Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
3rd world travel dealing with BB
(3 posts)-
bohorev
newbite
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 4
Posted 3 months ago
Sat Jul 18 2009 15:51:12
#
Login to Send PM
I stayed in a hotel with bedbugs in Belize. I don't know that I have them, but it is likely. I want to get rid of them so I don't spread them around, if I have them. I have washed everything and dried everything that I can, but my access to what I need is limited. Can you give me some suggestions about the following issues:
1.) It is hard to get a hot water wash here, and the "hot" is probably not hot enough. Is it enough to dry everything?
2.) What do I do about my books? I have several with me that I need.
3.) What can I do with hard objects -- like soap bottles. I have thrown away just about everything, but some things I need. Also, if they come back, it is going to be expensive to keep throwing away and re-buying basics. Can I just scrub them with a stiff brush in the shower?
4.) Can I cook things in an oven? I may be able to get a unit with a kitchen somewhere so that I can cook things. Does that work?
5.) What can I do to prevent spreading these while I travel? I feel awful about it, because these are nasty. But I am here for 10 more days.
-
Washing in cold water will work too .... Hot is better, but soapy water is usually lethal .... Do you have access to electric clothes dryers?
For the books, isolate them with garbage bags or ziplock bags .... you may be able to obtain mothballs locally for a 4-7 day treatment in a bag.... Keep in mind the odor will linger .... Avoid prolonged exposure to the fumes .... After you return, you can obtain a DDVP strip (No Pest Strips) & treat the books with the luggage in a garbage bag or chamber.
Hard objects like a soap bottle do not offer an attractive harborage for bed bugs.... Washing hard objects carefully should be more than sufficient... Re-provisioning of your basic items can be avoided with a careful inspection.
I understand the "it's best to be sure philosophy" (and don't always disagree), but in a situation where your resources are limited ... a careful visual inspection can go a long way....
The key issue is to isolate any items that you are concerned about and isolate all of your luggage before you return to your home to avoid bringing any hitchhikers into your residence.
You can have a K9 team screen your luggage or process your luggage very carefully & treat the contents proactively when you return home.
Clear plastic pallet wrap or garbage bag your luggage in a box to minimize any spread via your luggage while traveling.
Ovens are tricky... it is hard to maintain 120 -140 degrees F .... heat damage & fire risk are a concern ....
Maybe an improvised solar oven would work ... like a closed metal container left in the sun on a beach ... while you sip a tasty drink in the shade :)
Good luck
-
bohorev
newbite
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 4
Posted 3 months ago
Sat Jul 18 2009 23:29:34
#
Login to Send PM
Thanks. Good advice and I really appreciate how quickly you responded. I will look for a metal box. I am off to the rain forest next so I should be able to cook them while I repose. I have two other questions I thought of --
1.) Has anyone tried using a microwave oven to kill them? I could use it on the books and things without metal. Any knowledge on how long to cook them that way? It should kill them really fast...or make radioactive mutant bed bugs with super powers, on the other hand.
2.) Any issue with eggs sticking to humans, even briefly? As I am handling my stuff, I wonder if I am getting the eggs on my hands and spreading them around. Do the eggs get into our hair if they contact it (like through a hat). I imagine a good hand scrubbing/hair wash takes care of it, but want to check. Bit of OCD paranoia here, but that comes with the gross factor of this.
Thanks again.
Reply
You must log in to post.
