practically. However, we have no idea if it is available in Chicago, and if we can afford it.</p> <p>Cilecto - Spot on. In spite of this, the only person in my building who is taking the situation seriously is the one of the girls beneath me. The landlord shook his fist and said "Dammit! Do you realize that ___ has already begun wrapping up her stuff in plastic bags?!" Smart girl. I am going to feel bad when we move and the bloodsuckers crawl down into her domain.</p> <p>I lost my job in September, and honestly thought I was near a low point in life. Turns out, I wasn't even close. Thanks again for the support - I have been teetering on the edge , and the fact that others have gone through this and survived has kept me me from falling off so far.</p> <p>Anybody got thoughts on Vikane in Chicago?</p> <p>Thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69364 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:07:06 +0000 cilecto 69364@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>&gt; He tells me the girls directly underneath me are needlessly nervous about the possibility of the bugs coming into their place.</p> <p>They're the ones he's been telling "no one else is complaining". </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69363 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:17:14 +0000 cilecto 69363@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>And remember to report your LL to the city and bedbugregistry.com. Keep paper trail of your correspondence and expenses (including lost property). You may wish to consult with an attorney. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69362 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:21:13 +0000 Nobugsonme 69362@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I believe a form of this is used in museums to treat pests on sensitive items. (I suspect it's fairly expensive.) </p> <p>I am not an expert on this but I don't think you can easily deplete oxygen to a degree that will affect bed bugs. They seem to go a lot further than we do with a little. I suspect most mattresses contain a certain amount of oxygen and if you tried to get rid of it, it would not be as comfortable! </p>