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AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:58:58 +0000

<blockquote><cite>Nobugsonme - 2 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-with-id-5#post-170694"> » </a></cite> So in the tags, I mistyped "odd beatles". I guess that would be Pete Best or Stuart Sutcliffe. (Let's see how long it takes Winston to find this post.) All's well that ends well, AfraidHere!</blockquote> Lol! Thanks again, Nobugsonme!

Nobugsonme on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

Nobugsonme — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:55:53 +0000

So in the tags, I mistyped "odd beatles". I guess that would be Pete Best or Stuart Sutcliffe. (Let's see how long it takes Winston to find this post.) All's well that ends well, AfraidHere!

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:53:53 +0000

<blockquote><cite>KillerQueen - 10 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-with-id-5#post-170689"> » </a></cite> PS. You can compare here <a href="http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+2222+0827" rel="nofollow">http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+2222+0827</a></blockquote> Thanks again!! It does have that neck thing going on. I am embarrassed to say I started to cry when the other PCO confirmed it was a bed bug. I feel so relieved now.

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:49:27 +0000

Wow, thank you! I am almost sick with relief. I am not sure what caused my bites, maybe not bed bugs. Just freaked me out that so many bites occurred over night. Sorry I misunderstood first time around and thought you meant odd (looking) beetles. I've now googled the species and can see a resemblance. Although it is scarily very similar to the bed bug pics - at least to untrained me. I think the PCO had no nefarious intentions, as they referred me somewhere else anyway. Thanks again, KillerQueen! I'll continue to monitor my situation, but feel so relieved!

Nobugsonme on "Just need to talk to somebody about BB [Q about bb on ceiling]"

Nobugsonme — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:45:26 +0000

<blockquote>Now here is a question: Do I need to wash all things from plastic bags one more time or will it be enough just to dry them on high temperature?</blockquote> Hi LadyO, Welcome back! No signs is good signs, you might say. ;-) As for the bags: If you originally washed on hot and dried on hot OR just dried the items in hot and THEN sealed them in airtight bags, you don't need to treat them again. If you never treated them and want to, or if you feel they have been compromised (weren't sealed in bags, etc.) and want to, then drying on hot is enough. Most seem to recommend 1/2 hour for already clean, dry items drying on hot. Don't pack the machine too tightly.

89lilangel on "Keep finding single bed bugs but can't find any more? help!"

89lilangel — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:44:28 +0000

maybe its in another room or living room

KillerQueen on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

KillerQueen — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:41:18 +0000

PS. You can compare here <a href="http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+2222+0827" rel="nofollow">http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+2222+0827</a>

Nobugsonme on "not sure [typography issues fixed, expert input welcomed]"

Nobugsonme — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:40:03 +0000

I added a link above the top post down to the one where you started with the iPad, because I think it will help attract more readers. (And thank you for going to the trouble of getting something else to type on-- it is SO much easier to read!) For anyone who did not read the entire thread, you may want to read my posts above <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/not-sure-2#post-170624">here</a>, <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/not-sure-2#post-170627">here</a>, and <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/not-sure-2#post-170630">here</a>, so if you like you can be aware of and agree/disagree with what's already been suggested. Anyway, I am not an expert, but if you found 8 bed bugs on April 5 and 10 the next day, the problem was not brought in on April 5th. It probably existed for some time. Possibly even months (because we don't know how many bed bugs you didn't see), since it sounds like you've seen and/or killed 150 bed bugs in the last seven weeks or so. Bed bug bites are allergic reactions, and as I noted in my posts above, bed bugs may be biting people who don't react or aren't currently reacting. People who reacted before (like your son and boyfriend) may not react when sustaining smaller numbers of bites. You may not be reacting. It doesn't mean you were never bitten. So the presence or absence of suspected bed bug bites isn't a good indicator of whether they're gone. Neither are sightings, since bed bugs hide easily and prefer to come out in the small hours when we are sleeping. (This doesn't mean they won't be spotted in daylight, but it means that's a rarity.) Experts here may comment on whether bed bugs were likely also living in other places besides beds if 150 had been sighted. As I noted above, bed bug monitors may help you determine if bed bugs are still present. I think I directed you to some FAQs about these above and I strongly suggest you read those. Note that DE can only kill bed bugs that walk over it (<a href="http://bedbugger.com/faqde">see our DE FAQ</a>). Steam can be very effective. (<a href="http://bedbugger.com/faqs/pestcontrol/faq-killing-bed-bugs-with-steam/">See our steam FAQ.</a>) Alcohol is a contact killer (like steam, though steam has a little more "reach"). Be careful with alcohol due to its flammability. You may want to continue steaming or at least closely inspecting. Continue thinking about possible modes of exposure. You've outlined a Craigslist and former Aaron rental item (yes?) that did not show signs. You mentioned people visiting and sleeping in your boys' room. Maybe they were there since before you moved in. All possibilities, though I don't think you mentioned anyone you were aware of who had bed bugs, but that would be a likely conduit. Consider also places you or your boys or anyone in the household go to visit, including school, daycare, friend's, relatives, etc. Keep in mind people may have a problem they have not mentioned to you. Some may even have a problem they don't notice until it's more advanced. I stress it's not about finding a source to blame but just about lessening future chance of exposure. If you or your boyfriend have certain jobs, you may be at greater risk (social workers or others who work in people's homes, teachers in schools with bed bugs, business travelers, etc.) Bed bugs don't "hibernate" though there are some treatment methods which may move them further from the usual harborages close to the bed. Anyway, trying to figure out possible sources AND using bed bug monitors to gauge continued problems would be my suggestions. You haven't seen bed bugs and haven't noticed bites in ten days and it may be worth continuing the steaming a bit longer just to be on the safe side, and until you've had a period of monitoring and the monitors are not showing any signs. The experts and others here may have better suggestions.

KillerQueen on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

KillerQueen — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:34:31 +0000

100% without a doubt its a female Odd Beetle. Have seen them many times and have worked for clients who were also told these were Bed Bugs only to see the "so called samples" both in person and through pictures. Trust me ... It's an Odd beetle. Either the PCO made a mistake (very possible) or was lying to you for a Bed Bug treatment payday.

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:24:55 +0000

Hi Nobugsonme, Thanks so much for replying. It was the photo. I will try to find someone else to look at the actual sample tomorrow if you think this might not be a bed bug. I would be so happy if that were the case.

Nobugsonme on "fabriClear"

Nobugsonme — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:12:50 +0000

And note also that some contact killers don't kill instantly, but take a little time. So this could be the case here.

Nobugsonme on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

Nobugsonme — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:10:00 +0000

<blockquote><cite>AfraidHere - 26 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/please-help-with-id-5#post-170683"> » </a></cite> A professional (not on this forum) identified pic 3 as a bed bug. </blockquote> Curious: were they identifying through the photo or the actual sample? KillerQueen is a pro with lots of experience.

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:42:45 +0000

Hi KillerQueen, Thanks so much for replying. A professional (not on this forum) identified pic 3 as a bed bug. I'm totally devastated, although I realize life could be worse. I am taking a shower and praying I won't get attacked tonight.

KillerQueen on "Fecal Trail ID please (and a story)"

KillerQueen — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:24:37 +0000

I didn't read the story but can tell you the evidence is not at all Bed Bug related.

KillerQueen on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

KillerQueen — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:21:49 +0000

Odd Beetle

KillerQueen on "Keep finding single bed bugs but can't find any more? help!"

KillerQueen — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:21:14 +0000

If you found more then 1 then you can't say "keep finding single bed bugs". Unfortunately, it sounds as if you still have a problem and I would suggest you start looking into new PCO's to help resolve your issue. If you live in a building - be sure surrounding apartments get inspected. If you live in a stand alone home - be sure this is not reintroduction. Good Luck!

LBuggy on "Bed Bug ID Please [a: sow bug/pill bug/wood louse]"

LBuggy — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:27:23 +0000

Thank you!

bugsonme on "BIG BIG THANKS! And little assistance placing monitors please."

bugsonme — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:16:03 +0000

Hi. I know I'm being a royal pain in the butt here - but I need some help with specific placement of my two gifted monitors. Having searched for a month and a half and finding nothing, having a dog inspection come up with nothing... I just want to make the best of my monitors now. I can't put on the bottom of my couch because the base is flush to the ground. I was thinking of putting a monitor on the underside of my couch cushion - between the bottom of the cushion and couch frame. Do you think it's better on the back of the couch? I generally sleep on the couch... My bed. My skirt has been cleaned and steam ironed... do I need to remove it for best results? I'm trying to keep things as normal as possible - which is why I put it back on. But, no idea where to place the monitor. The mattress is encased - the box spring, not so much. Cheap cover that has many small holes from my metal box spring. Thinking of putting one monitor on head of the box spring, between the box spring and mattress... but not sure. Is it better closer to the ground or should I place it between the mattress and head board? Should it face the headboard or should it sit on the back of the headboard? Please look at the pictures above and offer guidance. Eventually, I swear.. I will go away

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:10:13 +0000

Hi P Bello, Thanks so much for the swift reply. I just put the same bug on tape, it looks totally different flat. I'm hoping you still feel it's not a bed bug. <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/34gts7t.jpg">

P Bello on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

P Bello — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:06:58 +0000

This does not appear to be a bed bug but willneed a better photo to tell what it actually is. pjb

bbdb123 on "Bug ID-not sure if BB or something else, bites or rashes?"

bbdb123 — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:38 +0000

Hello, So recently I found a very small, brown dead bug in my bed and thought nothing of it and just threw it away. Maybe a week later I found another one of the exact same bugs crawling slowly on my bed but unfortunately I just squished it and threw it out. Then I started thinking about what they might have been and I went into panic mode and thought of bedbugs. From pix I saw on the Internet the but didnt look like a bed bug; this bug was very small, oval shaped and you couldn't see it's legs unless you flipped it over. It didnt have antennae and it was a dark brown colour. Idk what it could have been. Today I cleaned up underneath my bed and found the same bug dead on my carpet. I have pictures but idk how to upload them on this damn thing. So along with this small insect thing, I found a yellowish bud shaped thing. I can't tell it it's just dirt off my shoes or something from outside but it is see through in the light. I was thinking that maybe it was a BB skin but it didnt look like the bug at all. I also found one more very small bug also- it was around the same size as the brown bug except it was striped with like a whitish coloir and brown and it had small wings. If you flipped it the "stomach" area was grey. I wish I had pix but these are the best descriptions I could come up with. I've Been super paranoid and I can't sleep because of this. Another thing adding to my stress is the fact that I have eczema, which makes it very difficult to distinguish between bites. I'm getting some rashes and welts that sometimes look similar to pix I see online related to bbs, but idk if it is just my sensitive skin acting up. Sometimes they itch but other times not. They nostly appear on my feet amd stomach amf lower back and a bit on my arms. This has further added to my fear and anxiety of BBs and I can't sleep or think properly an I am always scared to go in my room/to sleep. My dad wont take BBs into consideration amd wont help inspect my room/bed. just want to know what those bugs could have been and what are typical/usual in bug bites/rashes. What next steps should I take?? I cannot deal with this paranoia and anxiety and I fear calling in a professional because of the cost/embarrassment. Please help:( much appreciated

AfraidHere on "Please help with ID [a: female odd beetle; PCO misdiagnosed it!]"

AfraidHere — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:49:25 +0000

Hi Guys, I'm hoping someone can help ID this bug. Had 8-9 bites 4 nights ago, nothing before that, couldn't be sure what it was. Cleaned quite a bit yesterday, found this today after work near the baseboard. Really scared, hoping it's not a bed bug. Is the picture clear enough? Thanks so much. Image 1: <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/52ghtu.jpg"> Image 2 with penny: <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/ap7ghk.jpg">

cilecto on "fabriClear"

cilecto — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:39:39 +0000

As Paul said, there are lots of products that kill bed bugs if you spray them directly (alcohol or detergent, for example). Eggs are harder to kill and few products, if any, are 100% effective. I would not be surprised if the product mentioned by the OP "kills bed bugs on contact", as promised. I'm not in a position to evaluate, but am curious as to its effectiveness against bed bug eggs and under what circumstances.

lkj on "PCO says bugs are gone, still getting bitten"

lkj — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:29:50 +0000

They did find eggs previously in the apartment (the first time they treated it), so I know it was bedbugs that time around. Thanks for the advice--I'll take the bed apart this weekend and check the frame carefully.

buggedout32 on "not sure [typography issues fixed, expert input welcomed]"

buggedout32 — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:11:44 +0000

Hi, I got a hold of an iPad.. Lets try this again to make sure all info is correct. Ok, on the 5th of April I first saw the bugs in my sons wooden loft bed. I have intense OCD, and have spent literally hours apon hours in bed bug research. I do know this in no way makes me an expert, and when I said my pco commented that I knew more, it's because I was spouting facts to him during a conversation. The night of April 5th is when I first started treading with a steamer, and spraying alcohol. His bed was a loft bed all wood and many nooks and places to hide! We could see the fecal stains in all those crevasses we couldn't reach, but we tried. We steamed and used alcohol twice that night and about 3 more times that week. We checked every night when putting him to bed, thinking we were in the clear and we would see another. I then bought hot shot spray and an encasments. This gave him a week or two no bites. One night I was up late and I went to check on him, it was awful, there were like 6 or 8 bugs I went into kill mode. I didn't sleep that night as I would check on him, in the nooks I saw maybe 1st or 2nd I star.. It was the next day we burned his bed! We had durning all the been checking the other rooms nightly , seeing nothing. Till I saw them in my king sized bed, my bed room is on other side of house. That night I bought encasments, we cleaned the bed ,sprayed alcohol in the box spring, cleaned the frame and encased bed. We also pulled carpet back and put safer brand DE where the carper meets the wall. We also vacuumed the carpet under the bed and around it. We dusted baseboards in the halls , kitchen, living room, and under rugs. We dusted under the cushions on the couch and under the entertainment center, behind fridge and stove etc. I used a paint brush for all this. We bought a metal futon for a temp bed. It is isolated and encased. Also we re steamed his room and dusted in his dressers before letting him back in. We caulked baseboards and drilled a hole between each wall stud and puffed DE into the wall voids and sealed the holes. In my other sons room, has a wooden bed, we sealed all spaces, joints, and screw holes. We lightly dusted (u cant see it) and encased it. We also have dust between my mattress and box spring. All these things have been a nightly process, getting things done little by little. We also wash bedding nightly, and heat clothes before leaving house. Before bed we check all tubs and walk around each the room with a flash light. We haven't seen any behind outlets or picture frames. We put kids to bed, and stay up till about midnight or so then go hunt their bed while they sleep. Then we check our bed again, shower and then sleep! Like I said its been about a week and half since we have seen any. I thought if they were starving they would come after us just anytime. Our family room is just that, kids don't even got into their rooms until bed time (mainly cause the Xbox is in the living room) lol That's an up to date account, and I hope it's easier to understand and read, maybe you guys can better help me to understand, give advice, or tell me if you think what I am doing could possibly work. Like I said, I worry they are in walls where I can't see. I hope DE i puffed into wall voids will kill them . I used to see the activity, and can't anymore. I have read so many horror stories that make me believe that I can't win this fight. Part of me wonders if they can sense the DE even though its light and they are hibernating. Sorry for so many post, I just figured I have a better way to type and be better understood in my quest for info/ peace of mind!

P Bello on "fabriClear"

P Bello — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:20:45 +0000

Dear shopper, Perhaps you purchased via our CC and you can call and dispute the charges. In any case, these "miracle bed bug cures" either do not work or over promise and under-deliver on the results attained. Sorry you had to learn this the hard way. pjb

LadyO on "Just need to talk to somebody about BB [Q about bb on ceiling]"

LadyO — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:18:11 +0000

Hey, Guys. Well, after 10 days in Finland we came back home. Bed bugs really make you paranoid. My husband pointed to me that I was constantly checking chairs in the plain, chairs in an airport and I checked our hotel room 3 or 4 times. I don't even remember doing it (except checking room in the hotel). But it is okay, because all my life I am checking for spiders (have phobia). I even had 3 nightmares with bed bugs . Craaaaazy. :) but finally we are home. Today came the boss of PCO agency (ha-ha). He did 4th treatment. He told me, that he didn't find any bugs or traces of them. This is good. He told me that I can put all things back on their places. Now here is a question: Do I need to wash all things from plastic bags one more time or will it be enough just to dry them on high temperature? Last time I saw life bed bug on May 5. After that I did caulking around perimeter in all my rooms and didn't see any activities so far. Bug, You shall not pass! (c. Gandalf).

deerpark on "Keep finding single bed bugs but can't find any more? help!"

deerpark — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:08:57 +0000

So about 8 months or so ago we had an infestation, bed bugs were harboring in the headboard. We called the exterminator, thew out the matress/headboard, and all seemed well. About a week ago, I found a single bed bug crawling on a pillow in the middle of the night. I caught it, and called the exterminator. We didn't show him the bug, but it was indeed one as I did triple check it and compare to photos/what we had before. After washing everything/drying at a high temp, he came and said there were no signs of bed bugs, sprayed, and left. Last night I found one bed bug on my pillow again, filled with blood. In the day I lifted up my mattress and managed to catch 2 more adult ones. We are currently in the process of washing EVERYTHING again, and can't seem to find any more. We checked inside the boxspring, behind wall hangings, the mattress, chairs, couches, dressers, desks, the second bedroom; nothing. Are we missing something? I found 3 so s far and have had previous infestations so I don't think this could be a strangler. I am literally out of ideas.

bed-bugscouk on "fabriClear"

bed-bugscouk — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:26:40 +0000

Hi, Most online miricle bedbug cure are little more than contact killers and the FAQ's can tell you things that work better and are cheaper. Sadly te bedbug issue has become like a modern day Klondike gold rush for some companies and I can only suggest that you follow up the lack of resolution of complaints with the FTC and BBB who both have many open cases concerning bedbug product claims. Thankfully sites like this do exist to help consumers get better advice. David Cain Bed Bugs Limited

P Bello on "PCO says bugs are gone, still getting bitten"

P Bello — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:41:45 +0000

Dear lkj, If there's bites that are actually caused by bed bugs then there must be physical evidence of bed bugs present. You need to inspect carefully and perhaps use a magnification device plus a decent LED type flshlight to enhance your detection abilities. Headboards as you described can be difficult to inspect however, I suspect that area as well as your bed frame. And, did they ever find live bed bugs, shed skins, eggs or fecal deposits in your apartment previously? Hope this helps ! paul b.

shopper on "fabriClear"

shopper — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:39:02 +0000

I purchased this product for one of my rental properties and it does not kill the eggs, and you have to spray each bug directly several times before it even dies, does nor support their advertising. They also do not stand by their money back guarantee.

P Bello on "Bed Bug ID Please [a: sow bug/pill bug/wood louse]"

P Bello — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:35:13 +0000

It apears to be an isopoda, commonly referred to as a sow bug, pill bug and/or wood louse. No bed bug worries with this critter. pjb

Nobugsonme on "PCO says bugs are gone, still getting bitten"

Nobugsonme — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:35:04 +0000

Suspected bite reactions aren't evidence because you can't be sure bed bugs caused them. Did anyone visual confirm bed bugs in the first place? Regardless, at this point you need to find visual evidence-- bed bugs, cast skins eggs or fecal stains. <a href="http://bedbugger.com/faqs/identifying-the-problem-do-i-have-bed-bugs-or-something-else/">These FAQs include information on bed bug monitors and other ways to verify whether you have bed bugs</a>. There's also a FAQ to help you rule out fleas. As for monitors, Bed bug beacon is an active monitor which might find a sample especially if you are sleeping somewhere else. BBalert Passive is an option which will work when people are present. If you find visual evidence of bed bugs, be sure and preserve it. Take a photo for ID here, and don't let the PCO run off with the sample before an expert here has a look!

P Bello on "Brooklyn Exterminator Interview"

P Bello — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:52:39 +0000

Well, there is some misinformation therein. And, wow; "yikes" is an understatement. pjb

Nobugsonme on "Brooklyn Exterminator Interview"

Nobugsonme — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:45:24 +0000

Interestingly, I don't think I've never heard of NYC Pest Control. Which doesn't mean much, I mean there are hundreds of PCOs in the five boroughs. <blockquote> These bugs build up a chemical resistance if they’re not sprayed right, and the next generation will be able to survive a spraying. That’s why we’re constantly changing our chemicals. </blockquote> Really? The next generation is instantly resistant? Hmm... And yet he says DDT will still work.