http://bedbugger.com/forum/ Bed bug support forums en Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:07:45 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58063 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:03:57 +0000 bbfiend 58063@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Oh, am totally "happy" about my reactions since the education on bbs. That's the only way we managed to catch the bugs so far! If I hadn't reacted so quickly, I think the infestation would have been worse, it seemed like quite a few we caught were females. At least no new eggs and nymphs from these dead bbs.</p> <p>I feel bad for those who don't react fast or who don't react at all, it's hellish, I think, not knowing. That's worse than knowing, or seeing the bbs, or the itch/pain.</p> <p>We can do without the paintings for a good while, these are my husband's work, so it's really storage for now. When we painted the painting rack about 2 months ago, 2 came out (we think) and got me, so the paintings have to be sealed up, JUST IN CASE. </p> <p>I think I have to look into buying a packtite next, with guests visiting from overseas next year, I think that will come in handy - for my guest's and our protection. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58054 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:18:58 +0000 Nobugsonme 58054@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>bbfiend,</p> <p>Paintings are harder to decon, but remember you have options for dealing with books if they're needed before 2 years.</p> <p>I agree with you on the caution. Just be glad you react to bites! Seems crazy to say it but imagine wondering for years -- it happens. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58033 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:46:04 +0000 bbfiend 58033@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>Thanks Nobugsonme, </p> <p>No, I don't intend to slack our efforts in battling these crazy vampires. In fact, our books and paintings that are sealed up will continue to be sealed up, for 2 years, probably. We are a little obsessed, as you can tell. </p> <p>I still think there must be some in the apartment, lurking, waiting till we aren't as cautious. The last bite was from a female and it bit me on the couch. Caught it and killed it and if it's laid eggs, am I right to assume that the eggs would have hatched? The PCO sprayed the couch 2 days after, so if there are nypmhs hatched from the hypothesised eggs, I'm assuming they would have perished from the crossing the spray barriers. Possible?</p> <p>Sometimes, the bbs don't seem to behave normally, or what we think is normal, and I guess that worries me. </p> <p>Seen dead water roach the other night, in the walk in closet, so i think the spray is still effective. But I think we are going to live out of ziploc for quite many more months, just in case.... maybe a little extreme, but better that than to redo the whole process again. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58030 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:38:19 +0000 Nobugsonme 58030@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>I believe it started with Rick Cooper, an entomologist connected with Cooper Pest in New Jersey. The idea is that 55 days <strong>after the last sighting or bite</strong>, you're pretty safe taking stuff out and resuming normal life. That is, if you react. Many people don't and so IMO 55 days might not be enough time to actually<em> see</em> a bed bug.</p> <p>If you react instantly, then you might be safe resuming normal life sooner than 55 days, but it is important to realize <strong>you have NOT crossed the 40 day mark</strong>. You said you went 10 days without a bite. That is not a long time. It's a good sign, do not get me wrong -- obviously improvements are being made. But bed bug nymphs may be hatching and biting. I would give it at least a month <em>more</em> with no bites or sightings. Otherwise you risk maybe having to redo washing and bagging you may have carried out.</p> <p>If you get any more bites or see any bed bugs, you need additional treatments. </p> http://bedbugger.com/forum/topic/55-day-mark#post-58026 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:26:25 +0000 bbfiend 58026@http://bedbugger.com/forum/ <p>how did the 55-day mark come about? why 55 days? (so far, we've hit right under 40 days..) but am very curious. I'm super allergic, so react instantaneous, no half-hour lag, nor 1 hour-lag nor 1-day lag, etc. </p> <p>Right now, since the last bite, it's been 10 days.. (still counting...).</p> <p>Does anyone know why - about the 55-day mark, that is??</p> <p>Thanks. </p>