Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Introductions
Are these bed bugs
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 7:47:02
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Hi Everyone,
I think I am experiencing a bed bug problem.I recently got back from a trip to Florida with some friends 6/25. Over the last week or so I have been waking up with random bites.I thought nothing of it till the number of bites went up alot. A co-worker told me to check for bedbugs which I did but found no traces of them. Just to be on the safe side I purchased bed bug specific covers for my mattress and box spring at Target. My bites started disappearing to some extent but I still have the occasional new one. In a fit of paranoia I purchased a hot shot bed bug spray at home depot and have been spraying the corners of my bed. This brings us to today and yesterday where I have come across the little guyshttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/IMG00011-20090721-0818.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/IMG00006-20090720-2256.jpg
Am I in trouble lol and should I be calling Killer Queen? I have a guy coming from Magic Exterminating for a consultation but it's no till Thursday.
Any help would be great
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Yes, they are.
The first is a just engorged nymph.
The seconds are nymphs that have started to digest their blood meal. -
spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 8:34:49
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I can't tell from those pics but a PCO should be able to ID them in person.
Jim
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 10:12:28
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EffeCi - 1 hour ago »
Yes, they are.
The first is a just engorged nymph.
The seconds are nymphs that have started to digest their blood meal.Damn man that sucks. If I covered the mattress and boxspring is there a chance that the larger ones are hidden inside and the eggs have been laid elsewhere. I have covered and sprayed everything and tossed tons of stuff out.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 10:15:45
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spideyjg - 1 hour ago »
I can't tell from those pics but a PCO should be able to ID them in person.
JimSorry about the pics Jim . I tried taking a photo with my digital camera but these things are so damn small. Seems the nymphs are more ballsy because i've caught these four in the morning.
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spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 10:33:48
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Not a problem about the pics. I suspected they were fed nymphs but couldn't be sure. EffeCi is an Entomologist and is the real expert.
Jim
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 15:17:29
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I covered both the matress and box spring. Is it possible the "parents " of the nymphs are locked in the mattress. It seems I never see bigger ones. I have been spray hot shot bed bug killer over the last few days till the exterminator comes. I also got a voicemail from Killerqueen who should have some answers as well. Thank you both for the confirmation.
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buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 16:07:22
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You shouldn't be spraying Hot Shot bed bug spray on your mattress or box spring.
For a contact kill, try 91% isopropyl alcohol. It will kill any bugs it comes into contact with.
Very few chemical pesticides are labeled for use on items of furniture that we sleep on because we're supposed to be spending 1/3 of our lives in contact with those items (mind you, I don't actually get to spend 8 hours a night sleeping most nights, but some people do.)
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Akuma
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Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 17:31:10
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buggyinsocal - 1 hour ago »
You shouldn't be spraying Hot Shot bed bug spray on your mattress or box spring.
For a contact kill, try 91% isopropyl alcohol. It will kill any bugs it comes into contact with.
Very few chemical pesticides are labeled for use on items of furniture that we sleep on because we're supposed to be spending 1/3 of our lives in contact with those items (mind you, I don't actually get to spend 8 hours a night sleeping most nights, but some people do.)Hey buggy,
Thanks for the alcohol tip. I would never have thought of that. As for the Hot Shot spray it is water based and safe for furniture as long as you let it dry. Trust me I was concerned about using it. I must admit I shot one of the bugs I am holding for the exterminator and it died on the spot. I am giving thought to picking up a better vacuum since mine sucks ( no pun intended). Any of you got any recommendation on a good vac to pick up. I was thinking the dyson slim. The thought I have to wait 2 more days for the exterminator is killing me. -
buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 17:40:39
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The other commonly available substance for contact kills is Murphy's Oil Soap. It's useful for wood items whose finishes could be damaged by the drying effects (or in the case of some plastics, the melting effects) of the alcohol.
Neither one has any residual properties, but they do kill on contact and are cheaper than most other things.
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 17:54:25
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Nice I actually some murphys in my cabinet. I may use that on my bed since it's an ikea malm bed made of wood. Is it strange to see small bugs since the covers are on the bed?buggyinsocal - 11 minutes ago »
The other commonly available substance for contact kills is Murphy's Oil Soap. It's useful for wood items whose finishes could be damaged by the drying effects (or in the case of some plastics, the melting effects) of the alcohol.
Neither one has any residual properties, but they do kill on contact and are cheaper than most other things. -
buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 19:21:55
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Is it strange to see small bugs since the covers are on the bed?
Not necessarily.
Bed bugs are so called because they often attack humans while we're in our beds, and if the bed is relatively undisturbed, they will also harbor there. But they do not harbor exclusively in beds. We've heard stories of them harboring in furniture near a bed, behind the baseboards on walls near beds, and/or in fabric items on or near beds. For example, I found bed bug eggs on the curtains that touched my bed.
Even if you get high quality encasements to trap any bed bugs inside your mattress or box spring in there, and you keep those encasements free from tears and rips, unless every single bug and egg is inside those encasements, you'll have bugs coming to feed on you from wherever they are hiding.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 21:00:21
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Since I still have them what should I do about the comforter I washed . How am I going to sleep in they are still out there? It sucks my exterminator can't come sooner
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cilecto
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Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 516
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 21:22:16
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Akuma - 3 hours ago »
buggyinsocal - 1 hour ago » Any of you got any recommendation on a good vac to pick up. I was thinking the dyson slim.
Eureka "Mity Mite" canister. Small, simple, powerful, cheap ($60-80 USD) and easy to find. Uses bags. No biggie if you ruin it or need to toss it. Comes with optional snap-on HEPA.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 21:29:20
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cilecto - 6 minutes ago »
Akuma - 3 hours ago »
buggyinsocal - 1 hour ago » Any of you got any recommendation on a good vac to pick up. I was thinking the dyson slim.
Eureka "Mity Mite" canister. Small, simple, powerful, cheap ($60-80 USD) and easy to find. Uses bags. No biggie if you ruin it or need to toss it. Comes with optional snap-on HEPA.
Thanks Cilecto I will check this out
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cilecto
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Posted 4 months ago
Tue Jul 21 2009 21:47:47
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Note, the HEPA is irrelevant to your BB battle (AFAIK). Just a feature that some people want.
It's natural to feel "icked" and violated by BBs. You've already taken some steps to try and assert control, hopefully, that will make you feel a bit more "empowered". Try to find something to comfort and distract you, be it a light on, music or the fresh smell of your comforter. If there were any bugs in it, your laundering just reduced your bug population. If you get treated, you might need to wash it again, or not. (BTW, skipping the wash and going direct to the dryer is also effective). When you see your PCO, ask about what "interim" steps s/he allows. (Example: one NYC PCO expects the customer to spray Steri-Fab and Bedlam before and after treatment. Other PCOs insist on customer applying nothing.) If the bites are bothering you, you can treat with a topical. Other than the bites themselves, BBs are "not known to transmit disease". You'll live. Hopefully in a few months, you'll be reassuring some newbite in the middle of the night.
Good night, sleep tight, we'll leave it at that.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 1:29:25
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cilecto - 3 hours ago »
Note, the HEPA is irrelevant to your BB battle (AFAIK). Just a feature that some people want.
It's natural to feel "icked" and violated by BBs. You've already taken some steps to try and assert control, hopefully, that will make you feel a bit more "empowered". Try to find something to comfort and distract you, be it a light on, music or the fresh smell of your comforter. If there were any bugs in it, your laundering just reduced your bug population. If you get treated, you might need to wash it again, or not. (BTW, skipping the wash and going direct to the dryer is also effective). When you see your PCO, ask about what "interim" steps s/he allows. (Example: one NYC PCO expects the customer to spray Steri-Fab and Bedlam before and after treatment. Other PCOs insist on customer applying nothing.) If the bites are bothering you, you can treat with a topical. Other than the bites themselves, BBs are "not known to transmit disease". You'll live. Hopefully in a few months, you'll be reassuring some newbite in the middle of the night.
Good night, sleep tight, we'll leave it at that.I have been trying that quite a bit. I went to my girlfriends house and covered her mattress and box spring because she was showing bites. I am thinking she got them at my house but better to be safe than sorry.I think when I sell my home I won't be taking any of this furniture with me lol
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 10:47:58
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Just an update for you folks.
Took some time last night and disassembled my bed and sprayed it down. I tried a little of the ortho in some of the corners of my room. Thus far I didn't notice any new bites. I know people on here have mixed feelings on the Ortho but I did it as an experiment and it worked. My exterminator is coming tomorrow at 8am to start the killing process. I hope that it goes well. I know I will have to make him come back every 2 weeks for a few months .How many months do people repeat service for ? Depending on cost i'll try and do it till September. -
buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 11:25:01
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I can't speak for anyone on the boards but me, and nobody who's read my posts has any illusions about the fact that on the scale of "Environmentalists and granola types are unduly alarmist about the dangers of pesticides" to the "The chemical companies are lying to us about how dangerous chemical pesticides are and any exposure at all is terrible" scale, I'm closer to the latter end than the former. (Although, for the record, I should note that while I prefer to limit my exposure to pesticides, I'm not 100% against pesticides. Our property is regularly sprayed with chemical pesticides for ants. My experience with bed bugs has made me a convert to the idea that we should be developing more chemical pesticides that are effective against bed bugs, esp. those that are showing resistance to chemical pesticides.)
My point is this: I don't think that anyone here objects to people who do a lot of research, take the proper safety precautions, use chemicals in accordance with their labels, and if they also work with a PCO, clearly communicate to the PCO exactly what self-treatment steps have been taken prior to allowing a PCO to treat.
I have no objection in the world or even any mixed feelings about you using a pesticide that is available to consumers in accordance with the directions on the label.
Do be sure to tell the PCO upon his or her arrival tomorrow that you used the Ortho and where it was placed. I would, personally, have the bottle handy so that the PCO could see what chemicals are in it.
As a whole, the stories we've seen from people here tell us that more often than not, people who self-treat are not successful in the long term. We also know that many people who attempt to self-treat do unsafe things. Some of those unsafe things (setting off a lot of bug bombs and causing an explosion which is a rare but very real possibility) are immediately obvious. Some may have negative health consequences that people won't see the results of for decades because they are part of a cumulative effect.
As long as people go into self-treatment fully aware of the risks, take reasonable precautions to use chemical pesticides in accordance with their labels (that is, avoid off-label use), follow basic safety procedures, and really believe that self-treatment has a pretty good chance of not working so that they fully understand that PCO treatments may be needed in the end and the bed bug infestation may be harder to eliminate, I don't think you're going to get grief from anyone here.
I would ask the PCO upon arrival tomorrow the following questions:
1. Exactly how many treatments does he or she think you will need. (Don't ask this question until after the PCO has had an opportunity to inspect your place, as the PCO probably won't know until assessing the state of the current infestation.
2. How frequent will follow up visits be, and how are they scheduled? That is to say, if you're treated tomorrow, does the company automatically set up the first follow up or must you call. And if you must call, how far in advance should you call?
3. If your treatment comes with any sort of guarantee, what proof will the company require to retreat? As we know, finding the bugs themselves can be a challenge, so if you have signs like fecal traces and bites after treatment, will those be enough?
4. If possible, ask for a list of chemicals that may be used during treatment. Law requires that at the time of treatment, the PCO provide them to you, but I'm betting you'd be a lot happier if you could research what the PCO is doing before treatment day.
5. Always, always, always be sure to ask the PCO what specifically you can do to support treatment and what you absolutely should avoid doing to make sure your treatment is as effective as possible. Good PCOs will leap at the chance to work with an informed client who is anxious to be as helpful as possible. On the other hand, like any pro, people who treat bed bugs may assume that things like not steaming where chemicals have been laid down is an obvious no no, but bed bug sufferers tend toward overkill to get rid of them ASAP. Good communication with your PCO and taking the opportunity to have a pro educate you in a really hands on way (showing you where the bug harbored and what the eggs and early stage nymphs look like) really helps make the process go smoothly and helps you reduce risks of reinfestation in the future.
So, to sum up: when the PCO gets there, ask good questions. And be sure to mention what chemicals and non-chemical approaches you've applied or taken and where.
Best of luck to you. Please do keep us updated about how things go. I love to hear a good success story.
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spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 14:47:10
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+1 on everything buggy wrote. People hear Product X works and they go nuts hosing their whole dwelling with it.
You read enough around here about the success stories and you will see that in many cases it was a multifaceted, methodical approach and not just a spraying of Product X that did the trick.
Read the label, apply properly where it allows , and take safety precautions.
The dust up with the Ortho is in the frequency of application and the Canadian mixture allows for many location to be treated that the USA mixture does not.
Jim
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 14:52:03
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I am in agreement with you both 100%. I put the ortho on the bed slats of my Ikea bed under the boxspring so I don't come in contact with that. I also did a perimeter spray around my bed,desk and wall unit and of course and hidden cracks. I only did it last night and had not intention of doing it today. Since I am selling my home anyway I have been tossing most of the furniture anyway so I might as well do it now.
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 14:54:39
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Edit
I am in agreement with you both 100%. I put the ortho on the bed slats of my Ikea bed under the boxspring so I don't come in contact with that. I also did a perimeter spray around my bed,desk and wall unit and of course small hidden cracks. I only did it last night and had no intention of doing it today. Since I am selling my home anyway I have been tossing most of the furniture so I might as well do it now and only keep essential furniture. The exterminator did mention that I caught it early so it's terrible but not super terrible if that makes sense.Thank you all for the tips and kid words. Might try and pick up a dyson slim I saw on clearance to keep on top of the vacuuming.
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Hi,
Is it possible to repost the first image at a higher resolution.
I have a feeling that there is enough detail in the original file size for an accurate diagnosis but when I zoom in it gets too pixilated for me to tell.
If you cant post it memo me and I will give you an email address to send it to me.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Wed Jul 22 2009 23:46:52
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As excited as I am about the PCO coming tomorrow I just found some real disturbing shit. Any of you that have read my thread sees that my problem seems to be localized. Well boy was I wrong ..... On a whim I decided to have my brother check my sisters room. Seems years ago my mom decided to put a board between the matress and the box spring. To my brother surprise there were full grown BB's there. He tossed the board out and sprayed the bed. Not a moment too soon I might add. When I got home I examined the board and saw dead bb's as well as eggs. I will be putting up photos shortly. I will be tossing the board in the garbage friday night. I will discuss how to handle my sister's bed since it's a captain bed made of wood. I am considering tossing it. I thought they were just in my room but it's slowly spreading to the lower floor. I am trying my hardest to make sure they don't make it down to where my autistic sister is as she won't be able to tell me if she has bites...... I really wanna burn my house down lol
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spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:24:58
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Sorry to hear that but you have proof for the PCO and can start to take action.
FWIW captains beds can have so many harborage sites tossing it may be a good idea. I saw one in a furniture store made of OSB boards, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriented_Strand_Board, and got the shivers just thinking about the millions of spots BBs could inhabit in that stuff.
If ground zero is an easily replaced, no sentimental value item, tossing it can wipe a significant population out. Something to consider but destroy the item ouside so no one will take it.
You have to take serious precaution to move it though to avoid dropoffs.
Jim
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:26:19
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Here is the album
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/ -
spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:28:14
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Can't get there. It says it is a private album.
Jim
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:30:02
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Yea man it sucks alot man. Being that both my sisters are handicap I was hoping only I had them but obviously this is getting more serious by the day. Any tips of disposing of that captain bed? I was concerned when I heard my brother tossed the board since he did it with wraping it in plastic or something. Since my house has been on the market for a while now I may just toss most of the furniture. My bed is an Ikea Malm bed and has been easy to treat. I may get her a metal bed to avoid any nooks and crannies.spideyjg - 2 minutes ago »
Sorry to hear that but you have proof for the PCO and can start to take action.
FWIW captains beds can have so many harborage sites tossing it may be a good idea. I saw one in a furniture store made of OSB boards, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriented_Strand_Board, and got the shivers just thinking about the millions of spots BBs could inhabit in that stuff.
If ground zero is an easily replaced, no sentimental value item, tossing it can wipe a significant population out. Something to consider but destroy the item ouside so no one will take it.
You have to take serious precaution to move it though to avoid dropoffs.
Jim -
Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:43:27
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spideyjg
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 0:56:41
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Can you put a link to just the board pics? It appears to prove my hypothesis about particle board infestations. I just can't stop the slide show to zoom in.
Jim
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 1:00:30
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spideyjg - 2 minutes ago »
Can you put a link to just the board pics? It appears to prove my hypothesis about particle board infestations. I just can't stop the slide show to zoom in.
JimHere ya go
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/IMG00015-20090722-1820.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/IMG00014-20090722-1819-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/IMG00014-20090722-1819.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/IMG00013-20090722-1819.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/akuma25/Bed%20Bug%20Nightmare/IMG00011-20090721-0818-2.jpg
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 9:54:27
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PCO just left a little while ago. He will return in two weeks. He used the following stuff
Gentrol
ExciteR
Suspend SCHe did liquid first through most of my house and did powder and some aerosol. Mopping up with murphy's oil soap on the lower floors.He told me not to put the covers back on the mattress and box spring but I did just to be safe not to mention that I paid 35 bucks for them so they will be used.Now it's the waiting game and dropping tons of laundry off.
Still debating tossing my sister's captain bed. What do you guys think?
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buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 10:09:55
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If your PCO told you not to put the covers on the bed, I would take his advice. Bed encasements are controversial to start out with since they basically trap bed bugs inside them. Since we know the bugs live for up to 18 months when cut off from food, once an encasement is on a bed, you're stuck leaving it on and preventing it from tearing or its zipper from letter any out for 18 months. Especially with the less expensive ones (And $35 is on the less expensive side as encasements go), the chances of getting a tear are great.
If the PCO told you to leave them off, he's operating under the "lure all the bugs out and kill them" approach to treating bed bugs. And putting encasements on will make his treatment less effective.
(Also, you did ask him about mopping the floors with Murphy's, right? I ask only because some cleaning methods like mopping floors and steaming things can make the chemicals put down less effective.).
If you need the encasements to sleep, leave 'em on for a few days and give the products a chance to work. But know that if you leave them on until the next visit, it may take longer to get rid of the problem.
If you don't think you'll be able to sleep at all without them, call the PCO and tell him or her that and propose that you guys find another solution.
There was someone on the boards a while back who wanted to encase the siblings' beds because she or he thought the siblings had bed bugs and didn't react and wouldn't report them. I remember thinking that those are the last people you want with encasements, because they're also the least likely to show bite signs when the encasements rip.
Encasements, in my opinion, are useful as a preventative measure once you've cleared your infestation or if you travel a lot, and you can afford ones that won't rip easily, and they're the ones rated for bed bugs with the appropriate zipper protocols, and you're inspecting your bed regularly because they make it harder for the bugs to set up shop in the mattress/box spring themselves.
But I would never be able to sleep on a bed that I knew had bed bugs inside the encasement that a tiny little rip could set free for as long as 18 months. (In addition, I have a cat, so even with her claws clipped or capped with Soft Paws, there's a good chance that she'll rip it when I'm not looking, as opposed to me tearing it while moving the mattress).
Glad to hear the PCO has been by, and I don't say the above to alarm you (so I hope it doesn't too much), but since fighting bed bugs is so complicated, there are things that people wouldn't think would affect how effective a treatment is that actually do, and I figured it was better to mention it now rather than later.
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 10:28:40
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You know buggy you are right. What I did was call the exterminator and check and he told me to not put the covers on. You were right! I had to run downstairs and tell my brother to stop mopping since he advised not to mop till next week.I hope the little mopping he did do doesn't affect anything. I have decided to toss my sister's captain bed on Friday just to be safe. i'll buy here one of these over the weekend .
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 10:41:32
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I'll go to work now and take the covers off tonight before bed. Let's hope for the best lol
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buggyinsocal
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 12:50:22
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Probably a little bit of mopping isn't going to make a big difference. The residual chemicals are placed in more than one spot. But I distinctly remember finding out that steam reduces the effectiveness of the chemicals when someone posted about steaming after the PCO visit only to have PCOs here tell that person not to steam or mop, and I was like--huh, wow. Makes sense, but I *never* would have thought of that on my own.
And, really, having the mattress in encasements even overnight probably won't make much difference, but long term, it would affect treatment.
I'm glad that you called your PCO and that your PCO was so willing to explain stuff post-treatment over the phone. That's a really good sign that your PCO knows his or her stuff.
(Also, further proof that I shouldn't post before breakfast. My original post was supposed to read "letting them out" not "letter." Proof that, in fact, we all make careless grammar/typing errors from time to time, like I said. Sheesh.)
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Akuma
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 14:13:17
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Yea just to get a good nights sleep tonight i'll leave them on for sure lol. Didn't feel comfortable sleeping with out them. Like I said my sister is getting a new bed tomorrow. The ikea bed for her has tubular legs so I can use those cups for the legs. My brother will need a new mattress and box spring as per the PCO. He will be back in 2 weeks to do a follow up and spray at which time most of the wood furniture will be gone giving him more room to work
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cilecto
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Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 16:09:00
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spideyjg - 15 hours ago »
If ground zero is an easily replaced, no sentimental value item, tossing it can wipe a significant population out. Something to consider but destroy the item ouside so no one will take it.
You have to take serious precaution to move it though to avoid dropoffs.
JimCould s/he perhaps paint the wood, thereby sealing the existing eggs inside?
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cilecto
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Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 516
Posted 4 months ago
Thu Jul 23 2009 16:10:45
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spideyjg - 15 hours ago »
Can you put a link to just the board pics? It appears to prove my hypothesis about particle board infestations. I just can't stop the slide show to zoom in.
JimRemember that troll who blamed liberals? How about blaming that pseudo-Swedish funiture chain???
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Fri Jul 24 2009 1:05:02
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cilecto - 8 hours ago »
spideyjg - 15 hours ago »
If ground zero is an easily replaced, no sentimental value item, tossing it can wipe a significant population out. Something to consider but destroy the item ouside so no one will take it.
You have to take serious precaution to move it though to avoid dropoffs.
JimCould s/he perhaps paint the wood, thereby sealing the existing eggs inside?
That board was done and couldnt be saved.It's 2 am and I am so hesitant to lay down. lol. I plan on taking the covers off tomorrow night and trying to sleep normally. Tossing the captain bed tomorrow night and heading to Ikea to get my sister a metal bed. Will also try and get the interceptor cups for the legs of the new bed. May toss the box spring too and just use the Ikea slats. We'll see
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Akuma
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Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Fri Jul 24 2009 7:23:47
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Finally passed out at 3am. 1st night bite free.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 4 months ago
Fri Jul 24 2009 14:53:18
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Do any new yorkers in Queens or Long Island know where I can get the dissolving laundry bags?I was thinking standard pest might have them but I'm not sure. Wanted to pick them up so I could start washing more clothes this weekend. I could order from Amazon of course but instant gratification is the name of the game.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 3 months ago
Sat Jul 25 2009 10:27:34
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3rd day bite free thus far. I spent last night trashing my sister's captain bed and her box spring. Picked up a metal bed from ikea and sealed the slats with duct tape. Even the PCO told me not to keep the covers on my mattress and box spring since they were sprayed. My hesitation to remove them is at an all time high but I will take the plunge on Monday night and see what happens that week. I am tossing most of the wood furniture outside for the garbage over the next few days. I'm still looking for the dissolving laundry bags in Queens or LI so any help would be great.I'll update over the next few days
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buggyinsocal
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Joined: Jun '08
Posts: 1,130
Posted 3 months ago
Sat Jul 25 2009 10:50:41
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I know the thought of taking the covers off when you're finally getting some sleep is hard, but just keep reminding yourself that the longer you leave them on, the longer you're sleeping on top of bugs, and the greater the chance that you won't kill them all while the PCO is still treating you.
I was so afraid of the bugs that I left my non thermally treated items out of the house until well after my warranty had expired, and then, months after I'd been bed bug free, I had to go through a whole other round of anxiety. It was actually way worse that time around than the first time because the thought of having to start all over again (and pay for it again)was crazy making.
Generally, when I have to do something scary or awful, reminding myself of the positive outcomes if I do do that thing helps me a lot.
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Akuma
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Posts: 33
Posted 3 months ago
Sun Jul 26 2009 2:19:39
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buggyinsocal - 15 hours ago »
I know the thought of taking the covers off when you're finally getting some sleep is hard, but just keep reminding yourself that the longer you leave them on, the longer you're sleeping on top of bugs, and the greater the chance that you won't kill them all while the PCO is still treating you.
I was so afraid of the bugs that I left my non thermally treated items out of the house until well after my warranty had expired, and then, months after I'd been bed bug free, I had to go through a whole other round of anxiety. It was actually way worse that time around than the first time because the thought of having to start all over again (and pay for it again)was crazy making.
Generally, when I have to do something scary or awful, reminding myself of the positive outcomes if I do do that thing helps me a lot.Yea this shit is getting old. I am so done with zip locking stuff. The covers will come off Monday without fail. I got rid of some wood furniture today. The metal 3 shelf units from Target have been a good buy. Gonna toss a few more things just to be safe from my bedroom the way I see it it will stuff I would have tossed once my house sold. Got 2 bites showing which may be mosquito related. Got a Eureka vacuum today as well to assist in my cleaning efforts
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 3 months ago
Mon Jul 27 2009 8:14:49
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Made it through bite free this weekend. Taking the protective covers off tonight. Have done a ton of vacuuming continue to toss some wood furniture. Will be tossing my brother's mattress and box spring out this week since the PCO said "they are beyond saving" which I agree with since I've told him for the past year to toss it. We have decided to get him an air mattress till the sale of my home is complete, Wish me luck sleeping without the covers lol
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 3 months ago
Wed Jul 29 2009 0:52:48
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Approaching a week bite free.
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Akuma
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 33
Posted 3 months ago
Fri Jul 31 2009 0:53:13
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Bite free thus far. Found a dead one under my desk. Looks like he been dead for awhile.Still tossing wood furniture. Becoming easier to sleep
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My sleep is improving and I continue to toss stuff out every week. Got my brother a metal futon and my sister a metal bed from Ikea. We have all been bite free thus far. I think the PCO will be coming by for a spray next week and i'll have him come by every 2 weeks after that. I still get the weird feeling something is crawling on me but that's just getting over the bugs. I may go to Standard Pest and pick up some Bedlam and Steri fab. Has anyone used Pestmall.com to get stuff? I want to try them but wasn't sure if they were good.
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