Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums: Recent Posts

bed-bugscouk on "Prevention contracts"

bed-bugscouk — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:05:36 +0000

Hi, There are multiple threads on the concept of preventative chemical treatments and the analysis is that its not a good idea. Not getting bedbugs again is all about avoidance and early detection to ensure that where possible you don't get exposed again and if you do that you are dealing with a small infestation rather than an advanced one. Hope that helps. David Cain Bed Bugs Limited

bborallergy on "Can Bed Bug bites turn into hives? Am I allergic?"

bborallergy — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:56:43 +0000

Thanks for your reply......the reason why I was concerned it was Bed Bugs is because the bites/hives appear in the morning... or after a few hours of going to bed. Strange!!!!

KillerQueen on "No evidence, so how do I know if they're gone?"

KillerQueen — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:50:25 +0000

I couldn't read the entire post but ..... If you haven't found evidence (blood is not evidence) you don't have a problem. You can't go 2 plus years with bugs and find nothing. If all you have is blood stains there isn't a pest control company that can help you with a Bed Bug treatment.

ninak1219 on "Belongings in garage for several months, ok now?"

ninak1219 — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:49:42 +0000

bump

KillerQueen on "Can Bed Bug bites turn into hives? Am I allergic?"

KillerQueen — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:41:26 +0000

Sounds like a viral infection or something skin related ... It's not going to be bed bugs with that amount of "bites" ... You don't go from zero to hundreds over night.

bborallergy on "Can Bed Bug bites turn into hives? Am I allergic?"

bborallergy — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:41:12 +0000

Now my lips are swollen.....WTF!!!

KillerQueen on "Is this a bed bug?"

KillerQueen — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:34:28 +0000

looks like a weevil to me.

worldwidebugs on "bed bug treatment in developing country"

worldwidebugs — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:58:25 +0000

I'm living and working in a developing country. I travel a lot within the country to rural places and to other countries for work. I know I have stayed in places with bedbugs, and I'm usually vigilant to prevent bringing them home. But now I have bedbugs. It's been a couple months since my last trip, so either they've been laying low since then, or they came home on a little wooden side table I bought a few weeks ago. I've been reading the FAQs and forums on this site like mad woman. There is so much valuable information and great advice! But I'm looking for ways to deal with bedbugs when I can't easily get ahold of all the nifty products that are discussed and recommended. And there is no postal system in this country, so I can't order on line and have things sent. About 2 weeks ago I first noticed one or two bites but thought they were from mosquitoes. Four days ago I noticed 4 brown specks on my bedding. That's about the time the bites became more frequent and grew in numbers. More brown specks appeared. Bites now appear in 3s. I still haven't seen any casings, eggs or bugs, but I'm pretty sure they're reproducing inside my mattress. The mattress is less than a year old, but it has two 1/2 to 1 inch holes holes on each side that were covered by plastic ornaments that have fallen off. I lifted one corner of the mattress and did not see anything on the outside, but see the fecal stains seeping through from the inside, along the bottom edge of the mattress. The mattress is laying on wooden slats and a metal frame. I do not have a box spring. I found one pest control company in the country. They came today to treat the house. They did not ask me to do anything to prepare for the treatment (though I had already started laundering). They also did not do any thorough inspection. They did ask a few questions like, "do they only bite at night? do you mostly get bit in bed? you've seen spots on your bed?" And like that, they confirmed I had a bedbug infestation. Then they drenched my whole house in a malathion solution. They also mixed in some white liquid they called "puree". They sprayed EVERYTHING. They didn't use any DE or powders. They told me one application of malathion would take care of the problem. I'm not supposed to return to my house for a couple days, and after I return, they said I can continue laundering and start cleaning (vacuuming but not mopping). Some of what they did sounds familiar and legit, and some things sound a little off. Can an expert PCO or experience bed bugger please comment? I have started laundering my bedding and clothing, but it will be a very slow process. I have a washing machine that washes with really hot water, but I do not have a dryer. I looked for one, but they don't seem to exist in this country. There are also no laundromats here. So I have been, little by little, washing things and hanging them to dry outside. I bought freezer bags and garbage bags and have been starting to bag the items that have been washed and dried hanging. I think a regime that includes hot wash, outside hang drying, and immediately moving stuff from clothes line to bag should be sufficient... saw on the FAQs that hot washing should be enough, but want to confirm. My husband is away for a month and I've been putting his washed, bagged clothing, as well as household items I don't need immediately, into his car. I don't drive here, so it's just sitting in the driveway in full sun. The weather is pretty warm now, and going to get hotter soon. I bought thermometers and put them in the car, under the bags, and I see that temps in the care are reaching over 50 Celsius/ 122 Fahrenheit. I try not to put too much in each bag. I hope the heat kills off anything that might have survived the hot wash/bagging process. Can I use this method for shoes, bags, leather, books, nick-nacks? If not, what should I do with stuff that can't be washed? (I'm not willing to vacuum each page of each book...) I see mixed reviews on relying on "ambient heat". Now, about the mattress - the PCO sprayed it, too, and said when it dries it will be fine to sleep on. They said their chemicals are not harmful to humans, but I do not like the idea. They did not have mattress or pillow encasements, and I'm pretty sure they're not sold in this country. Will spraying the outside of the mattress kill the bugs if they're living inside the mattress? What should I do? Get rid of the mattress? Also, my down comforter and pillows... those were drenched in malathion as well. Can I salvage them by washing in hot water and hang drying outside? Dry clean? I've also read mixed reviews on dry cleaning comforters. There is a dry cleaner down the road, though expensive. I'll use them for clothing that can absolutely not be washed with hot water. Would it be counterproductive to immediately wash the bedding that has been treated? Can anyone comment on how toxic it is to sleep on bedding that has been sprayed with malathion? If I'm wary of sleeping on my mattress and breathing in/laying in pesticide from now on, then I can't exactly be the 'bait' to lure them out and walk through the pesticide. Final question: My husband can bring back a few things in his luggage next month. If he could bring back one suitcase full of things, can you recommend the essential products, tools, etc. we would need to augment our battle against bedbugs? Even if the infestation is taken care of in one PCO visit, it would give me peace of mind to have things on hand in case of repeated/recurring problems. I'm thinking mattress and pillow encasements, XL Ziplocs, passive monitors, and climb up interceptors (though our headboard is one long board without feet). Anything you would add or take off that list? (I haven't looked yet, but I'll bet DE can be found here, as it seems to be commonly used with animals... and there are plenty of livestock where I am.) I'd love to get a Closet Packtite, but it sounds too big for hauling across the world in luggage. Does anyone know how big the factory box/packaging is? How much it weighs? Can't find this on their website or on US Bed Bugs. The larger size would be great to have, so we can cook our suitcases. The smaller one might be more realistic as far as bringing on a plane. Thanks for any advice!

Lizzy on "Best Bed Bug Spray?"

Lizzy — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:54:38 +0000

Best Bed Bug Spray - For Contact. Once you feel the burning sensation of a bed bug bite, hop right up and search for the culprit. Although some reactions are delayed, some also may be prompt. I brought Hot Shot from Home Depot. Exactly like this one from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J1KDWQ/ref=asc_df_B004J1KDWQ2521922?smid=A2NVEKMQTGKOW8&tag=dealtmp764883-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395129&creativeASIN=B004J1KDWQ" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J1KDWQ/ref=asc_df_B004J1KDWQ2521922?smid=A2NVEKMQTGKOW8&tag=dealtmp764883-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395129&creativeASIN=B004J1KDWQ</a> ---->> IT DOESN'T WORK! I sprayed, sorry bathed, them in this spray and each one would scurry away, I'd have to find something to try to crush it. I read that Pine Sol kills them instantly so I empties that little travel size bottle of Hot Shot and put a mixture of **hot water, dish soap, pine sol, and bleach.** Within 2-4 spritz, the bed bug is dead. It just stops moving. I can tell its dead because when I shake the bed or move the sheet, it doesn't move. LOVE IT! I just wish I could find something that will kills the ones I can't see. I heard sprays don't work and bombs make them scatter. My mom said I should try dryer sheets under my mattress, I'll look more into it. Keep your head up.

bborallergy on "Can Bed Bug bites turn into hives? Am I allergic?"

bborallergy — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:36:45 +0000

HELP! Is it possible to be severely allergic to bed bug bites? Can they turn into hives? Please see my description below. 4 days ago I woke up with a few red marks on my stomach, hip and back.....maybe about 20 of them. I was convinced I had bed bugs! Through out the day I noticed that more started to appear.....along my hairline and behind my ears. My head was itchy too. I decided to experiment and go to bed to see if I got more. Then I woke up the next day with at LEAST 200 red welts. They looked like bites....but 200 in one night?? Slowly through out the day these turned into huge blotches. The red bumps connected together and looked like hives. My entire shoulder blades were red, my neck, elbows, knees. Even on my face!!! I thought perhaps I was allergic to my new sheets (I didn't wash them before putting them on my bedding. Silly I know). So I put my old sheets on my bed and new pillow cases. I went to my doctor that same day. He prescribed me cortisone for 2 days. The red marks went away completely the next day. Hooray! On the second day of cortisone I noticed a few appeared again....but it didn't develop into hives. I was fine the entire day. Then tonight I woke up after 2 hours and felt very itchy. I grabbed my flashlight and searched my bed sheets and mattress...Nothing!! I looked in the mirror and I'm covered in red bumps everywhere again! This time my armpits, back, stomach...and even my butt crack!!!! WHAT!!??? They are now turning into hives as I type this :( So again...am I allergic? I find it strange that cortisone got rid of this completely in one day....and then came back after going off it...but only at night. I didn't change my pillows....just the pillow cases. Could this be it? Please note: I was in Africa a month ago..... however, I don't have a sore throat - I feel completely fine. And this reaction started 2 hours after going to bed...not throughout the day. I"m confused! I haven't read anywhere of people developing hives from bed bug bites. PLEASE HELP if you know the answer.

Nobugsonme on "What to put on bed bug bites?"

Nobugsonme — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:23:38 +0000

You said all the fecal stains were a year old. Are you saying you haven't had bed bugs in a year? What David is getting at is if you have bed bugs now, there will be signs of their presence. Skin reactions now can't be assumed to be from bed bugs unless there are other signs of bed bugs now. Does that make sense?

Nobugsonme on "Is this a bed bug?"

Nobugsonme — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:19:35 +0000

<blockquote>2. If there's eight legs, as Lewis Black says, You're F#%ked ! It's some type of tick.</blockquote> However, quite frequently, inexperienced folks will count antennae as legs, so don't panic. A clearer shot will help rule out ticks.

Nobugsonme on "Bed Bugs?"

Nobugsonme — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:17:07 +0000

That does look like a bed bug. Wait for confirmation from one of our experts.

drewlizard on "What to put on bed bug bites?"

drewlizard — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:38:47 +0000

Anyone? I posted the pictures.

beauharnois8888 on "How Old is my Infestation?"

beauharnois8888 — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:51:02 +0000

I know this is a subjective topic, but I recently had bed bugs in my apartment. My buddy let me stay at his place when I got back from Costa Rica at the end of March. I had some itchy marks on my knees, but there were so many of them, that I don't think they were from BBs because this was about two months ago, and there would be masses of bed bugs in the couch by now if it was. I went to NYC in early April and then went again a week and a half ago. My buddy moved to PA at the beginning of May to run his Dad's business, and left me his furniture. The first thing I did was check the mattress and box spring extremely closely to make sure that there were no BBs. There was not a trace of anything, or so I thought. Last Thursday, May 16th, I noticed a mark on my arm. It had been there for a few days before then. I came home Thursday and turned on the light in the living room and noticed there was another mark on my arm forearm. I decided to check for bedbugs because I never get any pimples or sores on my arms. I lifted the mattress and checked the corners very carefully. I found an adult female in the corner after I saw a black dot in the center of the box spring. I then tore the covers off of the mattress and found a few spots, though not many. I then put the sheets and blankets in an airtight trash bag and dragged the mattress and box spring to the street corner. I also made sure to move the couch and living room stuff to a spot where it would not be int he way of the Box Spring and mattress. I have no carpets, so it should have made it easier. When I got back inside, I locked up the bedroom, and then took off my clothes, put them in a plastic bag, and took a hot shower. I examined the mattress the next day and found a lot more spots. I would estimate there was about 25-30 spots on the mattress. Judging from that, how old do you think the infestation is, assuming there are no bugs in the wall (My friend did not have any BBs before this and neither did the adjacent apartments)?

coco80 on "No evidence, so how do I know if they're gone?"

coco80 — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:35:36 +0000

So my story started almost two years ago when I noticed itchy bites on my feet that I originally thought were mosquitos. It took several days to put two and two together, and realised that the occasional bloody spots on my sheets were related to the itchy bites. To this day I still don't have a clue where they came from. I spent thousands on treatments (with useless PCOs who didn't have a clue - Australian pest controllers anyone?), and whilst bed bugs were never found, the occasional blood spotting on my sheets were the key indicator that they weren't ever truly gone. Over time, I seemed to react less and less to bites, but regardless I continued my regime of bagging, steaming, throwing out many feather pillows/duvets and generally living like a nutcase. So, about 8 months ago I moved interstate for work. Just about everything, except several suitcases, went into storage for almost 3 months. I moved into my new apartment and I thought I'd escaped the bed bug curse. Everything came out of storage, and whilst I had the occasional itchy spot it could have easily been paranoia. There were no bloody spots on my sheets. I started to live like a normal human being again, with clothes hanging in a wardrobe and getting into bed without showering right before hand. Then, my parents came to visit. I put them in my queen sized bed whilst I slept in the smaller double bed in the guest bedroom. My mother was covered in bites on her back and neck. There was a literal blood bath on the sheets, but bright, fresh pools of blood, rather than streaks of dark blood. I feared the worst. Before leaving my place we spent hours decontaminating them to ensure they didn't transfer bed bugs back to their house. Since then, nothing. Three months with no bloody streaks or spots. It is now winter, so there is a chance things have slowed down because it's cold. I'm at the point of just living like a normal person because I don't have the energy to keep up the regime I had when I lived in my last apartment. WHEN DO I KNOW IF THEY'VE GONE?? I'm going on holidays in a few week's time and I have friends who have asked to stay in my apartment for 2 weeks whilst I'm away (they're visiting from interstate). One of them knew when I first got bed bugs 2.5 years ago, but I can't bear to tell her it still might be a problem. It's mortifying what she'll think of me if she finds out I've been living with them for such a long period of time. Please, can someone please tell me when I know they're gone and when it's safe to welcome people to my apartment like a normal human being? I'm SO frustrated and exhausted and BROKE! Miserably yours, Bed bugs forever

T149 on "Bed Bugs?"

T149 — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:01:01 +0000

I recently moved into my new apartment and within two day's, we noticed two bugs crawling up out of the carpet. I was able to take pictures (posted below) of the one I captured and placed it in an old plastic bottle with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. We found what looked like skin shedding or other dead bugs that resembled the one in pictures below, throughout the apartment, approximate numbers in the mid to high 60's. The apartment office had an exterminator come out who looked over the apartment, as well as, the captured bug that is shown in the pictures below, and advised that at first he didn't know if they were bed bugs, then after looking at all the other dead bugs around the apartment, he advised that he didn't believe that they were bed bugs, and advised that they where carpet beetles. He sprayed three different chemicals said to get rid of the bugs. He said this was common with new carpet in which he could tell the carpet was new. The apartment office also advised that the carpet was new, at an earlier date. However, every picture that I looked up on the internet in reference to bed bugs vs carpet beetles, leads me to believe that the bug we found in the pictures below, is a bed bug. Could anyone help us out as we would like a second opinion on what the bug we found in the pictures below is? Our whole moving in process is currently on hold pending the outcome of this problem. Me and my girlfriend are currently sleeping on the hard floor, on top of a couple of blankets, as we refuse to move our bed and other item's into our new place, until we know what we are dealing with. <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/0-1_zps90711752.jpg"> <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/0-2_zps75b873c0.jpg"> <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/0-3_zps4c8a86bd.jpg"> <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/0-4_zpsd02579bc.jpg"> <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/0-5_zps5593d9b9.jpg"> <img src="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc138/Mercenary1300/Upclose_zps26b296a5.png">

beardog on "Talstar professional any good?"

beardog — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:28:49 +0000

Thank you for the information on what is the best products to use.I have a stand alone house and I know where the bedbugs came from,my friend.It is a 4 bedroom house with 3 bedrooms upstairs,then a living room and a kitchen on the ground level and a half under ground basement.I live alone and stay in the living room and sleep in a recliner.There has been no one sleeping or staying any where else in the house but me in the living room.When I found out for sure that I had bedbugs I burnt my recliner,couch,and the carpet and padding.I then took off my baseboard trim and near the chair was where I found the 2 bedbugs.After following the instructions on the Talstar Professional and spraying it according to the label I have now found 3 more dead bedbugs,not adults.This is all I have seen in 4 days from the time I sprayed,so I think it is working at least for now.As soon as I do not see anymore bugs and after another treatment I am going to use DE dust and put my base board trim back on after no more signs of bugs.If anyone reading this can give me any Ideas on if this might work please give me a response any and all help would be great.Thank You.

theyareoutthere on "Is this blood stain on pillow due to bed bugs??"

theyareoutthere — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:49:56 +0000

I'm not an expert but I don't see a pic. If red, its unlikely

P Bello on "Product Questions & Answers about Nuvan and Temprid SC"

P Bello — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:55:21 +0000

Dear kaim, Ahhhh weedhopper, you've hit the nail on the head it appears. The dilutable type products offer pros certain cost efficiencies. So, as long as we're comparing apples to apples, you're kinda-sorta gazing beyond the curtain here. If you do the math you can see that you can, in fact, mix many gallons for your $90 investment in the product. However, how do we compare a liquide dilutable solution to an aerosol can ??? Hmmm, weedhopper, what say you? If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one there to see it, does the bear still sh#t in the woods? While a pro might compare the treated area per volume of solution, this is tough because we have an aerosol vs. a liquid. However, if we know the weight of the aerosol can contents as well as one gallonw of solution (note water weighs about 8.35 lbs per gallon) then we might compare that way as well. Suppose your aerosol can is about 1.5 lbs (~ 20 oz by weight) we can then do the math to see which is more cost effective. Additionally, with the aerosol can you have a set concentration of AI. With a dilutable you may have various options for the rates to apply providing you additional flexibility. There are many things beyond what's mentioned above to consider weedhopper. Now, kwik, try to snatch the pebble from my hand . . . Hope this helps ! pjb

P Bello on "Is this a bed bug?"

P Bello — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:43:56 +0000

Nope ! However, from the poor quality of the foto I can't tell if it's a beetle (I'm like 98 % sure it's a beetle) or possibly a tick ( like about 1.27 % ) or a critter of unknown origin ( like about 0.73%). In any case do this: 1. Count the legs. If there's six legs, as in three pairs of legs it's a beetle of some sort. 2. If there's eight legs, as Lewis Black says, You're F#%ked ! It's some type of tick. 3. If it's radio active, as in you appliances turn on and off and your car starts itself with the headlights flashing if you bring it nearby, plus all the lights in the neigborhood dim out, then you're really, really F#$ked ! Caus it's some sort of alien creature so, like, nice knowing ya ! OR, you could simply post a better foto and we'll know for sure. Hope this helps ! paul b.

dylan91 on "Is this blood stain on pillow due to bed bugs??"

dylan91 — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:21:37 +0000

A few weeks ago I had three bites on my leg which I was afraid were from bed bugs since about a month before, I was at my friends house who had bed bugs. I thoroughly cleaned and steamed my bed and room and no bugs have appeared as well as no sign of bug bites or any type of bug. The bites went away and nothing had appeared up until today when I noticed a blood smear on my pillow. I am hoping this is not due to a bed bug, but I am unsure and hope I can find some answers on here. Thank you <img src="http://postimg.org/image/j98vxb0rd/">

annabananadfw on "Is this a bed bug?"

annabananadfw — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:55:22 +0000

Found one dead bug and a handful of carpet beetles...any ideas? <img src="http://http://postimg.org/image/kjqowx5bl/"> EDIT: image doesn't seem to be posting in the post. Here's the URL <a href="http://postimg.org/image/kjqowx5bl/a98df683/" rel="nofollow">http://postimg.org/image/kjqowx5bl/a98df683/</a>

annabananadfw on "possible bites, no ID yet...need advice"

annabananadfw — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:43:53 +0000

This is my story... Family came to visit from out-of-town. 2 weeks after they got here, "C" says he has mosquito bites on his arm. My husband and I look at them, but they don't look like mosquito bites and we laugh because it looks like the bites are in groups of three. We don't think anything of it until the next morning, when "I" wakes up with the same thing and we start googling. However, we can't find ANY evidence of bugs other than one dead one that does not look like a BB but to me. We can't get anyone out to look until tomorrow and Wed. The problem seems isolated to them as my husband, myself, and our son have no bites. The guest room is in a far corner of the house. This is my question... I talked to a big exterminating company that does thermal treatments (coming tomorrow) and a small dog-sniffing company that recommends just a room treatment if it's a small problem (possibly coming Wednesday, waiting to see what the big company finds). Does anyone have a recommendation on who to go with or should I just wait to see? I want to nip it in the bud but don't want to pay $1800 if it's not a big problem yet....so new to this and so confused! Also, both said to leave the guest room alone but should I extreme clean the rest of my house? Could that spread the bugs? I was thinking of either vacuuming or using my steam cleaner...

bugsinsf on "So, how common is recurrence, really?"

bugsinsf — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:34:13 +0000

Thanks, David, you are making a lot of sense. I wish you were working in the SF Bay Area. Perhaps you know of people who work like you around here? Best.

EffeCi on "Need help with two IDs [a: psocid and carpet beetle cast skin]"

EffeCi — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:25:12 +0000

<blockquote> Not sure if we have bed bugs that aren't leaving any trace</blockquote> That would be a new, unknown species of BB...

EffeCi on "Is this a bed bug? Found in dustpan [a: no; beetle]"

EffeCi — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:23:03 +0000

It's a little beetle, but I can't say more about it...

kaim on "Product Questions & Answers about Nuvan and Temprid SC"

kaim — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:10:34 +0000

Is Temprid SC as good or better than Bedlam Plus? I know it probably varies.. but in general? I see you can buy 400ML for about 90 dollars online. It says "Use at a rate of 0.27 fl oz (8 milliliters) of Temprid SC per gallon of water". This would indicate you can create 50 gallons of this stuff?? That seems awesome cheap. Am I missing something? It can be put into a regular spray bottle?

theyareoutthere on "Prevention contracts"

theyareoutthere — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:57:45 +0000

Have you considered passive monitors? I've heard of regular dog visits. I'm not an expert.

Notimeforthis on "Prevention contracts"

Notimeforthis — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:18:19 +0000

Do pest control companies have contracts to spray/ dust to prevent bed bugs? If so what happens if you get them anyway? What kind of chemicals would they use to do this? We travel alot. Despite checking we ended up with bed bugs. Hired a pco and are currently waiting to see if the bugs show back up. I never want to go through this again and would happily pay to keep the bugs away.

TheP on "Passive Monitors on furniture other than beds"

TheP — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:58:36 +0000

Hello, I need some advice on sensible places to put BB Alert Passive Monitors, which would not be overkill. A couple of months ago, I placed the monitors on all of the beds in my home, and as they have been clear, I have had peace of mind. However, even though I believe I had read on someone's post that the beds are enough unless one sleeps elsewhere, I have lately been worried that this is not the case for me. My biggest concern is the finished attic, which is quite full and is used 1) to store many things including papers in filing cabinets, containers of outgrown clothing, new school supplies, etc., 2) is the place where I iron clothing 3) contains 3 desks and chairs where my kids do their homework and my husband does paperwork/works on the computer. The computer desk chair is sat in the most often of the three; hardly a day goes by when it is not sat in. There is also another small wooden desk with an old dining room chair that is sat in nearly every day and an old school chair/desk combo. My concern about this area is that the kids’ backpacks and schoolbooks and my husband’s bag and coat that he carries/wears on the train to work are brought up there on a daily basis. If Heaven forbid bed bugs are brought home in those items, I’m concerned that they will hide out in the desk chairs and will not bother going to the bedrooms since, even though those chairs are not occupied at night (except for maybe Saturday night when my husband may work at the computer or other desk to the wee hours of the morning) there will be ample opportunities for the bugs to feed during the afternoons and weekends. Is this an unjustified concern or will they come down to the bedrooms sometime shortly after being introduced to the attic? Since it is pretty full, it would be a nightmare if the floor became infested. My husband would not say that I cannot put monitors on the 3 desk chairs (maybe I would just put on the two most often used) but he is wondering when this will all end and if I will ever be satisfied with all of the precautions I have taken. He feels that it would be feeding my paranoia. He thinks I will never stop worrying anyway. So basically my question is: would it be likely that bed bugs would be happy to just live up in the attic because the desk chairs are occupied almost daily, even though no one sleeps there?? Additionally, I am concerned about my living room furniture. It is not that the couch and 2 chairs are ever slept in but because the couch is only 6 feet from the front door. I would be concerned that anything hitchhiking into the house in bags that are often, at least temporarily, left by the front door, would be interested in going there. Is it enough to put a passive on the couch which is sat in more often than the chairs? Is it necessary at all since no one ever sleeps on it?? Thanks so much!

drewlizard on "What to put on bed bug bites?"

drewlizard — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:41:04 +0000

And i haven't left the house at all b/c of this. My face is completely ruined right now. 35 spots on the left side of my face and i had none of this a few weeks back. The right side of my face, i have 5 cyst like pimples that are like a line that i never had a few days before.

drewlizard on "What to put on bed bug bites?"

drewlizard — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:35:19 +0000

The first four pictures are bed bug remains from my mattress after we killed the bed bugs. These however are stains from over 1 year ago at least. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758792022/in/photostream" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758792022/in/photostream</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758791682/in/photostream" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758791682/in/photostream</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8757666261/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8757666261/in/photostream/</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758790930/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758790930/in/photostream/</a> These are the spots that are left in my arm that looks like bed bug bites. I dont have the 3 step breakfast, lunch, dinner b/c that mark has faded away <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8757665415/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8757665415/in/photostream/</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758789828/in/photostream/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/95882035@N02/8758789828/in/photostream/</a> Also, i want to cry right now b/c last night my left side of my face was bitten more. I have around 35 bitten spots on my left side of my face all reddish. On my right side, i have about 10 and those and they are huge cystlike types that looks like severe acne. I dont want to post take a picture of my face up b/c i would start crying if i put a camera taking any picture of my face right now.

LadyO on "Describe the smell - compare to food if you can."

LadyO — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:15:24 +0000

for me bed bugs smell like cilantro (when you kill them) or like a bad brandy.

Nobugsonme on "Finally have a date! Heat treatment scheduled this Saturday. Hope it works!"

Nobugsonme — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:08:19 +0000

Heat treatment, done properly, is supposed to work in one shot. There are cases where it doesn't work as has to be repeated. Rather than just relying on the company's own dog, you might also implement some monitors after treatment, and check them regularly. Note that some heat treatment providers say it's "normal" to see some live bed bugs after treatment but they die within a day or two. I don't know if that's true but we have heard it a few times. Ask about this so you know what to expect. Monitors will help you see if bed bugs are appearing later too.