Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums: Recent Posts

upallnight on "Found 3 bugs, no other known signs"

upallnight — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:14:30 +0000

Hello Everyone, Im hoping to get a little info while waiting for the professionals to schedule me in. I moved to a new apartment in March, last night my gf found a bedbug on top of the sheets on the bed. She freaked out, and we thoroughly inspected the bedroom. What we ended up finding was the one large adult she found, two (apparently) younger bugs on the box springs, and 3 casing or shells also on the box springs. As far as we can tell we do not have any noticeable bites, and all three casings were slightly spread out over the head of the box springs. Is there much of a chance that these are isolated bugs coming from another apartment, or do I most likely have an infestation? What worries me is that the apartment below me has been vacant for some time now, and about 3 weeks ago the apartment maintenance staff started renovating the apartment, and yesterday they started tearing up the old carpet to put down new. Im not sure how else we would have gotten them; we haven't traveled since before we moved, we don't have visitors over, and none of our friends have reported having issues with them (and we don't visit friends that often either). Also, I have three cats who all sleep on the same bed as we do, and I haven't noticed them itching, scratching, or avoiding the bed. Im still having PCOs come out ASAP, but Im hoping someone can let me know whether or not it sounds like we caught this before an infestation. As far as I can tell, none of the 3 bugs we found were females. Thanks!

loubugs on "Can they see?"

loubugs — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:52:54 +0000

Yes, they can see.

loubugs on "ID Needed: Bed Bug or Beetle?"

loubugs — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:49:35 +0000

definitely a beetle

bed-bugscouk on "Fecal Spotting? & other questions, some about BB Alert [fecal ID needed]"

bed-bugscouk — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:13:44 +0000

Hi, 100% not bedbug related its old mold signs which any self respecting PCO with eye sight better than Mr Magoo should have been able to confirm. Read the FAQ on confirming K9 alerts with visual signs to make sure they don't try to bark you up the wrong tree. Hope that helps. David Cain Bed Bugs Limited

Nobugsonme on "Fecal Spotting? & other questions, some about BB Alert [fecal ID needed]"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:55:18 +0000

Updated the title to attract an expert for a fecal ID.

Nobugsonme on "Moving in with bed bugs/help/advice!?"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:52:15 +0000

<blockquote><cite>hannahnicole5742 - 11 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/moving-in-with-bed-bugshelpadvice#post-172410"> » </a></cite> Update: After he told his landlord, of course she wasn't happy. But she has no insurance on the house and doesn't know what to do yet and will get back to him. He mentioned he might move.</blockquote> My understanding is that traditional homeowners' or renters' insurance doesn't cover bed bugs anyway. Good luck and I hope things are resolved for you soon, in a good way.

CarrieR19 on "Bed bugs in computer? Only getting one bite at a time"

CarrieR19 — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:42:34 +0000

Hi all, This information is VERY helpful. I understand the risks of taking one person's advice especially online and I've decided to try the following, especially if my PCO OKs it tomorrow. Rather than use strips (I bought Nuvan Prostrips, btw) on the entire closet-- I also purchased a bunch of large, clear ziplocs, the kind you use for storage. I got slightly smaller ones-- perfect for my computer plus one strip. But for books and such, I will load a bunch of those things into one larger bag with only one strip-- more than enough poison for a bag of that size (20 gallons, I believe.) Maybe shoes and non-dryable jackets in one bag and books and important papers in another. I can open the bag outdoors or by a window while I'm at work and avoid the potential dangers of sealing up a closet. Note that the closet is not HUGE (big enough for one person to stand it in with their arms at their sides, not like sex and the city walk-in huge) but it does scare me a little and I don't have too much stuff-- might as well play it safe! Tomorrow AM the PCO comes for round 2, treatment 1. I'm sleeping at my boyfriend's house tonight (one last glorious night of NOT being bait) but I'll update as soon as things happen again. Thanks for all the wonderful input and support-- any amount of cheering on is always helpful.

Nobugsonme on "Question about longevity of Bed Bugs & Eggs"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:25:28 +0000

Neither eggs nor bed bugs can live for 4.5 years in a sealed bag. This should help with more details on lifespan: <a href="http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides/pdffiles/bb-biology1.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides/pdffiles/bb-biology1.pdf</a>

Nobugsonme on "Lou Sorkin speaking at event about eating bugs... and there will be samples!"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:17:26 +0000

<blockquote><cite>NY Bug Man - 5 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lou-sorkin-speaking-at-event-about-eating-bugs-and-there-will-be-samples#post-172439"> » </a></cite> Hey if you were stranded on a deserted island and it was just you and bed bugs i guess they wouldnt be parasites anymore. It would become symbiosis. </blockquote> NY Bug Man, You just described the Worst. Reality. Show. Idea. Ever.

Nobugsonme on "Where do I draw the line and just let it go?"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:12:10 +0000

What endless_N said above about bed bugs is sound. I would also probably not worry there were rat mites in the absence of any evidence. Rats can get into buildings but there aren't always mites left behind. A skin reaction which doesn't itch could probably be a lot of things. As you describe the dry condition of the skin reaction now, it sounds like it might be something besides a bite. Maybe the dermatologist can have another look? Don't pay much attention to other bed bug websites. Many of them are completely free of actual experts. This one benefits enormously from the presence of a number of entomologists and bed bug experts, and the regular folk among us -- at least those who've been here for a bit -- recognize we're not the experts, try to learn from them, and attempt to spread to newcomers what we have learned. (The experts have over the years also learned a few things, either from each other or even from the non-experts, which is also nice.)

Nobugsonme on "Bed bugs in computer? Only getting one bite at a time"

Nobugsonme — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:59:34 +0000

Note on the link endless_nightmare provided, that Tracy was a chemical engineer, and so had a background and knowledge most of us don't. The guy in Toronto who claims to have done the same as Tracy was following her lead. However, due to the risks involved, I don't this this method would be easy or safe for everyone, or even most people. Moreover, following anyone's homespun bed bug plan online carries some risk, since you can never be sure what an anonymous stranger on the internet actually did or what really happened next, or what the longterm ramifications were. Most experts here won't give advice on Propoxur because they don't live in countries where it's labeled for use on bed bugs or even indoors, as it isn't in the US, for example. Only one PMP here (P Bello) regularly advises use of DDVP strips-- and he's been involved in their development and/or testing. He would be a good person to ask about that part. I would not recommend following the advice of just anyone about DDVP-- many people who are desperate do dangerous things and you're best off getting input from an expert.

mickoz on "Montreal Exterminator Recommendations"

mickoz — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:49:36 +0000

Hey endless_nightmare, Well I guess any CLSC is good since it is for the Montreal area, I wonder if they all would have a list of the goods and the bads. I never thought to call one. I have read and compiled so much information the latest week (I am a deep analyzer...), but now trying to compile a list of PCOs to call and ask my set of questions (at first I called 3-4, but after reading, I am not sure I am 100% satisfied with all their answer and might re-call to complete, most say they come 1 time, flat-fee per apt, some offer guarantee and some not, they seem to spray everything without much inspection, etc.). I have just read some of your post about moving, etc. Seem like you went through a lot even though you seemed to be educated about it. Maybe I have not read somewhere where you posted your success story, but I think you talked about publishing a success story soon... well the first thing I would ask is to tell us which PCO you tried and what you recall of it. It does not mean they are all wrong, but at least if there is a winner, it is a good sign that can help. I just want to avoid the one that did not work or that seemed really inefficient (could be an inefficient employee but still...) It has been some weeks in my building, it does not seem that big of infestation for now (at least in my apartment) and I do not want the problem to growth, nor do I want to waste money on inefficient treatment. This bug is really a sh*tt* problem. >:| Like some say "do they have some use?" Thanks for your feedback

endless_nightmare on "Bed bugs in computer? Only getting one bite at a time"

endless_nightmare — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:39:26 +0000

hello a girl in Toronto who posted on the site here a couple of years back did exactly what you describe with the closet. The thing is she was extremely careful, and it is a dangerous process <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cured-my-own-bedbug-infestation-with-ddvp-038-propoxur" rel="nofollow">http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/cured-my-own-bedbug-infestation-with-ddvp-038-propoxur</a> then this dude also in Toronto read her post, was inspired and did exactly sorta the same <a href="http://bedbugsinthecityoftoronto.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://bedbugsinthecityoftoronto.blogspot.ca/</a> they were both successful in their endeavors read how long it took to air out the girls place after however, I do not recommend doing this as it is a potential health hazard bagging things with ddvp is safe however go go Carrie, you'll beat it soon enough

endless_nightmare on "Montreal Exterminator Recommendations"

endless_nightmare — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:30:51 +0000

I'm not sure if she still does that but Debbie used to do only one application, I got this from the posts on this site from people who have used her. However I have not used her services and I do not know people that have so I can't comment positive or negative.

endless_nightmare on "Where do I draw the line and just let it go?"

endless_nightmare — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:25:21 +0000

Hi, It seems the bed bug fear has created what Paul Bello calls Head Bugs. Many, many people have this. I have dealt with a nasty bed bug infestation for almost two years, a real one, I have read all the conflicting information on other websites too, and I have freaked out about that too, I'm still traumatized as a matter of fact. This here website is the most accurate and informed one. Basically, if you see no bugs, no cast skins, no fecal, then you DO NOT have them. OK, I understand that from a person that gets skin eruptions that look like bites, it's hard for your brain to accept. You need to make it register. There are no bed bugs, the only single thing preventing you from having a great summer break (well deserved if I may say so) is you. You need now to choose to not have bed bugs or not have maybe bed bugs. It's over.

quest4pestfreeliving on "ID Needed Please"

quest4pestfreeliving — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:18:42 +0000

The first 3 pictures have a bug whose dimension are comparable to a bed bug. But the head side of the bug seems to have been crushed. If you could add extra light to the picture taking then may be I can be more sure as to if it is a bed bug. The scale like texture of bed bug is not clearly noticeable. Thanks

quest4pestfreeliving on "Can they see?"

quest4pestfreeliving — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:11:07 +0000

If you are trying to capture a bed bug then you would need to investigate the location of their nesting. You can read about bed bug preferences for nesting but in fewer words, look in and around the sturdiest spots of your bed - that is - the underside and corners of the box spring. If your bed frame has wooden parts to it, pay close attention. You would need excellent lighting and another person help would be very useful. Good luck finding these sneaky parasites. Keep in mind they do not want to be noticed. They are a parasite after all.

quest4pestfreeliving on "ID Needed: Bed Bug or Beetle?"

quest4pestfreeliving — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:05:17 +0000

It does not look like a bed bug. It looks like a specie of beetle or a potato bug. Even the silhouette of a bed bug would look very different from that of most beetles and the bug in picture does not look like a bed bug. Whether you want to consider an extermination exercise depends upon the number of these bugs in your place and your tolerance to their presence. Take care.

bsmith22 on "ID Needed: Bed Bug or Beetle?"

bsmith22 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:59:41 +0000

Find one of these under my bed dead - is it a Bed Bug or a beetle? If Beetle should I be worried? <a href="http://imgur.com/6qZgWpb"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/6qZgWpb.jpg"></a> <a href="http://imgur.com/WRqNo54"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/WRqNo54.jpg"></a> <a href="http://imgur.com/pGOIUa1"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/pGOIUa1.jpg"></a> Thanks for any help you can provide.

asineth4 on "Question about longevity of Bed Bugs & Eggs"

asineth4 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:52:48 +0000

I saw some similar posts, but none that answered my exact question, so I figured I would check! Our old apartment had bed bugs. We moved 4.5 years ago, after throwing out most things, and bagging up pretty much everything else. Well, we are moving again and I want to sort out and clean out these old bags. They have been sealed up in these bags since then, with diatomaceous earth, and we have not seen a single sign of the bugs since we moved (no bites, no marks on the furniture, no actual bugs). I guess I just need reassurance that the bed bugs, including any unhatched eggs, could NOT have survived 4.5 years in bags in our storage unit (which, admittedly, never really gets very warm). I know, back when we went through the nightmare at the old place, I read something online about how the eggs can live years before hatching, and so my question is how long is the longest a bed bug can live under those conditions? AND, how long can an unhatched egg "live" under those conditions? Thanks so much!!!

SteamingMad on "After the bed bugs - what's the next step? [fecal and bug ID needed]"

SteamingMad — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:57:08 +0000

David, thank you again. I'm ordering several and handing them out to my neighbors. I'm the only one to report an issue and I feel bad for impacting the one directly next door, but I figure peace of mind is a good way to help make up for the inconvenience.

NY Bug Man on "Lou Sorkin speaking at event about eating bugs... and there will be samples!"

NY Bug Man — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:53:02 +0000

Hey if you were stranded on a deserted island and it was just you and bed bugs i guess they wouldnt be parasites anymore. It would become symbiosis.

skritch on "Can they see?"

skritch — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:40:05 +0000

I don't mean like us, but enough in some way to be able to navigate into several layers of clothing, bite, and navigate back out again. Thanks.

bed-bugscouk on "Expert help needed! [a: not fecal; additional questions for David]"

bed-bugscouk — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:17:23 +0000

Hi, I will put this on my list for tomorrow ( sleep time here ). David

TheP on "Expert help needed! [a: not fecal; additional questions for David]"

TheP — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:08:31 +0000

Good to see you back on the forum, Mr. Cain. Hope all is well. In case my request for clarification was overlooked due to Nobugs addition of “No” in brackets next to this thread title, I am bumping up my thread. (Nobugs amended his comment, and I was advised to send you a PM. Upon learning that it is not your practice to respond to PMs, I am responding to my own thread in hopes of having you notice it.) I know you are very busy and may have simply chosen not to respond to my post of June 2nd for any number of reasons. I respect that and am grateful for all of your assistance in the past. However, if you would be so kind to respond to the questions I posted on that day, (directly above this post) I would very much appreciate it since any explanation other than bb’s has me completely bewildered as some of these stains are on an area of the fitted sheet that is under the mattress and unexposed when on the bed. In addition, I don’t believe the dryer is causing the stains (at least it is not responsible for all of them) because a few days after washing and drying the sheets with the pictured spots, I found a few more faint black marks (not circular) that I do not believe were there when I last checked. (I carefully checked the sheets of my other daughter who shares her room and she also has some faint black marks on her sheets: nothing as dark as pictures 3 and 4 but something that doesn’t belong there.) In addition, I’m finding nothing on my son’s sheets. Thank you very much.

bed-bugscouk on "After the bed bugs - what's the next step? [fecal and bug ID needed]"

bed-bugscouk — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:06:20 +0000

Hi, You only need replace Passives when they are showing signs of bedbugs or if they have been installed for more than 12 months. I am not one to see waste. David

bed-bugscouk on "Passive Monitor Question & Biting Advice"

bed-bugscouk — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:01:01 +0000

Hi, My personal OCD and absolute attention to detail stance on the Passive Monitor means that the only reply I can give is that I would rather test it in the field myself to know exactly what will happen before I could or would recommend it. I have seen too many small issue affect bedbugs when you see thousands of cases not to test, test and test again before making changes. I will however look into it as an idea but its likely to be months rather than weeks before I can collect enough data. David

NY Bug Man on "Can they see?"

NY Bug Man — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:58:56 +0000

Oh boy, i hope not. Imagine the stories they could tell. I dont think they see, per se. Atleast your definition of see.

MrsGoose on "Passive Monitor Question & Biting Advice"

MrsGoose — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:29:13 +0000

Thanks for your replies and linking to other discussions! If the thin velcro I used still lets the monitor be flush with the encasement and there's no gap between the encasement and the monitor, is that still okay?

alwaysworrying on "Passive Alert Monitor question"

alwaysworrying — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:27:46 +0000

Thank you, David!

SteamingMad on "After the bed bugs - what's the next step? [fecal and bug ID needed]"

SteamingMad — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:23:53 +0000

You all are awesome. Thank you, David! I really thought this weekend's bites might have come from the sofa. My landlord spoke with the PCO who inspected my place. Based on the live bugs from 7 weeks ago, the new shed skin I found on the wall, the tag, and that I've once again get bites, my landlord has decided to heat treat both my apartment and the adjacent apartment. I may have cried a little in their office at the news. I haven't received the prep list yet, but I'm going to go ahead and toss candles, remove laptop batteries that aren't rated for over 120 degrees, and bag/remove batteries from my camera collection. I paint, so I know the thinner will need to be taken out. I'm less worried about the paintings (assuming they aren't on the removal list), as I leave them all the time in the car in the summer. Researching what to do about the Macbook Air, Kindle, iPad, and watch batteries (again, will follow prep list). The only things that are really precious to me are the cat (I see a lot of people say bathe before leaving?), the 18mm films my grandpa shot of my dad (thinking I'll bag those and leave them alone for two years), and the camera my dad bought me when I was 15. Nothing else will break my heart if it's damaged. Ordering BBAlerts as gifts for my neighbors once this is over (should I replace the two I just installed, or should they be okay?). Thank you all again.

skritch on "Can they see?"

skritch — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:18:17 +0000

Well, since my landlord won't do anything till I show him a bedbug, what do I do. I can't tell if i have new bites or I'm just scratching old bites so hard they bleed again, and I'm so covered up at home I'm surprised when there does seem to be a new bite, like today. The bug would have had to crawl under a teeshirt and hoodie to my upper arm, bite, and get back out, but there's a bite there nonetheless. Can they see? I'm waiting for my landlord to come round for July's rent to see if he'll let me deduct monitors from the rent. I saw them the first two times, but haven't yet. Just the bites. Would love for it to be some other kind of bug - then I feel like I have a fighting chance.

us494 on "ID Needed (better images)"

us494 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:13:16 +0000

Thanks, Lou. I do have carpet beetles, but this specimen look larger than the ones I'm used to seeing around the apartment. Is it worth taking this to someone who can look at it under a microscope or is that unnecessary at this point? Sorry, I'm extremely anxious after finding this. Appreciate your help!

loubugs on "ID Needed (better images)"

loubugs — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:09:30 +0000

Look like beetles or parts thereof. Most likely carpet beetles.

us494 on "Bedbugs in bathroom after treatment"

us494 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:01:34 +0000

I'll first note that from reading the posts on this forum, I've learned that every case is unique. So, for what's it's worth, the first time I noticed a bedbug problem was in my bathroom. Turns out they were coming up through the radiator pipe and through the shared air vent. They had traveled up the line (in a high rise) and many of the units on that line were affected. Initially, the PCO did not think this was likely. I really had to insist that this was where they were coming from. So, after the second treatment and I still found bugs, the K9 alerted to the bathroom wall with the radiator pipe running through it. It was only after we closed off that area that it was solved. I guess it is possible they have either traveled to your neighbors and are going back and forth or perhaps the bedbugs originated with your neighbors to begin with. I would suggest documenting everything you find and following up with your PCO.