Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed Bug Treatment
Pest Control visit today. Discourages Diatomaceous Earth. HELP
(7 posts)-
bedbugblues
newbite
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 3offline
Posted 10 months ago
Mon Jul 9 2012 9:21:27
#
Login to Send PM
Hi Everyone,
We found bed bugs 3 days ago on Friday, unfortunately the PCO couldn't get here until today (Monday) to help us out. Meanwhile, all weekend my husband and I have been reading online about what to do, and just basically trying to educate ourselves on bedbugs.
We found about 20 in our bedroom and killed them. We trapped 2 living ones in a plastic bag with diatomaceous earth and watched them die in a day. I've been washing all clothes and fabrics on hot and drying on hottest setting.
We did move to our living room to sleep. We knew the risk, but thought, it may just be 2 nights and not enough time for the bugs to follow us. We were very careful too. I just couldn't handle sleeping where I knew they were.
We had recently gone on vacation so I put DE all over our suitcases. I also put it all around the couch-bed we are sleeping on just incase they followed or traveled with us to the living room.
SO today the Orkin guy says we should not have put DE in our house because its harmful to breathe and that I should vacuum it up right away. He also says he would only do an "application" (appartenly not a bug bomb) to 3 rooms (bedroom, adjoining room, and living room) with 3 separate treatments.
I'm sure he knows what he's talking about, but online I keep reading how nothing worked until they used DE. And I just REALLY don't want this to take forever to deal with! We are going to a wedding a week long vacation in San Diego in August and I want these things at least gone by then.
We do have a Bedbug "burner" coming to look at everything. I'm just afraid that because out house is 2 stories + a basement and about 100 years old with bad insulation, that the burning may not work?? I guess I'll ask that guy.
I guess my big questions are should I stop using DE until the orkin treatments are done and they don't work? And risk the process taking 3 months? If I use DE, can I put it all over? Will we be messing with our inhalation/breathing? But then be rid of the bugs in a week?
If anyone has advice for us, we would greatly appreciate it!!
-
cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 3,851offline
Posted 10 months ago
Mon Jul 9 2012 10:32:50
#
Login to Send PM
Silicas like DE can be an important tool in BB control. People tend to misuse it (I've made my own mistakes with it).
It can be a respiratory hazard and can also ruin vacuum cleaners. Some PCOs (not all) won't treat a space where DE is present.
We have a good FAQ on DE and how to use it right.
If you or your PCO has a problem with DE, you can mop it up with wet rags, while wearing respiratory protection.
-
your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,717offline
Posted 10 months ago
Mon Jul 9 2012 12:26:41
#
Login to Send PM
It sounds like you may have over or misapplied DE and the PCO is right that it's not good for lungs. It can be used safely but you can also get rid of bed bugs without it.
-
bedbugblues
newbite
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 3offline
Posted 10 months ago
Mon Jul 9 2012 18:33:07
#
Login to Send PM
Thanks for the comments!
I cleaned the DE up a bit before the next PCO came from Bed Bug Burners. He cautioned me as well. He even had asthma and I felt really bad, but it wasn't much so I don't think it will bother him.
We are DEFINITELY doing the burning option! Less that $200 more and every inch of the house will be treated. AND only one treatment AND they guarantee the bugs and eggs will die.
I'll report back afterwards so other readers can know if Bug burning is the way to go. The Bed Bug Burners are specialists where Orkin deals with all kinds of bugs. Plus, they seem a lot nicer and more concerned about the customer than Orkin.
-
bedbugblues
newbite
Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 3offline
Posted 10 months ago
Mon Jul 9 2012 18:45:05
#
Login to Send PM
We have a good FAQ on DE and how to use it right.
Thanks for that! It was very helpful.
-
your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,717offline
Posted 10 months ago
Tue Jul 10 2012 0:04:24
#
Login to Send PM
I have heard of heat and thermal treatment, but not of "bed bug burning". It sounds like structural heating, though. If so I am surprised it costs only $200
more than other methods. -
your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,717offline
Posted 10 months ago
Tue Jul 10 2012 0:06:29
#
Login to Send PM
Be sure and ask about the guarantee. And how they determine if your problem is gone.
Reply
You must log in to post.
