Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Detection / Identification of bed bugs
Hole in mattress encasement... worrisome?
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newbite
Joined: Nov '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 1:54:04
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I discovered a bedbug infestation Labor Day weekend of 2009. I was treated by an exterminator multiple times, washed and bagged all clothing, etc. I haven't noticed any evidence of bedbugs since November or December of 2009. Since that time I have moved to a new apartment.
Last night I noticed some odd stains on my sheets and was freaking out a little. I decided to put on white sheets tonight and in changing my sheets I noticed what appeared to be a hole in my mattress encasement (I didn't examine or poke at it very closely, for obvious reasons). There was also what appeared to be blood around the hole. I put a lot of scotch tape over the hole.
I really have no idea if the bugs could have survived being encased for 14 months (I know that 18 months is the absolute longest, but 14 months is a pretty long time.) Is it possible that I have a return of bedbugs? The blood around the hole makes absolutely no sense to me, if that is even what it was.
Thanks for any advice!
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 4:37:56
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Just to be on the safe side, I would put a nice strong piece of duct tape over it. Scotch tape isn't really very strong or very sticky. Check the duct tape from time to time going forward, to make sure it stays on.
Do you have any reason to think the hole is recent?
Blood stains on the bed sheets can come from other sources (itching a scab or pimple or something while you sleep for example).
The bottom line is that no one can diagnose anything with any certainty from what you're describing.
You might employ one or more detection methods.
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newbite
Joined: Nov '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 11:42:58
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Thanks for the duct tape suggestion- I will definitely get some today. Scotch tape is all I had last night.
I really have no idea if the hole is recent, and I couldn't tell if it went all the way through, either. I haven't noticed any bedbug feces, which leads me to believe it's probably okay, but I'm going to remain vigilant for at least a few days.
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lieutenantdan
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 15:19:39
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Buy a steamer and steam.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 15:26:36
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lieutenantdan - 4 minutes ago »
Buy a steamer and steam.Hi Dan,
The other poster has no verification they currently have bed bugs.
Steam can be a useful tool, but your suggestion seems a bit premature here, if not off-topic.
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lieutenantdan
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Nov 11 2010 16:27:12
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I do not have bed bugs anymore but I do steam on occasions as a precaution.
It just makes good sense. -
your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 12 2010 2:54:56
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lieutenantdan - 10 hours ago »
I do not have bed bugs anymore but I do steam on occasions as a precaution.
It just makes good sense.I can see your point. However, it's still basically off-topic in this thread -- giving treatment advice to someone who needs to know about whether s/he has bed bugs and how to deal with a ripped encasement.
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old timer
Joined: May '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 12 2010 9:02:50
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Just to reinforce Nobugs comment about ....."I put a lot of scotch tape over the hole. "
Scotch is for drinking duct tape is for holes of importance. -
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newbite
Joined: Nov '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 12 2010 10:22:15
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Hole has been duct taped.
No new blood spots.
Hoping it stays that way!
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