Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
Help with ID
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Xavier61588
newbite
Joined: May '09
Posts: 8
Posted 6 months ago
Sat May 9 2009 10:23:35
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Hello,
I have a litany of questions about bed bugs. In January I went traveling in Morocco. I returned to my dorm here in England feeling great; however, within a few days I was covered in itchy red welts. I then looked at reviews of the place I stayed and sure enough there were complaints about bed bugs. As I continued to notice new welts, I contacted the management here (embarrassing!) and they arranged to have a PCO come immediately. He arrived, threw out my bed (and that of my room-mate, who was less than amused), and then began treating. He never said what he was doing, he just told me to keep the cleaners from vacuuming. When I continued to notice welts appearing, I called him back two weeks later. This time he treated with a spray fogger while I was away at class. When I continued to notice welts, I contacted him, and he said that this was the most effective form of treatment, there was no chance that any bed bugs had survived, and he wouldn't be coming back.
This was in February. I put up with the welts and the sleeplessness because I ___never found a bed bug___. This is an old dorm (100s of years old). The plaster is cracked all over, the carpet is peeling near the walls, and there is plenty of places to hide.
Now the administration is suggesting that I have allergies. But this makes little sense to me. Why would the welts appear in groups of three? Why would they persist for days? Why would they disappear when I go on spring break and return when I come back?
Today I spotted something (dead) near the edges of the carpet...Could this be a bed bug?
http://picasaweb.google.com/Xavier61588/Junk?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqjnJSfzJrWQA#
If it isn't, is it possible for someone to have bed bugs from January till now without ever spotting a single one? I have found two other bugs, but they don't look like bed bugs (I've teared the place apart).
Regardless of whether the administration brings in another PCO, I want to make absolutely sure that I don't bring any back with me when I return home for the summer! I've heard of the PackTite, but how would I treat my computer or camera? And would an oven be just as effective?
I'm sorry for the litany, but after these many months I'm desperately seeking some help.
Thanks,
Anthony
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Hi Anthony,
I have had a look at the picture and can safely say its not a bed bug.
It may however be possible that you have a problem and that you have not found them or signs of their activity yet. With low numbers of bites you are looking for small amounts of sign in relatively large areas.
I would suggest that you keep a record of what symptoms you have in terms of bites so you can think about what level of activity to look for.
To address the issue of making sure you do not take the problem home with you PackTite would be a suitable solution as would the information contained in the FAQ's on here. I am not sure if PackTite is CE marked and available in the UK though which might be an issue.
With regards the electrical appliances I have found them to generally be low risk of transmission but currently the best way to make sure they are clear is to have them cleaned by a PC repair specialist but advise them first to make sure it is done in a clean area so they can detect anything that comes out. I did hear of a PC specialist in London who worked on such things but never fully traced the contact.
I would personally suggest that the best way forward is to ensure that you are free from bed bugs at your current location before travelling anywhere and then make sure you avoid them again in future.
Let me know if I can help.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
Xavier61588
newbite
Joined: May '09
Posts: 8
Posted 6 months ago
Sat May 9 2009 12:48:08
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Thank you very much for your advice Mr. Cain. I am an American exchange student, so the CE mark will not be a problem: I'd be using the PackTite at home. The problem I'm having is that, without undeniable proof, the administration really doesn't want to treat for bed bugs. Ironically, I almost wish I could find one so that they would take me seriously and help me fix this problem. But again, thank you for the advice, it has calmed me down.
Anthony
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Hi Anthony,
Then I think PackTite at the other end would be a good move. As low as the risk of transfer from your current location may be there are lots of risks associated with travel such as coming into direct contact with other peoples luggage.
I would not be too surprised to see this type of service developing at airports before too long.
You can beat a good visual inspection of your own possessions and luggage before you start packing for a trip though and remember to check each place you stay.
David
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Xavier61588
newbite
Joined: May '09
Posts: 8
Posted 6 months ago
Sun May 17 2009 8:37:55
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Hello,
I just found another type of insect crawling on my wall. Could I get someone to take a look at this? I'm so bad at comparing these with pictures online...sorry.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Xavier61588/Junk?authkey=Gv1sRgCKqjnJSfzJrWQA#
(They are all three the same insect, the last one has been photoshop-ed to look more true to color)
Thanks,
Anthony
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It's a picture of a weevil (family Curculionidae), not a bedbug...
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