http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:01:47 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69413 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:58:37 +0000 Van Helsing 69413@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh - sorry, one more question ...</p> <p>Does anyone know where to buy dry ice in the Chicago area? I am looking to make a cheap DIY monitor to catch another sample bug, since my last one was stolen by the dynamic duo. Thanks. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69412 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0000 bed-bugscouk 69412@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi wchicago, </p> <p>Yes this is something that I have mentioned in a podcast last year but like all technologies it takes time to perfect and may not actually get to the fully home use version because of the bag sealing that is needed to make it work.</p> <p>Although it could possibly be used for something the size of a sofa or mattress I think the best application will be for smaller electronic items where PackTite may not be an option. The smaller the volume the faster the O2 would be depleted from the sealed area.</p> <p>I was particularly impressed with this system because it was activated by a metallic plate that you put in the bag rather than a oxygen savaging liquid based reaction which although technically possible is not the kind of science you want to be playing with in your kitchen. Although it is true that once dead you are less likely to be bothered by the bed bugs its still a rather extreme solution. In short please don't mess around with this kind of technology at home.</p> <p>I will drop an email to the person I know who is on the development team to try and get a status update.</p> <p>David </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69411 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:45:48 +0000 Van Helsing 69411@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks everybody - wish I didn't have to meet good people under such crap conditions. Your advice and support has been awesome.</p> <p>I am waiting to hear back on thermal treatments from the provider that was mentioned, but have had no luck with the search for Vikane (A customer service rep at one company, upon hearing the words "gas" and "moving truck," said "Um, you know you contacted a pest control company, right?" Hilarious. Pretty sure she thought I was looking to fuel up a Uhaul.)</p> <p>Quick question about thermal - Are there items that will be exempt/ruined by this treatment? I am thinking of photos, electronics, etc. Also, how high of a success rate does thermal normally have? </p> <p>Really hoping a truck treatment works out, so I can leave these creeps (including the big drunken one) behind. </p> <p>Thanks again for everything,<br /> Van Helsing </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69410 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:18:32 +0000 wchicago 69410@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>waiting days and weeks is still a whole lot better than 18 months. david, i wish you luck and godspeed in whatever your involvement may be in the continued development of this approach (i think i once heard you mentioning this emerging technological development in a podcast?). i would have loved something like this when i had the sofa issue, and days to weeks would have been a fine time to wait (as it was, i waited weeks for a less well-tested ddvp approach, which luckily seemed to work).<br /> for individuals who lack access to vikane or heat for large furniture items, this could be a wonderful addition to the existing arsenal. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/dri-die-where-to-buy#post-69409 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:58:14 +0000 allmusic 69409@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi--</p> <p>I am new to the group. And to the world of bed bugs--ugh! Investigating possible future treatments (e.g., diatomaceous earth) for after the 30-day guarantee period that my exterminator offers, and I read about Dri-Die elsewhere on this site. Does anyone know if &#38; where this can be purchased? It seems to be somewhat different from diatomaceous earth, right? Anyway, so far, no one (i.e., the chemical supply companies I've called) seems to have heard of it. Can anyone help? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets#post-69408 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:09:00 +0000 persephone86 69408@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi jknyc! Sorry you have reason to be here! These bastards are no fun! I live in Chicago, but actually did use Petsmart to board my kitties for 48 hours at treatment time. You PCO might tell you differently, but my PCO simply wanted them out while he sprayed and said they could come back about two hours after he was done, but I felt better having them gone a little longer. Dropped them off the night before and picked them up the day after. Fairly cheap for the two of them and even better, you can schedule to have them bathed and brushed so they are nice and clean when you bring them home. Ran about $120 or so total for the both of them together including a bath &#38; brush, so not too bad considering. </p> <p>And yes! Watch those claws on the mattress cover! I put a fitted mattress pad over the top of mine on my living room futon underneath the futon cover to help protect it. Probably not 100% kitty proof, but so far so good! ::knocks on wood::</p> <p>Good luck on Thursday! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets#post-69407 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:43:50 +0000 jknyc 69407@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you so much for your response. I've actually gone ahead and called the exterminator my building uses to set up an appointment for this Thursday. </p> <p>They also told me to make sure and leave my bedding on, which I have already taken off and washed, so hopefully that doesn't cause a problem.</p> <p>I'm glad you mentioned to watch the cat's claws, because I have already noticed 1-2 small tears in the sides since putting it on my mattress a couple months ago. I'll also look into the PetSmart boarding in case it ends up being something I need to consider.</p> <p>Hoping this doesn't end up being an issue, but guess I'll have to wait and see what happens on Thursday. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets#post-69406 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:42:14 +0000 delorac 69406@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, jknyc,</p> <p>I'm pretty sure you would have to remove your cats from the apartment before any chemical treatment can be applied. Your PCO would be the one to advise you on that, and tell you for how long. I know it's hard to think about boarding your babies, but that may be the only way to assure effective treatment AND your pets' safety. </p> <p>If you do decide to board your cats for a day or two, you might want to check into PetSmart. Some PetSmart stores have on-site "pet hotels." I just checked New York, and they have three boarding locations that seem to be in/near the city. I don't know how to post links, but you can go to petshotel.petsmart.com and take a look . They do both long- and short-term boarding. I know people who have used the one here in Chicago and they were quite satisfied with the staff, the cat cages and the cost. None of the cats seemed unduly traumatized by their stays. You would need a reservation and proof that immunizations are up-to-date.</p> <p>Just wanted to suggest an option for you in case you do decide to go with professional treatment.</p> <p>delorac, who is in no way affiliated with PetSmart </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/jb-pest-control-in-nyc#post-69405 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:41:06 +0000 jknyc 69405@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I posted earlier today about my situation <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets">http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets</a> and finally decided to just call my building management and set up an appointment for an exterminator. They of course gave me the direct number for the company they use, JB Pest Control, I just checked and it's located in Staten Island...has anyone heard of this company or had experience with them?</p> <p>Also, not directly related to the company, but how long should I expect the first visit to last while they check over my apartment? I just recently started a new job and hate having to take time off for this. My appointment is scheduled for him to get there between 8-10am, so I'm just wondering how late it will last until? </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/giant-bedbug-spotted-in-times-square#post-69404 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:03:17 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 69404@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>You know there once was this ......<br /> But seriously I think it's good propaganda in the war against cimex. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69403 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:57:54 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 69403@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>While work is being done on this as Davis said it is days to weeks in terms of TTD. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets#post-69402 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:47:27 +0000 buggyinsocal 69402@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I know that it's hard to do, but sleeping on the couch isn't a great option. (I have insomnia, so sleeping in a bed I knew to be infested with bed bugs didn't seem like a great option either, but I have an obligation to say so.) Sleeping on the couch is only going to run a much greater risk of the bug migrating and spreading to become a larger infestation. Depending on the size of the apartment, that may not be an issue, but I felt like I should warn you anyway.</p> <p>It is pretty rare to see only two bed bugs in any infestation. I think the plan to get a PCO out to inspect is a good one.</p> <p>As for pet safe products, a good pest management pro who uses chemical pesticides will tell you and your cat to be out of the apartment while the apartment is being sprayed, and will tell you to keep the cat out until 4 hours after treatment. The chemicals used are safe for most pets once they have dried, and if properly applied, the chemicals should be dry 4 hours after treatment. (I would, of course, go in myself after four hours to confirm that the treatment has completely dried before bringing the cat back in.)</p> <p>The other possible complication is that a cat's claws are great for penetrating things like bed encasements, so if encasements become a part of your PMP's plan for treatment, managing the cat's ability to puncture encasements is part of the issue. (And I'm not suggesting declawing a cat, a practice I find to be inexcusably cruel. I'm just mentioning a commonly discussed topic in terms of cats and bedbugs.)</p> <p>Let us know how things go. I'll cross my fingers that you had two stragglers, but if I think you're right to be very concerned that there are more there. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/depleting-oxygen-work-on-killing-bb#post-69401 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:37:11 +0000 buggyinsocal 69401@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I caught several live bugs as proof of my infestation. I put them in a ziplock and watched them crawl around in there for days without dying.</p> <p>My understanding of why killing them via oxygen deprivation is so difficult is this:</p> <p>First, if you remove bed bugs from a food source, they will drop their buggy metabolisms. I'm not sure if that also reduces their need for oxygen as well as food, but I'll bet it does.</p> <p>Secondly, they're a lot smaller than we are. Therefore, they need a lot less oxygen. Getting a truly airtight seal on most things you're keeping them in and removing all or most air from that container is pretty hard.</p> <p>(My guess is that the anoxic treatments used by museums either use a way of extracting some air AND some sort of chemical that binds to the oxygen in the air to "remove" it or a chemical reaction to turn the oxygen into something else. I'm guessing that because I once worked in a museum, and the fire suppression system in my department was a halon-based fire extinguisher. We were very clearly warned that in the event that the system went off, our priority was to get the heck out of the area very quickly because halon removes all oxygen from the air. I'm not a chemist, so I don't know how it works in detail, but although this wasn't even an art museum, my guess is that there isn't that much variation between how those things work.)</p> <p>Third, I don't think that they need that much oxygen to start out with.</p> <p>Add all those factors together, and you begin to see why cutting them off from enough oxygen that they die from it is, in fact, much more complicated than it seems at first. As far as I can tell, cutting them off from oxygen is hampered by the inability we have to completely remove all air from any container they're in and the fact that they can change their metabolisms to require even less. That metabolism drop is the reason that when people talk about putting items sealed up in storage to starve the bugs out, they generally talk about an 18 month time line. It's a shame cutting the bugs off from air doesn't work because it would be a great, cheap, easily accessible treatment tool. Unfortunately, though, it doesn't work. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-landlord-and-his-guy-or-the-gold-standard-of-bed-bug-ignorance-in-chicago#post-69400 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:02:05 +0000 persephone86 69400@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Van Helsing (love the name btw.), </p> <p>I too am so sorry you have to be here! But you have come to the right place! Sounds like your LL and his "guy" are quite the pair of nincompoops. But I am glad you are keeping your sense of humor. The nicknames you gave them are perfect! And while I couldn't find Vikane in Chicago, wchicago (who's wonderful too btw) pointed you towards the info for the heat treatment guy. He was super nice and very knowledgeable on the phone. He should be able to help you treat all your things before you move. I wish you and your wife the best of luck in moving and getting rid of these icky bastards (Doof and PC-Ohno included.)</p> <p>persephone </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/potential-bed-bugs-in-nyc-studio-apt-with-pets#post-69399 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:37:51 +0000 jknyc 69399@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm sure a couple of my questions have probably been answered already on this forum, so I apologize ahead of time, I just wanted to put everything in one spot.</p> <p>Last week, I was woken up in the middle of the night to find a very itchy bite on my ankle and after inspection, found 2, what I'm pretty sure were full-grown bed bugs; 1 in my sheets and 1 on the bottom of comfortor. I immediately killed them, which my first reaction, and didn't think to save them for someone to look at. Then took everything off my bed and put the blankets and pillows in garbage bags until I could wash them the next day, and slept on the couch for the night. </p> <p>Within the past I'd say 6-8 months, I had been randomly finding bite/hive-like swellings on myself...1-2 every couple of weeks. My initial thought was bed bugs, but after doing research and completely searching my mattress, bed frame, and the area around my bed, I found no evidence of bed bugs...and also the bites I would get would normally appear at other times, not usually after waking up in the morning. I have pretty sensitive skin when it comes to bug bites, so I next figured it could be dust mites. I've since put my mattress in a protective covering (but not the box spring), as well as my pillows.</p> <p>Overall, since doing this about 2 months ago, I had not noticed a thing until this past week's incident. From what I've read online, everything seems to basically guarantee that if I've seen 1 bed bug, there ARE definitely others. Knowing this, I was able to find a product called diatomaceous earth, that I dusted the entire top of my box spring with, as well as behind my dresser that is located at the foot of my bed. I chose this because I also have 2 cats, and most of the products I found online were not pet-safe. </p> <p>Since last week when this happened, I have not slept in my bed since, and truthfully do not know when I'll feel safe enough to do so. </p> <p>I guess my main question is, and I know this is a long shot, but does anyone think the 2 bugs I found could be completely random (the weekend before this happened, I also had moved a lot furniture and everything else to clean, which hadn't been moved around for a while, I thought this may have "stirred up" activity)? Or is this something I need to get checked out? At this point, I think having an exterminator come is the only way I will be able to have peace of mind to sleep in my own bed again.</p> <p>Living in NYC, I know my apartment building would be responsible for any problem, however, this is also where my other few questions come in. I don't have roommates and so it's only me and the 2 cats living there. Should my building send an exterminator to check out my apartment and they in fact find a bed bug problem, what are the odds that the treatment would be pet-safe? While I do have friends I could stay with, I would not have a place to take the 2 cats. And from what I've read, bed bug treatments aren't a one time thing, and seem to take multiple treatments. </p> <p>Sorry for the long post, but just to sum up, I guess my main concern is whether or not to call my landlord? I know I SHOULD tell them immediately, but I'm also hoping that maybe it really isn't a problem and I won't see anything else again. The thought of having the worst case scenerio of having an exterminator come and have to move my cats from the apartment is a major factor in this, as I would not board them somewhere alone, and also do not have the money to stay at a pet-friendly hotel somewhere in the city...and I'm sure this not something my building would be required to reimburse me for.</p> <p>Help with any of these questions would be greatly appreciated...thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/i-miss-the-k9-topics#post-69398 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:51:45 +0000 DougSummersMS 69398@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>When I joined this online community... no one had ever heard of a bed bug detection dog or the use of Vikane gas for treatment of an infestation.</p> <p>I have done my best to provide accurate information about the uses and limitations of K9 teams to raise consumer awareness about most effective inspection technique that is currently available to detect the presence of bed bugs and locate their harborages.</p> <p>I have consistently pointed out that K9 alerts must be verified to be valid and that the handlers skill is the key issue regarding quality control.</p> <p>The company I work for was the first to train dogs for this application and we are currently the largest supplier of scent detection dogs for the pest control industry.</p> <p>Unfortunately, some of the individuals that compete with us in the K9 industry act like ethically challenged weasels online. </p> <p>If you read some of the K9 threads... You will see malicious professionals that hide their true identities providing disingenuous information and engaging in cowardly personal attacks on other handlers. </p> <p>It is the actions of these disturbed individuals that creates the atmosphere of hostility on the forum.</p> <p>I support the idea of a designated thread where the issues can be debated fully, but I am not sure that the sticky section is the best location. </p> <p>I posted a comment on the new K9 thread with a lighthearted Dangerfield quote to start the discussion... I think that a designated thread will help reduce the problem of consumer threads being hijacked to an off topic subject.</p> <p>I believe that we will soon see some spirited discussion on the K9 thread about the dirty little backroom deal that is going to allow NESDCA to prostitute the good name of the National Pest Management Association in an apparent effort to create a monopolistic business practice for a small group of handlers. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-did-folks-rid-their-homes-of-bed-bugs-in-the-old-days-befor-ddt#post-69397 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:17:53 +0000 bed-bugscouk 69397@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi, </p> <p>This morning I received a new item for the bed bug museum. A set of 6 Victorian or earlier postcards unused detailing the story of a young lady who moved into a new apartment only to encounter bed bugs. It will take me a few days to scan and get them online (its a busy week) but the first reads:</p> <p>"A lady took apartments,<br /> Which looked quite clean and snug<br /> And felt herself quite happy-<br /> Never thinking of a bug"</p> <p>The last reads.</p> <p>At last she pounced upon her foe,<br /> And put him in a jug,<br /> And let it have a cooling swim,<br /> "that terrifying bug"</p> <p>David Cain<br /> Bed Bugs Limited </p> 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>