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Thoughts on used exercise equipment?
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pinupchick
newbite
Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 24offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 18:48:29
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I'm generally very cautious about purchasing used products and have a strict no used furniture policy, but earlier today I purchased a used Tony Little Gazelle from a pawn shop without much forethought. I don't actually have it in my home yet, so what can I do before I bring it home in the instance that it has been in a bed bug infected home? Spray it with alcohol?
Or am I being neurotic? Are bed bugs likely to infest a piece of equipment that is mostly metal and plastic?
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,517offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 19:17:47
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Dear pinchk,
What's possible and what's likely are two different things.
In my opinion it would be unlikely that BBs would infest a tony little gazzelle. (i've seen it on tv)
This is so because normally we would not expect that a person would sleep, rest or spend a lot of time resting/sessile on their gazeele thing.
However, it is possible that eggs may have been laid on it or there could be a BB(s) hiding somehwere on/in it.
Is this a likely situation? No, not really but, if this gazelle was located in a severely infested location where BBs tend to get into everything, then it may be possible.
If you have BB concerns and you wish to do something about your gazelle such that you feel more comfortable that there are absolutely no BBs or eggs on/in it than you will need to treat it to assure it is BB free. Here's some suggestions:
> Have it heat treated in a vault/chamber type set up at a local pest professional.
> Have it thoroughly steam treated by a professional.
> Have it professionally inspected & treated.DIY suggestions:
Firstly, make sure you understand what you are doing prior to doing so !
> Seal it into a suitable poly tarp with pest strips for a suitable time period. Note that this time period is contingent upon temperature and other factors.
> Conduct a contact insecticide application. Note that a product named Sterifab contains alcohol and can kill on contact.Let me know if any additional questions or concerns.
paul bello
pjb pest management consulting, llc
author: the bed bug combat manual -
pinupchick
newbite
Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 24offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 19:27:15
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Thanks for the info! It was only $60, and having it professionally treated is out of my budget.
I do have my own steamer, so I'll steam it on my porch before I bring it inside. And spray the nooks and crannies with alcohol (not sure if I can get Sterifab in Canada).Hopefully that it vigilent enough!
Right now my city's problem is small, and mostly limited to public housing and large apartment complexes, but I don't want to risk anything. =/
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,517offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 19:35:10
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Where is this thing right now?
BTW, r u a hockey fan? If so, what team?
Is it on your porch right now?
paul bello
pjb pest management consulting, llc
author: the bed bug combat manual -
pinupchick
newbite
Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 24offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 20:12:19
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It's still at the pawn shop, in their back room. I'm picking it up on Monday. But I'll be leaving it on my back porch until I can steam it I guess. The pawn shop doesn't take furniture, so it's just electronics and stuff in the back room with it.
Haha, I think I must be the only Canadian that doesn't watch hockey!
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,517offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 20:32:46
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How are you going to get it home? In what vehicle, yours?
Can you wrap it entirely in a plastic sheet?
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pinupchick
newbite
Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 24offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 20:53:37
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It'll be in my boyfriend's car. I can't really wrap it in anything, and my boyfriend would probably be annoyed at the suggestion. We can throw a plastic tarp around it, but that's probably the best we can do.
I guess in transport I'll have to rely on the "unlikely" rather than the "possible"...
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,517offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Dec 17 2011 20:56:38
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You can wrap it in a plastic tarp when you get it home.
1. Lay the tarp out on the porch.
2. Place the gazelle on the tarp.
3. Spray it.
4. Seal it up with the tarp for a few days.Good luck & Merry Christmas !
paul b.
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