Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » General Topics
Fumigation Plan Chances of Success
(18 posts)-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Nov 12 2011 20:04:39
#
Login to Send PM
Hello,
I am soon moving and planning to fumigate my car and belongings. I’ve treated all my Packtitables and have them stored in large Ziplocs, which are now inside either a large metal or plastic closed storage container. Treated books are in a large suitcase that was also packtited prior to being filled, and zips are sealed with a strong duct tape. The only additional items I am planning on taking, which haven’t been treated (but will be in the truck for Vikaning) are my gas grill, dvd player, sewing machine, laptop, paper shredder, printer, heater, and toiletries.
I will be renting a car for the days my stuff is Vikaned, and taking a duffel bag only with items I will need for that week—will also ask PCO to fumigate said bag (hope they do it).
Questions:
PRE:
1) Does this plan sound reasonably comprehensive or am I missing something?
2) The treated items in Ziplocs: should I buy cardboard boxes and transfer them into them, or does opening all Ziplocs and containers prior to treatment suffice?
3) They told me no food/medication/cosmetics in the fumigating truck. But, if they’re closed and/or in sealed Ziplocs, shouldn’t it be ok? I want to carry NOTHING that I won’t absolutely need for that week.POST:
1) Where I’m moving there’s no infestation. Is putting a BB Passive Alert and judiciously monitoring for the next 2-3 months (and at least once a month forever after) enough? I do plan on preventatively getting encasements, sealing cracks, and dusting (DE) in addition to the BB Alerts. Those, however, will have to wait until I can breathe again financially.
2) My workplace is still likely infested and treatment, while ideally would take place concurrently, may or may not happen, and if it does, it is up in the air as to when. I have to be out of my apt and thus treat my stuff within the next two weeks. What precautions should I take to avoid a reinfestation due to continued exposure at work? Changing at the end of the day prior to leaving is not really feasible. Also, any wait to prevent, or at least reduce, the number of bites? They seem to be increasing.From your experience, what do you think my chances of success are with said plan? It is a lot of money and effort; I’d like it to be money used to solve a problem, not a gamble where you spend and all you can do is *hope* for the best.
Thank you for your time reading it, and in advance for your input.
-
mam417
junior member
Joined: Nov '10
Posts: 86offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Nov 13 2011 19:48:35
#
Login to Send PM
Hi, Victoryismine. I'm sorry noone has responded to you. It would be far better to hear from someone who has undergone this treatment. I've never engaged in this process, but it seems as if you've covered all the bases. As for the stuff in plastic bags being safe during the Vikane process, it is my understanding that Vikane cannot permeate plastic. However, considering the toxicity of it, I'd triple check with the PCO if you're planning on leaving any of those items in the truck for Vikaning. I absolutely totally completely GET your fear of missing anything - I would have the exact same fear. It's SO ridiculous that the treatment for bedbugs is this expensive. But Vikane is usually one of the best "one shot deals" around, from what I've read. Btw, how do you know the place you're moving to is bb free? Has the PCO/dog cleared it? I'm just wondering, although I KNOW it sounds like more paranoia....sorry about that. I hope someone gives you some ideas about how to keep the bbs from coming home with you from work. That will be essential. I'm sorry, but were you unable to get your workplace cleared by the PCO? My recollection may be flawed, but I thought that was part of what you were doing. And what about your employer? If there are bbs there, is it their intention to pretend otherwise? So irritating - I reported I suspected I had been bitten at a worksite, and when I tried to determine whether they had brought in a PCO to inspect, was just ignored. SO short sighted. As I said, David Cain suggested changing in a smooth-sided plastic box, immediately upon entering your residence, but you may want to PM him to get a more comprehensive response and the exact methodology he employs. I'd hate to give you incorrect or incomplete information.
Best of luck to you...I'm still praying for your successful move, and that your plan rids you of these beasts once and for all!! Please let us know how it goes.
-
junior member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 40offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Nov 13 2011 23:11:13
#
Login to Send PM
I think you have written up a pretty good plan! Of course the concern is exposure at work - did you bring them to work or is that where they originated? If the latter, I would sure be asking for them to pony up money for the treatments or at least future treatments if they are in the new place too.
-
your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,725online
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Nov 14 2011 0:33:01
#
Login to Send PM
As far as prep for Vikane, you simply must get your protocol approved by the fumigation firm you're working with. They're the ones who will know if it is sufficient and will work.
This is not intended as advice to replace that, but my understanding is your stuff should not be in bags. I suspect even open bags are problematic but you will have to ask the firm. I'm not sure of the value of gassing sealed bags of toiletries or food. (I'm not sure of the safety of it either.) And I suspect even these may inhibit the circulation of gas for items below and around them, though again, I am not an expert and would ask the pros you're working with.
As for the workplace being a possible source of exposure: if your workplace is infested, there can't be any sure guarantees about not bringing them home.
There is a FAQ in the travel section about precautions to take when you're visiting an exposed location. The idea in the workplace is similar to visiting a hotel you know has bed bugs. Having a Packtite at home and treating clothing/coats/bags/shoes might help a lot also to avoid bringing them home. If you commute in a car, that's something to consider too.
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Nov 15 2011 4:06:33
#
Login to Send PM
Hello, everyone. Thank you all for your input.
My workplace, car, and home were inspected. No bbs were found upon inspection, which I should clarify, involved a flashlight and some looking. No furniture was moved, no baseboards or frames were checked, no furniture was flipped--except for the mattress which the PCO asked me to open the encasement to show him the marks I mentioned. He agrees those are bbs.
A canine inspection may or may not happen in my workplace. In my country we have a saying, "hot pepper, when in someone else's eyes, is refreshment." Hope that's not the case, but at this point it doesn't seem like it's anyone's concern.
My workplace may or may not have been my source of infestation, directly or indirectly. We received a donation of used books. A co-worker excitedly told me I should chose and take some home, because they were the artsy kind I like, and generally quite expensive to buy new. I don't normally take home anything used, especially from some stranger's house, but my coworker seemed so cheerful to share them I thought, 'What the heck!,' cleaned them and brought them home. Of course, BBs were not in my mind, I didn't even know for a fact they existed.
So exactly 9 days later there's an entry on my calendar, 'Wow, my allergies are getting really bad! I itched so much I couldn't sleep!' Ugh.
Other than that, I had a birthday party a couple of months before that (but have no recollection of any itchiness during that time), went (via subway) for jury duty also ~2 months before that. Then, I was anti-social for a while due to bereavement. So, it was easy to narrow down possibilities. One friend, who also works with me, came to my house twice during those 2 months, as well. Not a sleepover, just visits. One time during those months I remember she said something about being itchy whenever she lied down on her couch and/or bed, but when I later asked her, she said she got rid of it after spraying some flea spray all over bedding, couch, and curtains (she used to have a dog). So I'm not sure she ever did have bbs. It could also have been someone I had a meeting in my office with, and later gave a ride to. But the books...I'm thinking exactly 9 days!! That tells me eggs, which I wouldn't have seen or been able to wipe off. Plus the intensity at the beginning, had to be a bunch of eggs which hatched at the same time. Also because the marks on my mattress and what I initially saw indicated nymphs. And, the co-worker who took the books from the person's house said "they had everything" (as in, nasty stuff) in the house. Yet, again, never in my life I would have thought bed bugs.
Not reinfesting my stuff, particularly my car, if my workplace is indeed infested, is going to be a relentless ordeal. I hope they take it a bit more seriously and start the process of seeking and destroying.
We need more education. People don't take it seriously until it happens to them. My landlord for one told me he doesn't believe the hype, and everytime someone says there's an epidemic, all it means is they're trying to make money. When he chose to fog and and to do a DIY Heat Treatment, when I tried to warn him about either alternatives and getting it professionally done, he said I was making it sound like they're super bugs, and that they can get through walls. Ask me if he believes I'm still getting bitten.
Anyway, as to the prep for Vikane. I am waiting for the PCO to respond to my email. He asked me to detail my questions in an email. I sent it to him on Saturday. Haven't heard back, even though my intention is to get it done either this Saturday or Monday at the latest.
As to the plastic stuff. I'm just trying to avoid spending yet more money on boxes, and the extra work of repacking everything. I got a protocol of sorts from Bed Bugs and Beyond website (they're not the PCO I've been dealing with), and have been getting ideas from there. I figured cars are largely made of metal and plastic, and the gas gets in through cracks and crevices, why not open ziplocs. Of course, it's all speculation. And as to the value of treating toiletries, etc in sealed ziplocs, my reasoning is treating the outside since they're not in double ziplocs, and carrying less with me would, I think, significantly decrease the chances of me carrying anything that will give their family line continuity, by hitchhiking on the outside of some bag or container. Of course, I don't know if it would be that significant, actually, but it would certainly give me more peace of mind. Plus, I don't know at this point if he'll actually accept fumigating the duffel bag I intend to take, so the less I carry, the better.
I Packtite all my stuff. I'll probably continue Packtiting everything for life. I don't want my life to be crippled post BB, but I will certainly not be taking any unnecessary risks.
I can't wait to put this all behind me. Peace is the best thing we can have. If it weren't, we wouldn't rather toss all kinds of belongings (sometimes pricey and/or of high sentimental value) so we can sleep without being some creepy creature's food.
But hey, they teach us lessons. You're never too small to make a difference. United, you can impact anything (or anyone, for that matter). And, what you think it's your weakness, can be your very strength.
I'll kill them bbs anyway.
-
junior member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 69offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 16 2011 14:40:24
#
Login to Send PM
Victory,
There are additional preparation guides available for a range of fumigations and bed bug treatments available on the BBFS website as well. You can click on our profile to the left and head straight to the site. Best of luck in your upcoming treatment!
Tyler @ BBFS
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 17 2011 2:30:49
#
Login to Send PM
Hi Tyler,
Thanks for the reply. I checked and read the forms on your website. Only one question, in some of the forms it says to transfer stuff in plastic into cardboard boxes, and in others, that if stuff is in ziploc/plastic bags, to open them. Which do you recommend? Sorry, I still (!!!!!) haven't heard back from my PCO.
-
junior member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 69offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu Nov 17 2011 8:20:23
#
Login to Send PM
VictoryIsMine - 5 hours ago »
Hi Tyler,
Thanks for the reply. I checked and read the forms on your website. Only one question, in some of the forms it says to transfer stuff in plastic into cardboard boxes, and in others, that if stuff is in ziploc/plastic bags, to open them. Which do you recommend? Sorry, I still (!!!!!) haven't heard back from my PCO.Victory,
As fumigators we'd prefer everything to be contained in something that we KNOW the Vikane will permeate through successfully (not just IN but OUT too) to insure a successful kill. With cardboard, that is a given. With plastic, it is ok to do the "open" thing if you are comfortable with it and you aren't stacking any of the plastic bags or bins in a way that the fumigator can't reach them during pre-fumigation inspection of the truck/container. With the cardboard, you know that you can stack them but the bags have to be independent of each other to insure proper airflow. Also with many plastic bags/bins, we often find ourselves requiring additional time to insure proper concentrations/exposure times are reached inside the bags.
I know you have spent a good amount already, and that cardboard boxes can be expensive, but in all honesty I wouldn't even be having these thoughts. Go for the boxes every time...
Hope this helps,
BBFS Tyler -
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Fri Nov 18 2011 19:17:58
#
Login to Send PM
Thank you, Tyler.
If you don't mind me asking one last question; is 20% room needed only on the truck/cube itself, or on each box as well?
-
junior member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 69offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Nov 21 2011 9:32:45
#
Login to Send PM
Victory,
It is advisable to leave some space in each box, but not required. The Vikane will permeate through each surface of the boxes (top/bottom/all sides) and everything inside (as long as it isnt a closed metal, glass or plastic container) so you should be fine. The 20% air space requirement is to insure optimal circulation of air inside the truck/cube during the fumigation, as well as giving my team space to do visual inspections of the trucks/cubes PRIOR to fumigation to insure no improper containers or wrapping was used on interior items. Hope this helps!
Tyler @ BBFS
-
junior member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 69offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Nov 21 2011 9:32:46
#
Login to Send PM
Victory,
It is advisable to leave some space in each box, but not required. The Vikane will permeate through each surface of the boxes (top/bottom/all sides) and everything inside (as long as it isnt a closed metal, glass or plastic container) so you should be fine. The 20% air space requirement is to insure optimal circulation of air inside the truck/cube during the fumigation, as well as giving my team space to do visual inspections of the trucks/cubes PRIOR to fumigation to insure no improper containers or wrapping was used on interior items. Hope this helps!
Tyler @ BBFS
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Nov 22 2011 4:37:03
#
Login to Send PM
Thanks, BBFSTyler.
Sorry I keep bugging you guys here. It's interesting how you guys are so nice and give of your time and share your expertise so freely, while those who will actually be taking our money act like we're a pest for asking.
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Nov 22 2011 4:38:00
#
Login to Send PM
I guess what I meant to say is it's very generous of you to come here to help us out. THANK YOU.
-
junior member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 69offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Nov 22 2011 9:34:07
#
Login to Send PM
Well can't really comment on the customer service practices of others, cause they dont work for me, but I can say that a lot of the confusion and misinformation out there about bed bugs and bed bug treatment options (specifically those about Vikane) has to do with the money...who's making it, who's worried about losing it, and those worried about how to afford it. We know that the best way to help the masses as a whole is to be educators first and service people second. Thanks again for giving us an opportunity to share our voice...
Sleep Tight SOON!
Tyler @ BBFS
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 23 2011 3:19:28
#
Login to Send PM
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
ps. I got a notification you wrote on the other post but don't see it.
-
Chicago Way
junior member
Joined: May '10
Posts: 40offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 23 2011 5:53:53
#
Login to Send PM
Victory I wanted to respond to you on this thread and not hijack the other. Sorry about not responding earlier, but I was busy as you might surmise.
As BBFS points out all the prep I have read suggests that the truck have 20% free room. I had this and more actually. I tried to keep plastic down to a minimum. Somewhat opposite of prep from getting a chemical treatment. By that I mean I had prepped originally for a chemical treatment. I have an extensive library (of what else, statistics books). I had placed most in plastic bins planning to open them up 1 1/2 years from whence they where stored. Well things didn't go as planned and I had to take them out repack them in cardboard boxes. Any plastic items I had I packed some paper in between to create a bit of separation. I still have a lot of my possessions in storage, and my storage space is a sea of plastic construction bags and totes.
Now the ONLY things that I purposely put in plastic were three days of disinfected (heated) clothes. I was a bit anal about this. I dried a set of clothes for each day, a set of extra socks and underwear, and jacket. Each had their own bag. I bagged it all except one set of clothes in a Hefty XXL Big Bag. I Packtited everything I was going to wear that I could not put in the drier. The morning of the move I opened my clothes for the day, drove to the fumigator, and went to my hotel via taxi. Ended up checking the room for 20 minutes, showering, and falling to bed exhausted. After 2 years of this I wanted to make sure I didn't take any hitchhikers. I think I was successful.
All I ask of God is that someone comes up with a cheap solution to this problem before I see them again. Its been a nightmare beyond measure, and one that I can not even write about extensively without getting depressed and crying. Yes I am a grown man. I am revolted by people who poo poo the mental anguish involved in this problem, that includes our government from local on up.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and merry Christmas. Many of you have kept me going.
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 23 2011 6:59:04
#
Login to Send PM
All I ask of God is that someone comes up with a cheap solution to this problem before I see them again. Its been a nightmare beyond measure, and one that I can not even write about extensively without getting depressed and crying. Yes I am a grown man. I am revolted by people who poo poo the mental anguish involved in this problem, that includes our government from local on up.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and merry Christmas. Many of you have kept me going.I feel exactly the same, word for word.
Sorry you had to go through this for 2 years. I have been dealing with this since the beginning of August (unknowingly at first), and I can't imagine how painful it must be to endure it for that much longer.
Thank you for your thorough explanation of your procedures, as well. You gave me a good idea as to storing the clothes I'll take while my stuff is fumigated. You can't be too careful.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of us. And Christmas. And New Year's, and an overabundantly joyous and full-of-blessings rest of our lives. Completely FREE of bed bugs.
-
VictoryIsMine
member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 175offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Nov 23 2011 7:00:54
#
Login to Send PM
I keep saying, if God is making me free up this much room, the blessing(s) to come ought to be mind-blowingly over-abundant.
Reply
You must log in to post.
