Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Tools/ideas for fighting bed bugs
Packtite storage question
(5 posts)-
highlyneurotic
junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 57offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue May 8 2012 20:35:53
#
Login to Send PM
Okay, I am new here and this is probably a stupid question, and I anticipate that I know how people will answer, but I would like feedback about this.
I do not believe I have bedbugs now, but I recently bought a Packtite both for future protection and to make sure I did not bring any bedbugs home with me after a possible recent exposure (long story--I stayed with the person who is the possible source of the bugs at a hotel, but she had been cleared by two canine inspections just days before the visit; however, after she returned home it was confirmed that she did have bedbugs. At the time of the visit, her neighbor had bugs but the dogs could find no evidence that it had yet spread.)
I have diligently Packtited every single thing I had with me, except for the electronics, and I haven't noticed any bites or at least any reactions.
I live in a tiny tiny (I can't stress this enough) NYC apartment and have zero to no storage space. The Packtite, despite folding down, is really pretty large. The only place I have in the entire apt. to store it is under my bed (the bed is on risers, which are filled with vaseline, so I guess that will help if I ever do have an infestation). Am I crazy to do this? The interior of the PT should be clean after all the cycles I've run, but on the off chance I did have some bugs, could they be on the exterior? I know that supposedly you can put the thing through the wash, but being a NYC person I also don't have a washer-dryer anywhere in the building or easily close by, and I'm loath to take apart the heater and internal mechanism of the Packtite.
Also, people seem to suggest saving the cardboard shipping box the Packtite came in. Is there any reason for this other than the off chance it has to be sent back for repair? Like, would I be more protected from possible infestation if I were to store it in the original carton? Because, again, I'd like to minimize the space I'm taking up.
Thanks everyone.
-
theyareoutthere
oldtimer
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 2,018offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed May 9 2012 3:02:25
#
Login to Send PM
Bumping..good questions..
-
theyareoutthere
oldtimer
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 2,018offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed May 9 2012 3:25:36
#
Login to Send PM
Wait for an expert, but what about...after it cools..putting it in a large contractor bag (maybe white) and a cable tie so if there is one on it somehow..it wouldn't get to travel...
I honestly don't know...just a thought....
-
highlyneurotic
junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 57offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 10 2012 11:57:42
#
Login to Send PM
Thanks for suggestions. I've never used a contractor bag and I sort of don't get how it works if it can't be closed with a Ziploc? Does a tie really offer much protection?
Also about bags: Is the Ziploc double-zip bag the only one to trust? I.e., if I'm not using the giant Ziplocs for clothes and just want to protect things in smaller, like quart- or gallon-size bags, is there any reason to think the "one-zip click" bags aren't as good? I find those so much easier to open and close. Thanks.
-
theyareoutthere
oldtimer
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 2,018offline
Posted 1 year ago
Thu May 10 2012 22:34:45
#
Login to Send PM
I was using the Ziplocs for dirty laundry and shoes (until packtiting) but they kept coming undone...so I use one - zip bags (I think they are 11 galloon) I buy at BB supply. You can tape the zipper part shut, but I haven't been...I'd be very interested to hear what people think...
I use contractor bags and cable ties for out of season items...I think the cable tie is pretty tight.
Reply
You must log in to post.
