Is this solution too simple? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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Is this solution too simple?

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Smashy Bug

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Posted 12 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 17:10:23
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About 2 months ago we found about 5 adult bed bugs and one baby on my boyfriend's bed. We found their revolting little nest on the box spring. We threw it out. We washed all our clothes and vacuumed, now we keep the clothes in the living room. The bedroom is nearly free of clutter.

Now every week and a half or so my boyfriend gets a few bites. I don't seem to be affected. We can't find any more evidence of bedbugs! Late last night he felt itchy and we found new bites on him but still no sign of bugs after a thorough mattress search at 1:30 am.

I think it is a light infestation, maybe just one or two individuals?

If we use DE all around the bedroom and the couches won't that be enough? To feed, they will have to pass over the DE dust and then will dehydrate and die. We are the bait, they will have to come to us won't they?
I just can't imagine searching every teeny crack and wrinkle in this apartment. It seems impossible. I'm getting the impression that professional fumigation doesn't work. I really don't think the landlord will pay for it anyway.

As for MY place, if I put DE around my bed and couch surely that will be enough to prevent infestation at my place too? I'm pretty worried that it's inevitable they will come there.

Thanks
DougSummersMS

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Posted 12 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 18:01:46
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This was posted on another thread by Koebner earlier

Read the DE FAQ.
If you can see it (DE dust), there's too much.
More doesn't kill better, indeed there's some indication that BBs actively avoid DE in quantity.

Placing DE around your furniture is unlikely to be sufficient to prevent an infestation in your apt... After checking out the FAQs... Read some of the guides that are available on the Resource page.

A vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment can be very useful for physical removal of BBs from cracks and crevices

It is possible that you do not react to BB bites... You might want to consider passive monitors for surveillance.
jean127

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Posted 12 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 18:08:33
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I also get the impression that calling in an exterminator may not be the answer from all the postings. Would love to hear from professionals what their take is on the use of exterminators and their success in treatment. As for DE.....I do know it's one of the best weapons out there. At least if your bed is free of bed bugs, they can't get to you so that you can sleep peacefully in order to wage war during the day.
DougSummersMS

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Posted 12 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 18:27:02
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jean127

As for DE.....I do know it's one of the best weapons out there. At least if your bed is free of bed bugs, they can't get to you so that you can sleep peacefully in order to wage war during the day.

A hungry bed bug is a highly motivated creature...DE is a good weapon... but a heaping ring of dust will not be sufficient to isolate your bed successfully.

Gas fumigation is close to 100% effective... but I get the impression that you are talking about spraying chemical materials rather than actual fumigation which requires tenting the structure or use of an air tight chamber.... An experienced BB specialist is usually your best bet for success.
jean127

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Posted 12 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 18:48:19
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So a hungry bed bug will trudge through a thick ring of DE? If that's the case interceptors on the bed legs with the bed away from the wall and no blankets touching the ground should do it. I still think being able to sleep well is extremely important in the fight. Sorry, but this person is not, I repeat, NOT going to be bait.
clara2011

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Posted 11 months ago
Wed May 30 2012 5:29:17
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DE worked a treat for me. I was being bitten evry single night for several weeks and was goin. I sprinkled De all aound my bed, my night stand, my wardrobe. i sprinled wet DE aroud my bed on the floor. within 4 days I noticed a decrease in bites and i never had a single bite 1 week after the first DE application. it's now been 2 years!!!
cilecto

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Posted 11 months ago
Wed May 30 2012 8:58:12
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DE and other silicas are an important tool in pest control, used by both pros and DIY-ers. They do need to be used properly and carefully. Some infestations will respond to a particular technique. Others will need more intense work.