Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » General Topics
First Steps. Now What?? Help! Also, cat question...
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Sad Newbie
newbite
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 18offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jun 19 2011 22:13:02
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Hello All,
I am, unfortunately, new to this site and looking for some advice/solace/help. Here's my story:
I live in a small studio apartment and my boyfriend and I were getting bites for a few nights, but weren't sure what they were, considering we had been around a lot of mosquitoes recently (he was definitely getting bitten more than me). Then, yesterday morning, we found what looks like an adult BB underneath the mattress, in between the mattress cover and encasement. I spoke with the landlord and the super came and sprayed JT Eaton all over the bottom of the bed frame and bottom of boxspring (both the mattress and boxspring have encasements). Then, he sprayed the room, mostly in the corner where the bed is.
We laundered all of the bedding with very hot water and extra long in the dryer on high. We also washed in the same manner all the clothes in the sleeping room from my bureau (so nothing yet from the bedroom closet). Last night, we also wiped all the furniture down with Murphy's Oil Soap (undiluted) and on the floor in front of the door leading to the rest of the apartment and the closet doors. We were afraid to wipe the whole bedroom floor so the poison could do it's poison thing. We slept last night with no bites (we think), and got up at 4am with a flashlight to see if they were there. There were none under the mattress, neither then nor in the morning when we woke up.
So......that's where I am now. I feel a bit helpless and unsure of what to do next. Pretty sure the landlord, while he is a very sweet man, will try to not call a proper PCO and say that the super did a through enough job. Calling him tomorrow to see what he says. The BF is now out of town and will be for a few months. Not to sound lazy, but I am terrified of the work ahead.
My questions are:
1. I also have a cat that is currently at a friend's, but I need to pick her up either tonight or in the morning. Will she be safe with the chemicals (JT Eaton spray)? My super might help me put plastic underneath the bed and couch, but I'm wondered about her crawling under the bed (which she loves to do), and then licking herself and ingesting it. Help?
2. I bet everyone asks, " Could I only have one bed bug?!?" So, I hate to follow in everyone's footsteps, but.....could i only have one bed bug!?!!?? I know that this is probably not true. Sigh.
3. So, what should I do next to get rid of them?
Thanks so much in advance. This is a great place and I feel so appreciative that it's here!
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Sad Newbie
newbite
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 18offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jun 19 2011 22:15:04
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I also forgot to mention that we checked the encasement and bedding for any blood or fecal matter, and found none.
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newbite
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 12offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jun 19 2011 22:25:17
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You have to inform whoever is treating your unit that you have a cat. Typically, it is alright as long as the cat is not present during the treatment or for a few hours after.
Give your cat a bath every other day (I know... cats + water == blood) to be sure.
Chances are that if you have BB, you have more than one. I just started a passive monitor system. Perhaps you should give that a go.
Your super should not be treating your place. In fact, not involving a PCO to identify and confirm infestation and suggest treatment method may be violating the law in the state you live in.
If you see another bug, catch it on scotch tape and an index card for future identification.
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Sad Newbie
newbite
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 18offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Jun 22 2011 17:03:15
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Thank you rjs!
So, here is my update and some questions:
I finally got my landlord to call a PCO (took some time for him to actually do it, but it's done!) and they have sent me a sheet with instructions. Everything seems normal to me; does it to you? Here is the list:
Steps to take to help eliminate bedbug infestation:
1. Mattress and box spring; we highly recommend discarding both, if HEAVILY INFESTED
2. Vacuum mattresses and box springs thoroughly and wrap in air tight plastic
3. Wash all clothing in infested room in boiling water; machine dry at hottest setting possible; once clean, wrap in plastic and keep out of infested area.
4. Do not return sanitized items to room until after infestation is gone
5. Vacuum all cracks and crevices, carpets, drapes, and curtains
6. Dismantle bed frames, pick up area rugs, open up any items (clocks, etc) in the vicinity of the bed, for vacuuming and insecticide treatment
7. Empty and vacuum all furniture, including inside dresser drawers; wash thoroughly with hot water and ammonia.
8. Wash floors with hot water and ammonia; vacuum carpets repeatedly – throwing out bag frequently. Carpet cleaning is also recommended.
9. Close up all cracks and crevices; gaps between floor boards, floor and wall moldings
10. Children 2 years old and under should not sleep in treated areas for 48 hours.
11. After areas are treated you should leave apartment for 2 hours
DO NOT WASH FLOORS FOR 21 DAYS!!!
I told them that I already have encasements, a cat, and a BB in a container. Also, that my super sprayed. She had never heard of JT Eaton, which I thought was strange, and said that it obviously was ineffective since he sprayed 5 days ago and I am still getting dined on. She also said that I probably shouldn't have my cat around for 21 days
So, I guess my questions are:
A. Does the list and all of her responses seem appropriate?
B. I'm thinking of buying a steamer to work on the furniture. I have an antique loveseat and chair that are upholstered. Is that the best way to deal with them? Is there another way? Couldn't find much on treating upholstered furniture.....
Thanks in advance.
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Sad Newbie
newbite
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 18offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Jun 22 2011 17:38:11
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Also, I am living in a very small studio apartment. There is a small entryway, a bathroom, small kitchen, and then main room (which is the living room and bedroom space). The PCO said that they would only spray in the main room. Is that right?
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