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How do you choose a PCO?
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nikki
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Joined: Aug '12
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 1:33:54
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Just thinking ahead - there's a PCO that people in my neighborhood seem to use (apartments) - company uses deep freeze. I have heard of success (and less prep - big prep is one of my major fears) with Thermal, but I don't know who in my area uses it. Also, there's a small PCO in another neighborhood that has been very helpful in answering questions. How do you choose? Also, does thermal require less prep and is it do-able in an apartment complex?
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
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Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 3:18:42
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I have read through all of your posts and I'm telling the best thing you can do is find the right person to conduct an inspection.
Find out if you have a problem first (bug in hand or shed skin) before going into treatment mode. I didn't mention fecal traces because I don't think you would know what you're looking at based on your past comments. No offense by that, I just don't want you to get taken in by fear or lies.
If you hire a company and they show you "solid evidence", be sure to take a picture of it and post it in the forum for a second opinion.
Good Luck!
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nikki
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Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 134offline
Posted 9 months ago
Mon Aug 13 2012 22:38:32
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Thank you. I'm kind of holding on thinking this might really just be mosquitos. I'm hoping I'm not in denial, but I'm kind of anxious person and I've pretty much thought I've had bb for the last three years (without any evidence). Do you think that's just really stupid?
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 8:03:20
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Dear nikki,
Some comments for your consideration:
> KQ is correct, be sure you have an actual problem prior to treatment.
> Bed bugs are good at cold, they are NOT good at heat !
> Earlier this week some of my articles were posted to the resources pages of this website; read the "Over 201 Things . . ." as there are several points that that will be of help & interest to you.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 10:55:11
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P Bello - 2 hours ago »
Earlier this week some of my articles were posted to the resources pages of this website; read the "Over 201 Things . . ." as there are several points that that will be of help & interest to you.Hi Paul,
For future reference, it may help to either paste in the link to the page where I posted your resources (I emailed it to you) or to put that link in your profile.
The resources page itself does not contain your articles but there's a link to them under "Comprehensive Guides" in the resources page. If you say that, it may also be enough for people to find them.
Thanks!
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 9 months ago
Tue Aug 14 2012 11:44:48
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OK, thanks !
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nikki
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Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 134offline
Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 22:00:15
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Thanks - Paul, can you please explain what you mean by "Bed Bugs are good at cold, they are NOT good at heat" - does this mean that heat is the better treatment? The only major infestation I'm aware of among my friends, they used Thermal and it seemed effective and less labor intensive (for the prep) than what I've heard about other methods. Do I have this right?
Thanks again for all your help - Nikki
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 9 months ago
Wed Aug 15 2012 22:43:14
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Dear nikki,
Some of my bed bugs are decendants of bed bugs that have been frozen over night and taken out of the freezer the next day only to "thaw" and crawl around "just fine".
As such, I think you have it right; bed bugs are good at cold but, NOT good at heat.
References indicate that about 122 F kills all life stages of bed bugs in about a minute or less.
The "cold/freeze" methodology reportedly delivers -70 F which is supposed to result in such a rapid drop in temperature that results in bed bug death. However, in my experience and observation the cold application must be conducted in a "direct contact" type fashion to be effective and results with this methodology vary.
Whereas when suitably applied heat treatment kills 100% of bed bugs exposed to lethal temperatures for the required duration.
In short, heat is the superior choice of the two.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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