Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » General Topics
Are they back?
(3 posts)-
Scaredsillie
newbite
Joined: May '11
Posts: 3offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed May 25 2011 12:01:11
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Hi everyone,
I'm trying really hard not to panic. Really, really hard. And I appologize if this is really long.
Last December my appartment got bedbugs. The neighbours were heavily infested, and shared, unfortunately. I seemed to get rid of them once, and then months later they returned.
By the second time (around last September), I had once again heat treated all my clothing in the dryer, bagged it, had the unit sprayed again. I didn't seem to have a heavy infestation from what I was aware, but that didn't stop me from being paranoid.
I ended up taking my dog, very little clothing (which was once again heat treated), and staying with family for a few weeks in order to finally get some sleep. I only went back to pack belongings, as I had given notice to end my lease at the end of October. Every time I went to the unit, I bagged up my clean clothing and purse, and put it out on the balcony (to minimize risk of bringing the little buggers back to my family).
When I moved at the end of the month, all my furniture was disposed of, I once again heat treated all my clothing and shoes, my books were heated in the oven (not sure its safe, but I didnt want to lose them) for half an hour (and packed in a box lined with a garbage bag). I cleaned any items like shampoo bottles with rubbing alcohol, my computers were bagged for a few days with nopest strips, my guitar (which had been in a plastic bag since december for most the part), got blown out with an air compressor. The guitars gig bag was steamed. Actually, I did crazy amounts of steaming, and bought new furniture.
There were only a few things I didnt know what to do with... little collectables (hard and soft surfaces - like small teddy bears). They were placed in a garbage bag, in a box, in another bag... and stored in my parents shed.
Well, my mother decided she needed room in the shed and dropped that box off at my new place. I couldnt leave it on the balcony because of the weather.... so its been sitting in the corner in one room. I had to open it once to get a CD for my computer. I'm only mentioning this box because it wasn't really treated.
I've been here since mid-November. So, about half a year. A month or two ago, Id get the occasional red bump, like a pimple. And that's what I passed it of as. I still vacuum on a regular basis, and check the matress/couch. I swear, I've developed PTSD from this whole thing.
About a week ago, I started to get a lot of red spots all over my neck. Then my chest. They look like mini pimples almost. I've also found little black flecks on the sheets... but they can be picked up (fleece sheets, mind you). Some of these flecks when sprayed with water and rubbed, smudge brown. Ive found a few bigger flecks, which I added to water to find they bleed red. I've also found a few clear yellowish things... which Im wondering if they are skins(?) . Wish I could take a photo... but I don't think my camera quality is that good.
I'm not sure if the bugs are back. I dont know if the flecks are dirt from the dog sleeping in my bed, and the ones that bleed red, possible scabs from maybe the occasional breakout on my back (gross yes, and do sometimes bleed)
I havent seen any bedbugs. But what if they are nymphs? What if there were eggs on something like the box that was untreated, or things like Dvds? Im really freaked out... and not sure if the nightmare is back.
I'm also wondering... does it ever get better? Even if I don't have them again, I still lose sleep over the idea they could be there, and often worry about taking public transportation, or using our laundry room, etc. incase I get them.
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buggyinsocal
oldtimer
Joined: Jun '08
Posts: 2,440offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed May 25 2011 12:48:22
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Investing in passive monitors might be a good idea. The idea behind passive monitors is that they provide a spot on things like beds and couches that make an inviting home for any stray bed bugs that end up in your place. That makes it easier to detect and contain an early infestation.
I say that because it's clear that your anxiety level is pretty high, and monitors are something you can do to help you feel more convinced that bed bugs aren't in your place.
None of the possible signs you described sound bed bug related to me--although without inspection and/or photos no one can say anything with the kind of certainty you're hoping for.
I might also consider plug in flea traps and/or inspecting for carpet beetles.
It does get better. Eventually. It doesn't feel like it now, and depending on how prone to anxiety you are, it can take a long time, but it will eventually get better. Hang in there.
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Scaredsillie
newbite
Joined: May '11
Posts: 3offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed May 25 2011 13:50:21
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Hi Buggyinsocal,
Thanks for the fast response. I really do hope it's not the case. I'll have to look in to this carpet beetle thing - I'm assuming they don't just come to homes where there is carpet.
These plug in flea traps... are those the things that emit a non-audible high pitched sound to scare bugs away? And will passive monitors work, if there are lots of other places to hide? (I have furniture with lots of little screws, brackets, etc. When I had BBs at the other place, I noticed they liked to hide under the slats the hold the mattress. I haven't seen any bug poop on the bed frame though). I was going to get climb ups, and was thinking of dusting the inside of my bedframe with food grade DE (if that's safe).
I'm going to link to some photos I took with my cell phone of the black specks, and yellow skin-looking things. But the photos aren't great - so it probably won't help
Yellow-brown "things" (the one on the right is thin, about the size of a sesame seed, and red at the tip
Black things (wet and smudged on paper
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