Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Tales of Bed Bug Woe
My Battle Has Begun
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Sep 11 2007 14:32:36
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Ok. I've been on this forum for awhile now. To tell you guys the truth, I'm an emotional wreck. But, I believe that this is the 1st day on my way to victory. Here's why:
I went to my management office today to talk to someone who is above-rank to my super of my building. Luckily he was in and could see me right away. I told him about my bedbug problem. That I've hired numerous exterminators and even had his exterminator in my place to no avail. I told him about the pesticides that his pco used and how I had to take my 7 year old to the ER because he was scratching so much from adverse reaction to the pesticides. I said that an exterminator needs to come every 10-14 days until all is clear and that this could take months and costs a lot of money. I let him know that I was knowledgable about the problem and I needed to do things as well to take care of the problem.
After listening to me, he said I could hire my own exterminator at his expense for how long I needed it no matter what the cost. When I told him that he needed the other apartments inspected as well, he said that he didn't mind going one apt. above, below, to the left and to the right of me, even though I didn't mention it like that. He even offered to pay for the mattress encasements that I put on all the beds and caulk my apartment. He gave me his card and told me to get the pco I thought was best for the job and then send the pco to him. And then he said, "Is everything else OK with the apartment and the building?". I thought "Whoa! This guy is great!" What a difference between him and the super of the building!
Now, I'm going to have to "gut" my apartment and I wanted to ask people here: can I still ask questions in my time of woe? I was just hoping that no one is angry at me here for all my past emotional outbreaks, etc. I'm still an emotional wreck. I cry every day, sometimes more than once. Yet I ask, if I ask a question more than once or I lose it, which I know I will every once in awhile, can you guys please bear w/me???
Thanks in advance for listening!
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That sounds really promising, Jammin. Good for you.
Listen, in my opinion, you're welcome. Of course you can ask questions. But remember, it takes time to answer questions. Lots of people are busy and don't have too much time. So remember, if you have asked before, try to search for the original answer and consult it, before repeating the same questions. Is that fair?
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Wed Sep 12 2007 10:01:30
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Ahhh, I just reposted, Nobugs! Sooo, soo sorry!! You can delete the 2nd post. I know that this is a pain for you and again, I apologize.
Also, I will try to look for the answers to my previous questions before asking again. That's fair and I know that people are busy.
Regards.
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Congratulations, Jammin, for that step. Now you have your work cut out for you, but in a GOOD way.
Best...
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buggeroff
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Joined: Jul '07
Posts: 180
Posted 2 years ago
Wed Sep 12 2007 11:09:18
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Sounds like you're on your way!
You know, you might consider doing something nice for that guy you spoke to. If he really follows through on everything he promised, he is one jewel of a building manager. A nice bottle of wine, a thank you card, a dead bed bug sealed in tape, a gift certificate to a restaurant or something to let him know how much you appreciate him. A letter to the management company he works for and the building owner would be good, too.
It helps to know that someone is on your side, doesn't it? You're not in this fight alone. Now get the most experienced, dedicated PCO you can find and hop to it!
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Sep 13 2007 7:42:03
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Wasn't too sure if I should start a new topic so I'm posting here:
So, I've been interviewing pco's. All of them say that they can get the job done in 1-2 visits, possibly 3. I really NEED someone to come every 10-14 days until.....? But, they don't wanna do that. My b/f says to say that money is not an issue and my management will pay for whatever it takes. I've also read that a series of pesticides should be used and not just 1 or 2. I thought it would be easier to find a good pco, given that money is not an issue, but this just gets harder. Why is it so difficult for them to come back in the 10-14 days timeframe? How do I convince them to come back? I would also like a pco to vacuum and/or steamclean or do other things besides just pesticides.
To people out there. How often do you vacuum? Every day? Every other day? How can people live like this? Do they hafta be a "slave" to their home by cleaning all the time? How much time does it take each day to do this? I have DE on the perimeters of my apt. and on the bedframes. I have concerns about vacuuming now because I read that vacuums can be destroyed by the DE. So, now what do I do? Do I mop away the DE and then vacuum and reapply the DE?
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Jammin, I hope people will answer your questions and give you good tips. And I really hope that you find a great PCO.
I do have a favor to ask? Can you please indicate the names of things you have used specifically? Drione is not DE. If you have Drione on the perimeter of your apartment, it would be helpful to know that it is, in fact, Drione and not DE. Does that make sense? Our advice to you and suggestions will vary, sometimes dramatically, depending on these facts. Thanks! And I'm sure we're all rooting for you here. Best...
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Sep 13 2007 9:03:07
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Nomo: you have every right to ask if it's drione or de :) I know from past experience that drione is not de and let me tell you that it is de and not drione!! (I'm not being sarcastic here or angry, but the !! may make it sound that way) I'm just putting !! in because I know what I told you guys last time and the !! is on me...not you! ok? Luv u guys!! You have every right for me to be specific. I'm being as honest as Abe Lincoln right now. Drione is put away, for now. I do have drione in the BACK of the closets where no one can touch, inhale, etc. behind some bins. See, I'm being honest and it was not that hard :)
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Great, Jammin, that's good.
Here's what I would do. If the DE is very lightly applied at the moment, I would leave it until I engage my wonderful new PCO. When my wonderful new PCO gives me instructions and begins treatment, I will probably have to clean all of that stuff up. Vacuum up all the DE and wash everything of any residue everywhere. Give the PCO a clean slate. Then, if the PCO agrees it would not interfere with treatment, I would use the DE again down the road, very lightly applied.
I have used lots of DE and my vacuum cleaner is still working, so it's not a given that your vacuum cleaner will die from DE. I vacuum once a week. And reapply the DE. Earlier in my saga, I would vacuum more often, sometimes every day or every other day. I really think that vacuuming normally like you vacuum when you clean your home is not doing much, in my opinion. The type of vacuuming you have to do with bedbugs is close and targeted, with crevice tools and a lot of patience. For example, if you are vacuuming a piece of furniture, you have to vacuum all the surfaces and all the nooks and crannies, above, and below. You need to empty it and turn it over. With that type of vacuuming, you will drop from exhaustion if you do it every day. The PCO will give you instructions about vacuuming. Some really don't want you to vacuum for the first week or two.
The first step is the PCO.
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buggeroff
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Sep 13 2007 11:21:02
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About DE and vacuums: if you have a HEPA filter on your vacuum, it might get clogged by DE, so you might have to replace it (or, if it's washable, rinse it out). Personally, I think I would not use DE in living spaces I wanted to vacuum regularly for the reasons you mention - you have to keep replacing it. Closets, wall voids, in dressers (under the drawers) and places like that, maybe OK.
About vacuuming: I vacuum once a week. My thinking is this: I have a good vacuum, a Miele, but I've read (I forget where, but it seemed like a reasonable source) that even a good vacuum is not likely to dislodge an egg because they're stuck pretty firmly to the surface they're laid on. Adult BBs were (I hope) killed by the PCO. So what I'm vacuuming for is nymphs and early-instar BBs that have hatched since the last time I vacuumed and that haven't encountered any of the insecticides in my house. I might also get some adults that the PCO missed. Eggs hatch in about 10-14 days from the time they're laid, maybe a little faster in hot weather like we've had all summer. So I'm not a slave to the vacuum. I spend a lot more time with my washing machine now, since I do laundry more often and change the sheets twice a week. I'm also deeply engaged with Ziploc bags - almost all of my clothes are still bagged and will stay that way until I am convinced the BBs are gone.
Don't expect your PCO to vacuum for you. This is part of what they will want you to do.
About mopping or wet/damp cleaning: Check with your PCO. If the PCO sprays a wood or tile floor with Suspend or something similar, it will have a residual effect for a month or two and you won't want to waste that by mopping it up.
Some PCOs steam. Some don't. I think steaming is mainly valuable on upholstered furniture that you can't wrap in an encasement. I see no reason for steaming a surface that you can spray with alcohol, SteriFab or Suspend. I've heard of steaming walls, but I think that's not a good idea because sheet rock doesn't behave well when it gets wet and I am as concerned about toxic mold as about BBs. I'd rather have the walls drilled and Drione puffed behind. The PCO can spray walls with Suspend or BedLam - neither damages paint.
I never talked to one single PCO who understood the 10-to-14 day thing. ALL of them wanted to come back only if I found another BB or got bitten again. I was not able to convince any of them just to come back PERIOD. I hope you can do better because I think your life will be easier if they JUST SHOW UP!
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Jammin,
It sounds like you are on the road to success. :-) I am glad your drione is hidden away in untouchable places now. Also, re: vacuums, just to add to nomo's advice, being cautious to use thin dustings of DE should help the vacuum survive longer.
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Thu Sep 13 2007 19:13:51
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Nomo: you gave a great, detailed way of doing things. This is exactly what I need.
Buggeroff: All your suggestions are great.
Nobugs: Thanks for everything.
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nyjammin
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Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Mon Sep 17 2007 14:16:13
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I asked Sean on the bedbugresource site and would like your guys input as well about a pco. I don't know what type of pesticides are being used. They will lemme know when they do the treatment. The pco said that they need a respirator to do the apartment so I cannot be in the apartment when they do treatment. They also said that I need to leave for 6-8 hours afterwards and make sure that everything is dry, which is ok. Now, they say they do a treatment every 7 days for 3 weeks and that if I needed a follow-up they could do that at my choice whether it be every 7 days or 14 days. My question to you is: Is every 7 days too much pesticide to be using?
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Jammin,
I don't think any of us is qualified to answer that. If they're licensed professionals, they have to work within what's legally safe to do.
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Sat Sep 29 2007 9:02:46
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Ok. Had my 1st treatment w/my pco. Some things I like and some I don't.
Like:
He is his own company and does his own treatment. Which means that I will be treated by the same guy. He seems to be knowledgable as does his website. (www.pestproofmanagement.com) His website gives a ton of info. and recommends at least 4 treatments a month apart (although he is coming back every 2 weeks at my suggestion, even more than 4 treatments if need be). A lot of the other pcos say they can "solve" a bb infestation in 2-3 visits and I had a hard time trying to have someone come back every 10-14 days.
Gave me a printout of the Harvard School and Public Health info. on bedbugs when he came for treatment.
He put on a pretty sturdy mattress encasement for the futon. Not one of those cheap 99 cents one, although not as good as National Allergy, but passable.
He tells me he rotates his chemicals which I read is a good thing. He used Demand or Suspend (sorry, forgot which one), mixed w/gentrol.
He said he would treat my car at no extra cost. Although I didn't do this last time, I just may start to.
My family had NO reaction to the pesticides, especially my youngest son. Yay!
Don't like:
He seemed to do the treatment pretty quickly, like in 45 minutes to an hour. He didn't take the mattresses off the frames, he sprayed the frames with the mattresses on the frames. He did spray almost everywhere, but when he sprayed the dresser draws he did not take out each draw and spray the underside which in my past experience the pcos have done.
I don't think he used enough of the chemical. I know I will get yelled at for this and who am I to know how much is supposed to be used. But, I believe he should've used more and sprayed more chemicals.
He closes the bedroom doors when he does the treatment. He said this is because of safety concerns for my family so we don't breathe in the chemicals. I believe him 'cause he was wearing one of those expensive masks which is a step up from a dust mask. We did "check" in on him during and after the room was done to make sure he was doing his job. I can't just sit back and not know what someone is or isn't doing. That's just me.
He does not recommend vacuuming at all. I don't know about this? I can't just "sit back" and do nothing and just let the chemicals work like he says.
He only uses chemicals and not dusts and he didn't treat the outlets or fixtures at all. Although this is a concern for me, I probably could treat those myself.
He didn't seem too concerned w/the preparation by me. Although I think I do prep pretty well. Maybe he saw how I prepped and therefore was not concerned and that's why he didn't say anything? Dunno?
He does not give any guarantees at all. All prices and services are final.
I need help and advice from you guys. Do you guys think that this pco is ok? I think the next time treatment time comes up I will ask him to take the mattresses off the frames and douse the frames. I think I will tell him to use a little more chemicals this time My question is: this guy seemed to be knowlegable when I interviewed him over the phone. He seems to know his stuff. Should I stay the course and see what happens with him or try someone else?
Has his treatment worked? Dunno. I think it's too soon to tell. My family is still getting bites. I don't know if they lessened. I saw one black spot on the windowsill that smeared, so I know bbs are still around.
Thanks guys.
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nyjammin
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Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Sat Sep 29 2007 9:07:50
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BTW: I saw the woman who lives in my building who works at management and she asks how I'm doing and is the exterminator working out ok. These guys are great! So different than the super. Advice for other people from personal experience: if your super will not cooperate, TRY management. I'm not saying that your management is any better or worse, but mine is and now I don't even deal w/super anymore, I deal directly w/management. What a difference.
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Bencannon
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Joined: Sep '07
Posts: 60
Posted 2 years ago
Sat Sep 29 2007 11:22:03
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nyjammin,
I completely agree. Our super was not helpful but the management company was more cooperative. This is a serious problem and the smart managers knows this. As for your pco, it sounds strange that he can't guarantee you anything if the problem is isolated to you. As for the 45 minutes to an 1 hour treatment. I think that is very good already especially if they know what they are doing. The first 2 PCO that treated our apartment only spent 15 minutes each and the results were horrible. As for his recommendation about vacuuming, our final PCO, which we love and trust completely, said that it was okay because they used both chemical and dust combination and the pesticide was injected deep into the crevices where the bedbugs would hide (i.e. areas we can't touch or vaccum). Our PCO gave us very long and detailed list of things to do and don't and the logic behind it. The list makes complete sense after reading it.
It is critical that you locate the right company for the job. Don't be ashame of crying, my wife cried for several days until our problem was resolved. Good luck and keep up the good work!
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nyjammin
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Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Sat Sep 29 2007 13:40:49
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Bencannon, I pm'd you. Thanks.
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torontobedbugger
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Sep 29 2007 20:49:59
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bencanon,
you should share your long list with us! or at least the most important parts :)
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Jammin,
This sounds great. Is the PCO treating the neighbors too?
His protocol sounds good, and remember--too much chemical can make them hide out in the walls. I would not add your own treatment with dust now. When it is over, you can use some DE, but i would not use anything he is not in agreement with.
I know 45 mins. does not seem long when we hear of 2-hour jobs, but you know what? A good 45 minute application is probably quite possible, he sounds like he did a lot. Give it time and a follow up and try not to worry. -
nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Sep 30 2007 20:27:32
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Nobugs, no, the pco is not treating the neighbors. Other tenants have not complained thus far. However, if I were to push for it then the management probably would inspect in a clover-like pattern. I do not think that the other tenants have them. I see almost all the tenants at least once during the week and since the weather has been warm, I've been checking out their face and arms and legs for bites. I know this sounds crazy, but that's what this experience has done to me. Of course these people do not know what I'm doing. Yes, the pco is due to come back every 14 days until..... My management said that he would work w/me until my problem is solved.
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Some people don't react to bed bugs (remember S's experiments on her boyfriend?)
I just think it is possible they have spread from your home since it has been a long time--even if you are the one who brought them in (and this is an IF). I'd personally push for inspection, but you have to decide for yourself.
I am really glad your management has such a great attitude. It bodes really well.
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I vote for inspecting the adjacent apartments in a clover leaf pattern. :)
You have to take advantage of the opportunity before you: management seems to be taking an active interest, make the most of it. Ask for an inspection just to cap off all the good work of the PCO and do everything that you know can be done.
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 6:57:14
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Nomo: I missed you! Wheredya been :) Anyways, the problem with inspection of adjacent apartments is my pride and embarrasment. I don't want everyone knowing what I'm going through. I think they may see me as dirty or make fun of me and my family. I don't care too much about me, per se, it's my kids. Another problem w/inspection is that a lotta pcos really do a lousy job of inspecting. I would love to inspect w/them, but I know that's not a possibility. The good news is that there are 3 apartment attached to mine: one above, one below, and one to the right side. The left side is next to the hallway stairs. So my question is: what should management say to those adjacent tenants? Something like "There's been a case of bb in the building and an exterminator needs to inspect to make sure you're ok." Is this feasible? May sojo or bencannon can weigh in on this one.
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paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 8:14:25
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Hi jammin. I don't live in an apt. But I do understand how you feel about letting people know. We have gone thru many many treatments, even Vikane. All my close friends and family know what about it and know what we've been through. (Now after so much time it's actually a relief to me to let it out and make others aware.) The only neighbor that knows about it is across the street and that is because she had her daughter here a few times so I needed to warn her. Now I plan to go to my other neighbors and let them know. I know I'm the talk of the neighborhood since there was a huge tarp over my home recently. I feel though they should really know. Two of them work for the school district here andone one owns the DQ in town. After what we've gone thru I feel it's vital that they know. My daughter may be going to school next year and this is for my families protection in the spread of this. Everyone that knows me, knows that I'm a neat freak and can see that the bedbugs have nothing to do with cleanliness. People would come over and be shocked, then ask how I do it with three babies and off white carpet. But My main concern is my children, my family and nothing else. So it may be a long time before any one will come here for a BBQ, candle party etcc...so what. Right now I wouldn't have anyone here anyway out of fear of getting the bugs back. Being that you are a parent I think you understand where I'm coming from.
So as of your question about the building manager....YES. He/she should stress that if the bedbugs are not in their apartments yet, there is a good chance they will be and to get tratment for their own protection. People just don't get it until they live it and sometimes it takes much coaching to have them even see any sense of urgency. I told my close friend many, many times of what I'm going thru and it took her months to even inspect her mattress though I probably told her a dozen times. I even went as far as saying "for your kids sake, just check"
So what I'm trying to say by doing so, we are protecting others and protecting ourselves from possible re-infestation due to the spread....
Thanks for listening and I hope I may have helped in your question somewhat. Don't worry about what people think. They are not to judge. Someday, God forbit they get them they will understand. But you are helping others, other families and well as your own by doing so. You may not know your neighbors that well, but they are close to you and your family in many ways, ya know? You have done so much already and their is a big difference, right? It will all work out in time. Good Luck and keep posting :) -
"There's been a case of bb in the building and an exterminator needs to inspect to make sure you're ok.
This is totally what they should say. Jammin, they should not be mentioning you at all, and you can gently request they don't. They do not need to know WHICH adjacent unit is infested.
I just don't want you to go through treatment longer than needed because your neighbor is sending fresh troops in.
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buggedinbrooklyn
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Oct 3 2007 0:47:49
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nyjammin,
while I may not be here in this forum each day (silly as it sounds, I start itching each time I come here. lol), please know that I'll be thinking of you, and hope all is going well.
I know full well how much it can be a long hard road. you will get past this.
remember, if you need someone to talk to, you know you have friends.the original,
buggedinbrooklyncrap, my legs are already itching me...lol
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Jammin, the neighbors already have an opinion about you! And, trust me, they're too self-involved to gossip much about you. Or maybe they talk about what a fabulous housekeeper you are. Or how your children are so polite. You've told us these things before. Don't forget them now!
How about... maybe the neighbors will be glad that their building management cares about such things! And relieved to have a professional opinion. And grateful to get a basic course in bedbug prevention and identification. They're your neighbors, you want them to know about bedbugs and not be ignorant, and vulnerable, like so many other New Yorkers. Besides, like Nobugs indicates, your name need not enter into it when the management directs the inspections take place.
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Also, like Paula suggests, it's actually a kindness to your neighbors.
And, like the original BiB, we're all super excited and hopeful for you. This cannot be said enough.
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Jammin, What they said!
ps Original BIB--good to see you!
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buggedinbrooklyn
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Oct 4 2007 3:00:28
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hi NBOM and others,
I do stop by from time to time just to see how things are going on with you all.
but please don't be upset that once I start posting or reading on the regular, I realy do start itching like crazy. so I can't always post, or stay for long.
I can't tell you ladys and gets just how much my horror show has damaged what's left of my fragil brain. I'm sure by now that I'm about as bug free as you can get in the NYC area, but I can't help but fear that they are just hiding under my carpet waiting for me go back to fully normal.
it is also still warm, and I like to take late night walks to the local store to get some pepsi. I walk by many people's front yards, and I get bit by mosquitos or by them small nits. I don't think I have to tell anyone here what my mind thinks once they start itching. mosquito or other bites never bothered me mentaly before, but now I wish I just had a few months of not feeling like a walking bug feeding zone.
my next vacation is not untill May, as it was posponed for the second time. so I can't wait for winter to come and be bite free from all the summer bugs. ah, the day I stop scratching will be heaven to me.anyway, hi all. glad to see the regulars still helping others in this fight.
with love,
buggedinbrooklyn -
nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Oct 4 2007 5:29:31
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I understand what you guys are saying. But if they see the exterminator come only into my apartment for treatments, well, you do the math. They will figure it out. I know that it will be awhile before I get rid of them. But I just got 2 bites on my face and my son gets bites as well. This is freakin' me out. Plus, the pco told me not to vacuum and I think that's wrong. I don't wanna be at the mercy of a pco. Is my pco bad? Should I switch? I know it's only been one treatment, but I would really like someone who dusts and does other things besides spray. I'm at my wits end. Another treatment is scheduled for Tuesday. Every 14 days. Everyone says that this will get better. I'm doubtful sometimes. I will talk to my management and pco and see what they say.
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paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Oct 4 2007 6:14:42
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Jammin, I know it is sooo hard right now. It still is for me too but when I look back, it IS much better. Please take a deep breathe, a sip of coffee, and try to work yourself up too much. I started getting treated in May. I had a total of 6 treatments. And during this I also had 3 other PCO companies come to inspect and what have you. Put you energy in ridding the bugs and doing everything you can, which obviously you are. The furthest thing from my mind when these people were, or when I was endllessly and weekly tossing large, non replacable items to the curb on trash day, was what the neighbors thought. Actually I chuckled inside a bit wondering what they are thinking of us at that moment. But now, this weekend in fact I plan to see one of them and tell them our story. THey've been in the neighborhood for 30 years, related to my other neighbor etc... I just want to get the word out and protect them. I don't care if they think I'm nuts, I know I'm not and I'm doing what's best for my family.
And it does get better. Just be consistant. You're not nuts though at times you may feel you are..You're doing whats right. Pat yourself on the back. :) -
nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Oct 4 2007 6:39:07
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Paula, thank you. First of all. I'm not doing anything except a pco. I should be doing more. More laundry, more de'ing, more dforce or bedlaming, but I'm not. The pco said not to vacuum. You are one of the lucky ones. You were able to Vikane and get rid of the bbs that way. This constant fear is just paralyzing. I think I should be doing MORE and I'm not. I know it's gonna take some time that bbs don't go away just like a snap of a finger.
Hopefully, with the help of people here, I'll get through this :(
BuggedInBrooklyn: Thanks for your post. Welcome back!
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Oct 5 2007 8:24:49
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Why does it seem like we are getting more bites? Is this normal? I'm definitely going to tell my pco. Another treatment is scheduled for Tuesday.
Thanks.
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Jammin, it is very important for you to persist past the stage where your bites increase. You stopped a good PCO's treatment before when the bites increased. The bites may be increasing because the bedbugs are being lured out of their hiding locations. There is more activity. They have to cross the pesticides so they need to come out from wherever they are. Trust the process Jammin and don't hijack it by changing PCOs without good reason. (I'm taking the liberty of anticipating your moves here. I know you will indulge me.) Now do the inspections of adjacent apartments look like a good idea? Talk to the PCO about this, as about everything else connected with treatment.
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nyjammin
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Oct 5 2007 12:58:50
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Hopeless, you know me too well. I have an appointment w/another exterminator this evening. So, you're saying stick it out w/the guy I have, right? ok. Gotta go,but I'll be back later.
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Stick it out unless and until you have positive evidence that it is not working. You haven't even had the second treatment yet, right? Think about how many months you have had bedbugs. This is clearly not a problem that will be solved overnight. You need to stick with it and not stop until it's over. Always discuss your concerns with the PCO.
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Sat Oct 6 2007 6:07:47
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Nomo, as always, your advice is greatly appreciated!
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Jammin-
You should see some improvement after the second treatment. Or at least I hope you do. :) Tuesday is just around the corner. Stay positive since that always helps.BiB-
"I'm sure by now that I'm about as bug free as you can get in the NYC area"
LOL! Ditto my friend. Not much we can do but take it day by day. I like walks too. Sometimes I'm lost in thought and by the time I react I'm nearly upon the two box springs and sofa leaning on a tree (poor tree!) or the nice dresser at the curb. It's very hard to keep your cool in such circumstances. And mosquito bites, forget about it. So, just wanted to say I understand. Everything but the Pepsi, that is. The Pepsi is unforgivable, BiB. What's the matter with you. Coke! :) -
nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 16 2007 13:24:55
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Update: Me and my family are still getting numerous bites every night. Aargg!! Anyway, the pco sprayed w/Exciter mixed w/gentrol last Tuesday. The time before that he sprayed w/suspend/gentrol. He is due to come back on Tuesday, the every 14 day rule. Is this ok? I'm at my wit's end. Does anyone here think that my infestation is so bad that it cannot be combatted? I don't see them at all. Just the bites. Should I move and even though I take some w/me, it may be easier to start from a clean slate, so-to-speak? I'm also hiring the services of Diamond Girl to give me a consultation on how to go about doing things. I think I need a plan and w/so much info. here my head is spinning in circles. I'm really depressed here. I know it's been months since I've had these and that I've only had 2 pco visits. But, shouldn't I see some sorta improvement? Am I being unrealistic here? Is there a slight possibility that they are coming from my car? I don't even know if my car has them or not?
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Jammin,
Have the neighbors been inspected by a PCO? -
nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 16 2007 14:36:35
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Nobugs, when I went to management last week, he said that he would have the super ask questions to my neighbors, but i don't think that has happened yet. I truly believe that they do not have them.
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nightshirt
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Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 455
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 16 2007 15:18:26
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nyj is this a new place since the first time you posted? i think you are sabotogiong yourself every day by second guessing everything that has been written here, written to you personally and just common sense after spending 9 months here with the same questions and issues.
DO NOT CHANGE PCO. we told you that ages ago. you have had so many chemicals sprayed at your home i wonder if they can work anymore? anyone know the answer to that? you have to do the laundry, bag, clothing schpiel every day and night and vacuum as much as possible.
is your b/f still there and also at the shelter? that could be causing you problems. i also remember that he was not too cooperative.
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Hi Jammin,
I had understood that the landlord had offered to have the neighbors inspected, or that this was on the table as an option. And I think everyone agreed you needed to press for it. Asking the neighbors if they have a problem is not enough.
Frankly, I think anything short of pre-emptive treatment by the PCO (i.e. ASSUMING they are infested) isn't enough. Many landlords will go for this kind of treatment these days. But inspection is the bare minimum. We know many people are not allergic, bed bugs are hard to find, and some tenants fear reporting them or are resistant to exposing their need for treatment (in many cases because of fears of pesticides). This is why "asking" isn't enough.
It does not matter who your PCO is, if the neighbors have them and are not treated, then your treatment may never be successful. Changing PCOs under the circumstances is a waste of time.
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 16 2007 15:59:48
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My b/f is not there anymore, he's with me. He helps out and does what I say even though he may not agree w/everything, but he still does it. I do the laundry and bag clothing. It's just so frustrating sometimes. But, I know people on the forums who've had 6 or more treatments and they still had bbs, but I will not mention any names. It's not so easy peasy and some people just need more emotional reassurance than others. There's so much info. here on the forums that it makes my head spin. That's why I'm getting Diamond Girl to help me out. Maybe she can devise a personal plan for me.
People talk about bad pcos all the time and I just have a fear that I'm not using the right kind of pco. I know this forum is more towards the scientific and knowledgable part of combatting bbs, but I know of a few people that this has taken it's toll on emotionally and mentally. Some people can just handle it better than others. And I'm not saying for people here to be someone's therapist, but a little more understanding of people's feelings would be nice. I didn't know there was a time limit on these things.
I've read a few posts where there have been disagreements almost to the point of fighting so-to-speak. People should not judge other people. Everyone's situation is different and everyone's emotional state is different as well.
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It would've been so great if I'd been notified when my neighbors first got bedbugs. I don't blame my neighbors. I'm not angry at them. They were attacked too. We now have an agreement to notify each other should bedbugs ever recur.
But if they'd told me back then, I could've puffed some NIC325 or DE into crevices and electrical boxes. Caulked baseboards and crown molding.
Even if that wouldn't have stopped them, I wouldn't have spent three months suffering from these mysterious painful and itchy "hives." Unable to sleep properly for almost 100 days, because of the number they were doing on my skin. I'm sure you understand, because you've probably gone through the worst of it too. If I'd been notified, I would've known what was going on from the get-go.
nyjammin, these bedbugs aren't your fault. You're not to blame. No one asks for these.
Please talk to your neighbors. Back in 2005, I approached mine by asking if they had insect problems, if anything was biting them, if they were suffering from any weird rashes. Then, I told them bedbugs had gotten into my apartment and that I was being attacked pretty severely by them. I explained how I was treating them. I also told them I'd be caulking all cracks in my apartment, and suggested they might want to do the same.
Pretty much all of them were like "whatever." (Except for my downstairs neighbor who had them before me.) It didn't seem to faze them. None of them knew what bedbugs were - some of them looked just a touch put out that I was bothering them during their free time. But I just had to know how far these suckers had spread. (Didn't have this site & others explaining the importance of professional inspections.)
This summer, I talked about my experience with bedbugs at a building meeting. Most could not have cared less; they just wanted to get to the landscaping and lobby renovation discussion. But a few people were jazzed to discuss it afterward. In my building, people go about their business, say hello howareya ... that's it. But now, I'm on a chatty, first-name basis with more of my neighbors.
Nothing negative came from me talking about bedbugs with my neighbors. Some very big positives came out of it. Most importantly, I got information about what extent bedbugs were a problem in my building.
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Jammin,
I don't think anyone is trying to be insensitive. You gave us a status check and mentioned what was happening. You've previously mentioned that having units inspected was now an option. I seriously think changing PCOs is a bad idea when the neighbors are still a factor.
And no one is saying it is easy to get rid of bed bugs. But what makes it hard in a multi-unit building is almost always that they are coming from somewhere, and you need to stem the tide.
If anyone needs to vent, and says so, I am sure we are all here for that. But if you are asking about your next course of action, and you seem to be, then we're going to try and help you make a good choice. -
nyjammin,
About your car, you mentioned the PCO would treat it for free. You're entitled to receive great service. If the PCO is offering it, and you're concerned ... take advantage!
Just like with the inspections. If that's an option that management is cool with, claim what's yours! You deserve the best shot at beating these things.
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Hi jammin, I'm sorry for what you are going through. I know how hard it is to believe things are working when you are getting attacked daily. My personal feeling is that the population in your apartment must be large and spread, given the number of months and failed treatments you've had. The possibility of resistance is also always there and tricky to manage. The PCO has to have a plan. What is their opinion of your situation? Are you discussing it with them?
Also, and I know this is not what you want to hear, I don't think you should rely on your feeling that your neighbors are not infested. Who is to know? You think you would see stress in their faces and all the signs of a fellow sufferer. Or that you would see bites. But consider what Nobugs is telling you. There is a way to be certain (or close to it) and not speculate. Why not take advantage and get it done? Let the PCO inspect the apartments. You really never know. Maybe it's someone above you or below you. Someone you don't see often. Or someone who is not allergic to the bites. Or someone who hasn't figured it out, or doesn't care.
I recommend another talk with the PCO and the inspections. The inspections asap. And a strong will to see this through. No matter who is treating you, chances are you will need several treatments.
We are always here for you Jammin.
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nyjammin
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 664
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 16 2007 18:07:56
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Thanks to everyone. I'll keep ya'll updated. :)
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