http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:32:52 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/a-good-bed-bug-sucking-vacuum#post-69613 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:20:44 +0000 vivyou 69613@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>i checked out reviews on-line for the eureka mighty mite boss canister. they were good but people said that this vacuum was good for hardwood floors and not for carpet. i have carpet in my room so i'm looking for recommendations for bed-bug/carpet bug sucking vacuums. thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lets-just-hope-in-overreacting#post-69612 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:11:58 +0000 ohgodwhy 69612@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for the responses. I am currently still at my parents' home as I've got some things to take care of over here as well, so I won't be able to get a good look at my apt. until Sunday at the latest. I've gotten absolutely obsessed with this bed bug thing though-- been reading how tos and stories whenever I've had free time today. Once I get back to the apt I will be *looking*.</p> <p>As for the bug bites, strangely enough they are not in areas that are exposed. I wear pajama bottoms and t-shirts to bed so mainly it's just my feet, arms, neck, face that aren't covered. However, these bites are only on my right outer thigh! Which... means that something crawled up my leg? (WHAT?) I don't even know what to think other than that I am absolutely disgusted.</p> <p>I haven't yet spoken to my roommates. It seems like it's only been me so far and I don't want to pass on my hysteria without evidence. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/blood-spot-on-hotel-box-springcould-it-be-a-sign#post-69611 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:48:21 +0000 scaredsayscared 69611@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So we stayed at a hotel this past week and did an inspection of the room prior to settling in there. There were no visible bed bug signs except there was a decent size blood spot on the box spring near the head of the bed. The blood spot looked fresh still red and it was fairly large. If you can imagine it was about the size of a quarter but stretched into a more of a pear shape. I freaked out of course and was totally disgusted but we stayed there because it was my husband's family reunion and it was a 3bedroom villa that everyone had already settled into it. My husband thought it was not a sign as it was too large and did not want to switch rooms and be away from his family.</p> <p>We took all the proper precautions while staying in the hotel and upon returning home as we were prepared before leaving, but I still can't get this blood stain out of my mind and I am a tad freaked out. I checked out David's pdf on blood spots in a previous post and they all did look smaller and smeared so what do you guys think? Could a blood spot of the size of a quarter still be a sign? Thanks, I'm kind of new to all this. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/pco-recommendation-for-nj-union-county#post-69610 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:01:45 +0000 vivyou 69610@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>unfortunately killer queen doesn't work in nj. i would appreciate any recommendations in union county or nearby.<br /> thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-3#post-69609 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:42:20 +0000 greenapplepest 69609@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>vivyou - 8 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-3#post-69608">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> hello everyone! i've been reading a lot of the threads and there's so much information. i'm really hoping that i don't have bedbugs. there have been bedbug incidents at work. the only evidence that i have so far are some bites every couple of days and maybe a discarded shell. honestly i have yet to do a really thorough check. i go back and forth between an apt in brooklyn and a house in nj. i'm worried that both places have bedbugs. i did find a dead carpet beetle (i think) on my pillow one night and a live one on my comforter last night. do carpet beetles bite? what else could i be mistaking bedbug bites for? i'm thinking of putting down some double sided carpet tape around my bed tonight to see if i can catch some evidence. any other suggestions and advice is welcome. thanks!</p></blockquote> <p>In my opinion I think you should get your apts inspected by a pco or by a bb dog to ease your mind. Get confirmation and then you can create a plan of action.</p> <p>Mike S<br /> Green Apple Pest Management Solutions Inc. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-3#post-69608 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:32:06 +0000 vivyou 69608@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hello everyone! i've been reading a lot of the threads and there's so much information. i'm really hoping that i don't have bedbugs. there have been bedbug incidents at work. the only evidence that i have so far are some bites every couple of days and maybe a discarded shell. honestly i have yet to do a really thorough check. i go back and forth between an apt in brooklyn and a house in nj. i'm worried that both places have bedbugs. i did find a dead carpet beetle (i think) on my pillow one night and a live one on my comforter last night. do carpet beetles bite? what else could i be mistaking bedbug bites for? i'm thinking of putting down some double sided carpet tape around my bed tonight to see if i can catch some evidence. any other suggestions and advice is welcome. thanks! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/my-room-is-infested-where-do-i-start#post-69607 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:29:08 +0000 dontknowwhattodo 69607@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I'm only a teenager, and only my room is infested with bedbugs since January. I've been sleeping on the couch for 2 months and haven't been bit. My mom is skeptical, and thinks it's only because I have a messy room. This Spring Break, I have to start cleaning out my room. </p> <p>MY MASTER PLAN:<br /> 1) get rid of wooden desk<br /> 2) get rid of wooden bedframe and buy a metal one<br /> 3) buy mattress and pillow bedbug protectors<br /> 4) vaccum the entire floor<br /> 5) clean and wash entire closet<br /> 6) get rid of clutter &#38; inspect all items<br /> 7) Lysol? (mom)</p> <p>QUESTIONS:<br /> 1) How do i convince my mom I have bed bugs and Lysol will not work? she's cheap &#38; won't buy incesticides<br /> 2) How do I make sure bed bugs will be gone 100%?<br /> 3) What measure should I take to get rid of these evil creatures?</p> <p>I'm scared to get bit while I'm cleaning!! I still have scars from my bites 2 months ago. I don't think I can sleep peacefully knowing something is after my blood. :( </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/3-or-4-weeks-now-ive-been-itching#post-69606 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:17:13 +0000 dylan1337 69606@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>About the allergy suggestion, my mom has been using the same washer stuff for 3 years and my shower stuff has been the same for about 2. I was taking HCl which is something for joints that I had recently started taking and the doctor told me stop and I did at the beginning of the week. The bites are in groupings and singular and look just as the ones pictured on the site. As for scabies the marks do not look similar to the pictures of scabies I have looked at. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/so-what-were-those-bites#post-69605 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:09:10 +0000 vivyou 69605@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>so do carpet beetles bite people? last week, i found one dead on my pillow (after using DE) and one alive on my comforter last night. at least i think they were carpet beetles.<br /> thanks for clarification! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/yellow-stains-from-bed-bugs#post-69604 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:05:09 +0000 LADD12 69604@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hi</p> <p>I have what I thought was bed bugs bites on my leg. Several bites, all in a row and similar looking to mosquitoes. I was bitten several time over a span of 3 nights before I figured out what was going on. </p> <p>My exterminator came and said he saw no sign of bed buds. </p> <p>I was washing all my clothes and on a pair of shorts I wear to sleep was a half dollar sized yellow stain and a small drop of dried blood. I know the dried blood is characteristic of bed bugs, but i've never read anything about a yellow stain. I only wear these shorts to sleep, there is no way anything else could have happened to them...</p> <p>Any ideas? I am so frustrated.. (and itchy...) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69603 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:51:40 +0000 KillerQueen 69603@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I know US customs will check flowers for insects. I'll find out if they can do bed bug inspections on all arrivals =) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69602 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:44:43 +0000 upagain 69602@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>KillerQueen - 51 minutes ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69601">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite></p> <blockquote><p><cite>Winston O. Buggy - 5 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69590">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I must say I have not had a case that was traced back to a mail order DVD or bride for that matter.</p></blockquote> <p>lol .. I always wondered about that bride thing. .. Was told it could be tricky</p></blockquote> <p>Do you make the bride packtite her stuff before letting her in the house? ;-) </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69601 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:52:25 +0000 KillerQueen 69601@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <blockquote><p><cite>Winston O. Buggy - 5 hours ago <a href="http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69590">&nbsp;&raquo;&nbsp;</a></cite><br /> I must say I have not had a case that was traced back to a mail order DVD or bride for that matter.</p></blockquote> <p>lol .. I always wondered about that bride thing. .. Was told it could be tricky </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lets-just-hope-in-overreacting#post-69600 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:42:09 +0000 KillerQueen 69600@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Are the bites in exposed skin areas or are they typically covered by clothing when you sleep? </p> <p>Look for fecal stains rather then blood spots as fecal is easier to find and figure out by a novice. Look at the pictures on this site and know what fecal stains look like and where you would most commonly find them. If you do a deep inspection make sure you know all the other signs to look for as well.</p> <p> Don't be embarrassed .. it's always best to have a professional in to look ... so speak up and if you find something make sure they understand the surrounding (above, below, left, right) apartments need to be inspected to confirm the source of the problem.</p> <p>Good Luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69599 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:18:54 +0000 soscared 69599@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I agree, Cilecto, it's funny. "whimsical bugs". That's one way to call them. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/how-to-safely-remove-bugs-when-i-am-pregnant#post-69598 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:59:12 +0000 prego mama 69598@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Ok, thanks. I am looking forward to receiving it. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69597 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:58:13 +0000 cilecto 69597@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I inspect the clamshells and discs before leaving the shop or library. I was more amused at some creative person's notion of bedbugs as educator and entertainer. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/3-or-4-weeks-now-ive-been-itching#post-69596 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:39:47 +0000 wchicago 69596@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>hi dylan</p> <p>as spidey said, lots of things can cause itching, so don't start really worrying about bed bugs until you have to.<br /> one possibility for itching in those areas (hands, waist, thighs, etc) that is intense enough to wake you up is scabies. google scabies, and look at your itchy spots and see if you can any evidence of the 'tracks' they leave-especially on your hands. scabies doesn't always leave a really noticeable rash -though the pics online are all going to be really rashy because thats why they were photographed :)</p> <p>anyway, if you suspect scabies go to the doctor's (or even a minute clinic at the CVs or walgreens) because there is an easy skin test for it. in most cases it is not difficult to treat (so don't worry about things you read on the web)<br /> if scabies gets ruled out, then i agree with spidey that allergies should be looked into -along with, of course, inspecting for bed bug evidence -but i agree with spidey that this sounds like something besides bed bugs to me.<br /> good luck! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/a-list-of-resources-for-bedbuggers-in-chicago#post-69595 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:33:45 +0000 tiredofbedbugs 69595@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>update on the resources available for chicago residents! </p> <p>I do not recommend Scooby for K9 services at all. I made the mistake of hiring them without knowing that a visual is not done. </p> <p>When I asked them via email why it was not done, they asked questions like are you really a customer of ours because we can't release any type of information without you telling us your address.</p> <p>why does it matter? i just asked them about their protocols and why they didnt do a visual.</p> <p>anyways, don't hire them. They are a waste of money! ~ $350 or so for 3-5 minutes of their time (depending on how large your place is) with the handler just pointing to where the dog sniffed and gave a positive Id. </p> <p> Go for CDIS. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lets-just-hope-in-overreacting#post-69594 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:13:19 +0000 bedbugman 69594@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Many things can cause marks on the body. Don't panic, do a search on what to look for blood spots etc... If you find anything let us know. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69593 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:41:44 +0000 soscared 69593@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have wondered about this. Don't people often throw the rented DVD box on their bed, get in bed and watch? I know that when I had TV in my bedroom I did this. And then you fall asleep, and say you're a non-reactor, you don't even have any idea that they're coming out. Surely, some might "roost" in the DVD, between the paper and the plastic, for example.<br /> I keep renting videos though. Gotta live normal life. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/linenspa-mattress-encasement#post-69592 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:32:45 +0000 jknyc 69592@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for the info...I'll keep looking around and see what kind of prices I can find on the better ones. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69590 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:12:52 +0000 Winston O. Buggy 69590@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I must say I have not had a case that was traced back to a mail order DVD or bride for that matter. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/3-or-4-weeks-now-ive-been-itching#post-69589 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:57:46 +0000 spideyjg 69589@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>If that widespread sounds more like an allergy. Think about, new soap, medication, shampoo, detergent, bedding, clothes, etc. A trip to the doctor may be in order.<br /> I have a drug allergy and broke out in itchy stuff everywhere. Once my wife changed detergents and my thighs broke out. New car, and broke out in itchy marks on the elbows from the consoles. Many other things can cause skin reactions.</p> <p>Read the FAQs and such on inspection and post pictures of any insects you may find.</p> <p>Hope you find the cause of your itching, but BBs may not be the primary suspect. Keep an open mind on all possibilities, including BBs, but do not get tunnel visioned.</p> <p>Jim </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/3-or-4-weeks-now-ive-been-itching#post-69588 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:48:43 +0000 dylan1337 69588@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So I started experience ungodly itching about 3+ weeks ago maybe even 5... and I haven't thought much of it till the last week and a half and the itching is just AWFUL! I've been waking up between 3-6am almost every night for the past how ever many weeks its been. The itching is on my whole body but super intense, when I wake up in the middle of the night and throughout the day, on my inner thighs, genitals, and butt. The itching is also on my chest (pecks area) portions of my arms, hands, wrists, and waist line/belly button. I haven't looked for bugs yet but will first thing when I get home from my fathers (don't worry I washed all the stuff I brought with me as to not spread it) I might be able to upload pictures tomorrow as well. But if anyone has any advice or two cents it would be greatly appreciated as I can't continue like this; It's my last semester in highschool and I need sleep for track and school. Thanks! -dylan </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/lets-just-hope-in-overreacting#post-69587 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:24:50 +0000 ohgodwhy 69587@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I noticed bug bites on my upper leg and thigh about 2 days ago. Didn't think very much of it, to be honest, although they did itch like hell. Noticed a few more yesterday morning and still didn't think much of it... until I went home (well, my parents' house) and mentioned it to my mother who thought they were scabies. That's what freaked me out. So I went and researched and... well, I think I'd rather have scabies because bed bugs seem like such an absolute hassle for EVERYONE and everything I come to contact with. The bites are extremely similar to the pictures as well as the clusters of 3 or 4.</p> <p>I'm currently still at my parents' home. Absolutely freaked and it's about 1 in the morning; I can't even think about sleeping. Completely changed the bedsheets here and in the process of washing/drying clothes I've brought from the apt. I currently live in (I'm a college student) as well as my laundry and backpack. I also feel like I might contaminate this house!</p> <p>Perhaps I'm freaking out too much, I haven't even been back to the apt. to check around for these bugs, but still... I'm complete and utterly terrified of what I might find there. And I can't sleep.</p> <p>This is going to be absolutely humiliating to address this with my roommates as well as the apartment management. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69586 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:44:24 +0000 KillerQueen 69586@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I have a small collection on DVD of those. It goes along with many of the bed bug items I have. =) I even have bed bug candy and magazine prints dating back to the 30's. Chemical bottles and boxes of pesticide from as far back as 1920 </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69585 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:03:41 +0000 upagain 69585@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Once I became bb aware, PPV became the next greatest thing in my house. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/bedbugs-from-the-dvd-by-mail-rental#post-69584 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:24:31 +0000 cilecto 69584@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>So, I get one of those ubiquitous promos from the video by mail service (which shall remain nameless). The risk of BB transmission via this service has been discussed and I once read an article about how a lot if their processing is manual. Even showed pics of people sorting DVDs in corrugated cardboard boxes (gasp!).</p> <p>I wanted to get a sense of what "the rest of the world" (with all due respect to my fellow bedbuggers) has to say about this issue, so I Googled "netflix" (OK, I named it) and "bedbugs". </p> <p>Skipping over the links to this site, I came across this gem:</p> <p><blockquote><strong>Bedbug Bible Gang: God's Little Heroes</strong></p> <p>In this collection of episodes from the animated children's show, Sparky, Buzzer and the rest of the Bedbug Bible Gang share their favorite tales about pint-size heroes. The whimsical bugs sing and dance their way…</p> <p>Released 2006<br /> </blockquote></p> <p><a href="http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Bedbug_Bible_Gang_God_s_Little_Heroes/70053297" rel="nofollow">http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Bedbug_Bible_Gang_God_s_Little_Heroes/70053297</a><br /> …Which proves that you can get bedbugs from the DVD service, but they're the clueless kind. <br /> :)<br />     </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/difficult-situation-bed-bugs-ill-tenant-uncooperative-neighborsmgmt#post-69583 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:21:08 +0000 justdiscoveredbb 69583@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hello Serenity,</p> <p>I am really sorry about your situation and really feel for you. I had a friend who was suicidal and killed herself this past summer. We all tried to be there for her so I understand the weight this has on your life. I am currently dealing with my own infestation so I can also appreciate how much work it is to prepare for the treatments and the stress of living in an infested dwelling.</p> <p>It might seem like hard work right now but things should get better with the treatments (assuming a competent PCO).</p> <p>Your heart and priorities are in the right place. your gf.</p> <p>Anna </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/is-this-weird-or-helpful-buying-a-shed#post-69582 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:09:01 +0000 justdiscoveredbb 69582@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Hey Stevie,</p> <p>Wanted to follow up with you about the heat chamber, are you going to use the company you found?</p> <p>Anna </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/is-this-a-bedbug-4#post-69581 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:44:05 +0000 lolabeeisscaredofbedbugs 69581@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thank you all!! </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/linenspa-mattress-encasement#post-69580 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:43:46 +0000 Nobugsonme 69580@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I would recommend using encasements which have been designed and tested to keep bed bugs in, or out. Of particular concern is the zipper end stop. It may have gaps which allow bed bugs to pass through, or it may come open. Protect-a-bed AllerZip and MattressSafe are designed to prevent that.</p> <p>The description of the encasement you link to says,<br /> <blockquote><br /> "100% cotton terry surface and polyurethane backing inhibits allergy-causing dust mites, bed bugs, and bacteria from living in your mattress"</blockquote></p> <p>That's really not very convincing. I'd want to see test data showing the items construction keeps bed bugs from getting in or out of the seams and zipper end stop. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/maryland-landlord-tells-tenants-to-toss-em#post-69579 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:40:14 +0000 Nobugsonme 69579@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://bedbugger.com/2010/03/18/landlord-tells-all-tenants-to-toss-sofas-mattresses-as-bed-bug-prep/">Maryland landlord tells every tenant in building to throw out sofas and mattresses before bed bug treatment.</a> </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/difficult-situation-bed-bugs-ill-tenant-uncooperative-neighborsmgmt#post-69578 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:37:21 +0000 serenitynow 69578@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks cilecto.</p> <p>A clarification: it took several pros because I sent a not great photo to a PCO who told me it looked like a bed bug but he couldn't absolutely do a positive id since it was through a picture using a cell phone camera. Her roommate really wanted to send the samples to Harvard for ID which I personally thought was unnecessary because it seemed like her dead bug and my dead bug were definitely bed bugs. My gf is on the top floor of her building so there are no units above. I have no idea if the bug I saw on the ceiling is a bed bug or not.</p> <p>Thanks for your suggestions and sympathy. I think the panic you are feeling from my post is more about the big picture (her mental health and suicidality) - and not just the bed bug situation. For some reason when I click on your link I only see a comment box and the title of the thread, not the actual posts? </p>