Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Tales of Bed Bug Woe
Possible after bugs are gone questions......
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paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 7:12:33
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So far we're holding up. I have gotten bites but they go away with in an hour or two. They are much smaller, itch but not the same as I remember. I have not seen any signs on sheets. Maybe these are phantom bites? My husband has only gotten a bite once but didn't react to bites much anyway. the kids not so much to see to really call bites..I thought I had some cast skins but Lou said it was just debris. I have another post it with two bugs and some stuff on it I may send out next week to either Lou or Harvard. I have carpet tape around the legs of all the beds, and along the back wall of the main bedroom. DO you think this is enough? Or am I going overboard since we were vikaned. I do have a few questions if I may..
1. I have been checking all the sheets and mattress covers about 2x a week and washing the sheets and blankets once a week. Is this enough or should I be taking beds apart looking for signs.
2. I know our infestation was pretty bad back in April when we found out about it.I had this odor in our bedroom for weeks not knowing what it was cuz I keep up on the wash, cleaning and such. Plus other rooms upstairs and down were found to be infested. Unfortunately I didn't know of this site until after the first or second treatment so I never actually seen the major colony(ies) persay but remember back then seeing "bug" during the day taht I now know are bedbugs. I wonder how long I got bit for and didn't realize it or didn't react. All I know is that in April when I flipped our mattress for spring cleaning, two days later...I got attacked...over 100 bites in less than a week. (aprox 4 days) So my question here would be if I got bit now, I wonder if I would react as I remember in April.
3. Pre-bedbugs I used to vacuum about 3-4 times a week but in sections due to the kids. For example I would vacuum the bedrooms one day, the living and dining room the next, and then downstairs three rooms the next. Since this bbug thing, my house is more dirty because I spend Saturday,the whole morning into evening doing the whole house, then cooking ect.. for the family...drives me crazy, ruins the only family day we have together etcc. This is to save on the expensive vacuum bags and filters that are changed every time. ( about $18 every time I vacuum now) I fear on where to store the darn thing. I used to store the vacuum in the coat closet or laundry room...at this point anywhere scares me. Any input, suggestions or advise on this would be great. I need advise from some one who is past this. I don't think I would ever catch another infestion in time but after being Vikaned to save what we have left how could I rid it all, live out of all metal shelves, plastic containers and vasiline everthing...I don't think I'll ever not bag my dirty laundry again. I wish I could due to multiple bedrooms with children. My oldest used to help me get diapers for the babies, throw clothes in the hamper etc.. a good mommy's helper but now laundry and diapers are bagged still. If the eggs were not all killed in the gas then we're just screwed cuz everything is out, I've been using the van again..etc..
I hate to not know if they're all gone or not, and even more soo fear that we'll get them back! For example: I wnated to take the kids to the farm down the street, big touristy area, hay rides, hay mazes, piles of corn to roll around in etc... I can't get myself to let my child climb on the hay shaped dino in fear that other kids may have bugs and then we'll get them back. Socially I'm feel I'm doing much more harm than good for my children, but on the other hand I feel what choice do I have?
Well, much thanks to you in anything that I may find some answers or a little peace in. -
1--This should be enough, Paula. The Vikane should have got them. It is good to be vigilant, but you should not have to act as you did with an infestation.
2--I don't expect you would get so many bites so fast, but the evidence from those who have been reinfested after a long time (Caryn and Caitlin) is that they recognized new bites for what they were right away, and sought prompt treatment, and the bed bugs were gone again very swiftly. For what it's worth.
3--I think you should store your vacuum where you like. Paula, you should not have bed bugs now. You do not need to change the vacuum bags and filters after every use (I don't even think people WITH bed bugs need to change the filters. Just the bags.) You should be able to keep those bags till they're full, now.
I hope you will take the kids to the farm. The world is a beautiful place and it can be scary after bed bugs, but everyone does not have bed bugs. You know, I have traveled a lot. It was scary at first, but I love it. I feel a little nervous each time I search a hotel room for bed bugs, but it lasts five minutes and puts my mind at ease. I hope in time you will feel more relaxed too. Remember, DE is very effective. If you have it down now, bringing in a bed bug does not have to start this whole thing over again.
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paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 9:49:40
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Thank you a million times over. If I could write it hugely on the screen I would have. It's going to be slow, but with some assurance I know my children will have a full life. Thank you.
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lieutenantdan
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 1,162
Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 10:03:29
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paulaw0919,
Sounds to me that you did a great job in the war with bed bugs. You are a true warrior! I went through all that you have gone through as far as emotions and hard work although my tactics may have differed somewhat (no vikane).
Your new bite marks may be old ones. I did not react to bite for three months after my wife. I believe that stress may have finally brought them out. I still am concerned and follow my tactics but not as often as I once did. Your life will eventually become normal but the mental scars will continue but lessen with time. It is still good to check and clean but do try to get back to normal because your family needs this from you and you need it also. No doubt that the bed bug epidemic is growing and is becoming a fact of life for many but God forbid that you do get them again you will be more prepared in dealing with them. Try to now work on your mental state and try to enjoy life again one step at a time. -
paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 10:45:29
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Lieutenantdan, Thank you as well. It was a very very hard battle and I pray that it's over for a long long long time. I myself have alot of mental and emotional scars from this which as a family we are working on and slowly moving forward. I fear even moving and making the slightest step in that the bugs aren't gone or if they came back in. But over time I'm sure that'll get easier in time. Thank God for my children and that I took more of the blunt than them. I very much look forward to spending much needed quality time with them and enjoying what's left of the good weather. Best to you, your family and every one here. I may pop in a from time to time for stupid questions and support and maybe months from now ask advise on actually purchasing another living room set...or the safety of even getting one, delivery and otherwise...but not yet. (Ah, Maybe we'll wait oh.. 3-4 years for that ;) It's actually not bad sitting together on the floor now.
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lieutenantdan
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Posts: 1,162
Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 11:19:45
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paulaw0919,
Please keep us informed and come back to give advice to new people. I am getting a little tired advising. We need fresh people who have experience like you. This is important for all, this nation has not seen the end of the bed bug war and our help in needed. -
nightshirt
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Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 455
Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 13:50:39
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lt dan - you truly deserve a rest and a vacation. you have been incredible. really. my hats off to you!
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lieutenantdan
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 14:08:40
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Thanks nightshirt.
Take no prisoners. -
paulaw0919
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 14:30:22
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Yes, absolutely. I will try when I think I can. One thing is for sure. My kids are not in school yet but one will be next year (pre-k) I don't know what to do about that one yet. But besides attempting to help on site I am going to the school board in town and putting in my concern and my 2 cents for what it's worth. We are about 1.5-2 hrs from NYC and there are many people here that commute etc... So it's only a matter of time...Then, we also have a little section in our local paper that we can state just about anything in. I'm going to put my "thumbs down" to bedbugs and how people are spreading them via selling infested furniture and other items. I know it's small, but hopefully the word will get around a bit here. I feel I'll always be on high alert. Living in the country area one experiences bites often by who knows what and it will be a long time before some one will realize it's bedbugs just like us. Now every bite I get I think is a bedbug bite, even now. I just have to adjust to think that there ARE other bugs and try my best to defer the difference from memory.
Lt Dan, take a break you deserve it. -
lieutenantdan
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 1,162
Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 1 2007 15:05:41
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paulaw0919,
Spreading the news is great, people need to know and our goverment and media are not doing a good enough job. -
LtDan,
Spreading the news is great. And coming back to give advice is wonderful. But as others have said many times, there's something to be said for taking a break, and for enjoying life. The nice thing about the internet is that your advice lives on even when you're not here to answer new questions, people can still find it. I don't think anyone here who's beaten their bed bugs should hesitate to take a break (temporary or permanent) or spend time doing other things. It's a natural progression many others have gone through, and good for the soul. :-) -
lieutenantdan
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 1,162
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 9:10:39
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Yes Nobugsonme I agree but lest we forget. Although some have won their battle the bed bug war is not over and we should never let our guard down, it might get worse. Take no prisoners.
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nightshirt
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Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 455
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 13:20:01
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i think nbom is saying that the "visitors" to this site do not have the same obligation as nbom has to continue to answer peoples queries and add to t he blogs. this is nbom baby.
i know at first i was here incessantly and then i took a break. now i come back and have a go through every few days. that depends on my state of mind. i also like to keep abreast of any new developments in the news. but lt dan take your wife on vacation!!!! NOW!!!
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lieutenantdan
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Posts: 1,162
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 13:49:43
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nightshirt, we just got back from vacation!!! Please don't shoo me away. This all is extremely interesting stuff and we are just at the beginning.
Does a strong mans opinion pose a threat? -
Beatrice
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Posts: 125
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 16:20:55
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Congrats Paula!
Someday I hope to post about three or more successful battles that I know of.
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paulaw0919
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Posts: 1,034
Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 2 2007 17:34:51
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Thanks..One always feels that their not gone, but hoping they are!! :)
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LtDan, I was responding to what YOU said: "Please keep us informed and come back to give advice to new people. I am getting a little tired advising. " That's all. Oh, and why the comments about gender? I don't see that you being a man affects how I interpret what you write here.
Nightshirt, everyone is always welcome to contribute. But when they feel tired or fed up, they should take a break. No one has to give advice.
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