climb up interceptors-can I move forward? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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climb up interceptors-can I move forward?

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freakout

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jan 13 2012 14:42:54
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I am hoping I'm on my merry way to being bug free but I'm too paranoid to assume I am. I suppose that's best as it will keep me alert over the next few months. I have been experiencing a few stragglers since my first 2 treatments. After two month, seeing only 4 stragglers over those two months, I got a third treatment. I feel good about it. I also got a new 4 legged all metal platform bed and climb up interceptors. This weekend I will have them in place. Is there anything else I can do for my bedding situation so I can sleep well? I have been using just a little blanket, a sheet and encased pillows/mattress. With my new set up, is there any reason why I should hold off from putting the rest of my bedding together? (comforter, more pillows etc.). I'm dying for a normal bed again!!!
P Bello

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jan 13 2012 15:25:30
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Dear freakout,

Congrats, it sounds like you're well on your way to success !

I don't see a problem with you going ahead and using your full compliment of bedding garments as long as they do not reach the floor and render your climb ups inefective because they've provided a bridge for BBs.

This said, once installed we need to remember that climb ups do need to be maintained. We need to assure that they remain clean and there is a small amount of talc present as per the manufacturer's directions.

Now, if additional months go by where you have no incidence of BBs but you remain "freaked-out" we're gonna have to talk about either extreme therapy or the scheduling a head transplant.

Hope this helps and you've beaten these critters once and for all ! ! ! paul b.
freakout

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jan 13 2012 15:47:02
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LOL! I have made it this long only half losing my head, holding on with all my strength to the other half. ... It's a war out there and I'm gonna win even if I go crazy in the process!!!
NeverSurrender

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jan 15 2012 3:44:49
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freakout - 1 day ago »
I also got a new 4 legged all metal platform bed and climb up interceptors. This weekend I will have them in place.

Can you mention the metal platform bed you purchased and your opinion? I'm in need of one myself. Thanks.
P Bello

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jan 15 2012 9:46:47
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PLATFORM BED Suggestion:

Unless you have a bunch of money saved up to spend on bed bug remediation, let's save money as best we can rather than having to throw a bunch of stuff out and/or purchase new furniture too.

It may be possible to use BB blockers with your current platform bed as has been done in the past by others.

To do so requires the placement of a suitable "spacer device" placed strategically beneath the platform to lift it off the floor.

If you're really handy and have the tools & know how you can create/fashion such spacers from wood or you might purchase a suitable object/item that would serve this purpose.

In my hockey league players are awarded engraved "glass pucks" which in my view would be ideal for this purpose. However, my guess is that these pux would be difficult to find on short notice. However, you get the idea of what sort of thing we're looking for, right? ( just say yes)

Some suggested spaccer type items:

> PVC pipe end cap - cheap and may be BB climb proof too

> Glass or heavy plastic ash trey - if you can still find these perhaps at a dollar store or your local favorite eatery

> Steel pipe end cap

> PVC pipe cut to fit - probably the cheapest option in total but requires the pipe purchased be cut. (some supply shops will cut it to your desired length either as a courtesy or for a slight charge)

Hope this helps ! paul b.
NeverSurrender

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jan 15 2012 12:01:47
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That's my second "Thank You" today to you Paul. Great ideas.

I guess I'll have to look around Home Depot to see if I can find something that will work but will ALSO allow me to use interceptors.
buggyinsocal

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jan 15 2012 13:31:22
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For what it's worth, post bed-bugs, I made some permanent changes when it came to bedding.

I switched from a down comforter, which I'd always regarded as somehow better, to a synthetic down alternative comforter. The new one is just as comfortable as the down, but it can be washed. After bed bugs, I just couldn't imagine spending a lot of money on a comforter I couldn't wash. I'm not sure if I hadn't had bed bugs if I'd've been willing to give a down alternative a try, but I'm very happy with it. I mention this because it took me months after the bed bug infestation was gone to feel truly confident that the bugs were gone, and that anxiety was frustrating, but it did lead me to make some changes that have served me well in the long run. All my bedding can now be washed and dried; that fact means that it's easier to regularly fully inspect my bed. I cannot imagine, now, having a down comforter (as much for my allergies as for bed bug dissuasion.)

(Luckily? my bed bug infestation happened in the summer, and I live in a very warm climate, so I didn't actually need a comforter for months after the bed bugs. In a colder climate, that may be less of an option. I think I would've had to make a decision sooner if it hadn't been so warm for so long that year.)

I mention this because I vividly remember that post bed bugs, a lot of my anxiety was based around buying new stuff to replace the stuff the bed bugs had trashed--after having had to spend so very much money on prepping before treatment and treating the infestation. The thought of buying new stuff and then having to trash it again was heartbreaking and stressful.

But one thing to consider is to think about what you really do need to replace--and how to replace it with new items that would be much easier to treat post bed bugs. I used to own only dark-colored sheets because I like how they look better, but while I've finally gone to a dark colored blanket, all my sheets remain light-colored. I just can't bring myself to go back on that front.

In other words, I understand being hesitant to pull the trigger on buying new stuff. The best advice I can give you is that when you buy new things, try to buy new things that will be easier to inspect and treat in the event that you have another scare at any time in the future. If you do that, even if you have a scare, you won't have to trash it all over again, and reminding yourself of that might make the decisions a little bit easier.

Hope that helps.
P Bello

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jan 15 2012 14:51:13
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Thanks but, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.

Those pipe caps would be good and, if you're very careful perhaps even a robust shot glass would work too.

Remember, you need to raise the frame high enough to clear the top edge of your blocker device if that is what you're using while also maintaining a stable base for your bed.

No horse-play and jumping around on the bed if your spacers are not stable enough to take it ! ! !

pb