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Precautions I took when coming back from a Hotel

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Jeffrey567

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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Mar 8 2011 2:30:18
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Hi All -

I recently stayed at a hotel, which I was concerned might have a bedbug infestation. When I arrived initially, I had done an examination of the sheets and mattress, and couldn't find anything. during the trip, I was getting a bit itchy - but just dismissed it as paranoia.

At one point, later in the trip, however, I did find a bug under the pillow - and I think it was a bed bug - but cannot say for sure. I haven't seen one before, it was dark and cylindrical, but I couldn't take a picture as it was too blurry. I crushed it, but no blood came out.

This kind of freaked me out anyway, and I took some severe precautions not to take them home.

- I put the dry clothing in a dryer for 45 minutes, and then bagged it. Before getting home.
- I wrapped, and threw out the suitcase before I went home.
- I took my electronics, a laptop and cell phone, and put them in a sealed plastic bag.

When I arrived home, I didn't have the option of changing before going in, so I stepped into a garbage bag in my apartment and changed into the bag, sealed it, then took the bag and put the clothes in the dryer later.

-I then showered immediately, changed, and put the electronics in the bathtub so I could inspect them.
-I couldn't find anything, but I vacuumed them, and sprayed and wiped them down in rubbing alcohol.

Problem is, I think I have been getting bites for the past day or so since I've returned. I don't really know what else I could do. I know bites can take a few days to show up - but it's not helping my paranoia.

Does this seem sufficient?
buggedout16

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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Mar 8 2011 18:39:44
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It sounds like you did all you could do to prevent them in your home at this point. I know you don't want to hear it, but at this point it's a waiting game. Also, it really does sometimes take a few days for bites to show up. I know that doesn't make a difference to your paranoia right now, but it is true!! Also, stress can sometimes cause your skin to do weird things. May not be bites at all, or may be some kind of skin issue you've had for a while but because you've not been inspecting as closely as you do when you think you have bed bugs, you hadn't noticed before.

If you are really nervous, you could get some of those passive BBAlert monitors (I have no connection to the company, just a satisfied customer) for your bed. But really, at this point I think you are likely NOT to have a problem. A bed bug that appeared remotely long and cylindrical would be likely to be one that had recently fed, so that when it was crushed you would almost certainly see blood. Unfed bugs are more flat and not really "long".

I hope you are in the clear. Good luck.
Nobugsonme

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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Mar 8 2011 19:05:50
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I think buggedout16 is right that at this stage, it is a waiting game. You should feel confident that you did a good job of trying to avoid bringing them home.

And you should be reassured that bed bug bites can take a few days or more to appear (for those who react at all). We've heard "up to nine days later," though I think that's rare. Keep a log of where and when skin reactions appear.

You can read more about BBAlert Passive, or ClimbUP Interceptors, here.

It sounds like your electronics came through okay, but for anyone else reading this, I would not recommend spraying electronics with alcohol (or any other liquids).
cilecto

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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Mar 8 2011 20:10:27
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Also, bear in mind, just because a hotel had bb in some room at some time doesn't mean it's there today. Even if it is, they wouldn't always come home with you.