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To Killer Queen: Finding the evidence
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so unsettling
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Dec 17 2010 21:44:10
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KQ, I just found a post you left in another thread. You mentioned that, in buildings where people have found no evidence in months, you sometimes find it in 10 minutes. So I have to ask: where is it that you look, that they don't; and what is it that you see, that they don't see? Why didn't these people notice something that was so obvious to you? I mean, I know you have a trained eye, but still, it seems like people who are searching for months should be getting a better idea of what to examine, and where. Plus they live there and must know the house and all its cracks and crevices. How can we miss it?
Sometimes I wonder if the evidence is staring us right in the face, and we just don't recognize it. Either that, or we just don't really know where to look. I have found a little blood and 2 fecal stains, all of which is now old enough to point to bed bug presence that was taken care of (at least for now) by the PCO treatments. But of course I am still keeping watch, and sometimes think I am still getting what may be bites. If they are still there, I want to make sure I am looking where I should be, or recognizing what I am looking at.
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oldtimer
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 3:11:35
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I can't answer that really. Every person is different and I guess I shouldn't lump everyone together as I do sometimes trying to give info on inspections. I have given advise to people where to look based on the type of bed they have. I have given advise based on the number of bites and locations. I have given advise based on the habits they have in their own apartment. Some find it, some don't
I guess the easy answer is ...
1. If your car breaks down, get a mechanic.
2. You can't cook and need a meal, find a chef and eat.
3. Your plumbing is leaking, find a plumber.And if you suspect bed bugs ... find a good exterminator.
Easy right?
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 5:01:40
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It can be complicated.
We often hear that if bed bugs are present, you will see fecal stains.
I spoke to one of our pros here recently who said he was on a case in a shelter with wooden beds. There were no fecal stains on the mattresses or on the visible parts of the wooden bed frames. From what I gather, they had to dismantle the bed frames to see fecal staining and other evidence. And it was definitely there.
This is just one example, in my mind, of what consumers might do -- turn over the mattress, look on the bed frame, vs. what a really experienced pro might know to do -- take the whole thing apart.
It's not that we can't disassemble furniture, but it's probably not the first thing that comes to mind.
On the other hand, this anecdote also suggests that an inexperienced pro whose inspections are quick may not determine the presence of bed bugs in a case like this. And that is bad news.
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so unsettling
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 16:05:07
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Thanks, Nobugs. Unfortunately, many of our PCOs are not doing these kind of searches so thoroughly, and we don't have the financial luxury to keep calling them back. Despite the admonitions against DIY approaches, it seems like we just have to know what to do on our own.
I have only the small, simple base frame. I bought this mattress and box spring just in April, and did not want to make the financial outlay for a headboard. I have hesitated to take the spring off it and inspect, since my mattress and box spring are encased and it is probably constant handling that leads to tears and rips. But I guess I will have to start messing with the frame. Thanks again.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 17:16:45
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Hi so unsettling,
I am not trying to suggest that you will find fecal evidence in your bed frame.
My point was more that while evidence like fecal stains will usually be evident, sometimes it may take this kind of disassembly and sleuthing.
I agree that sometimes we do need to take matters into our own hands. The problem as I see it is more where people are doing so without actually knowing what they should be doing, with no information or after reading bad advice from others.
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so unsettling
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 17:45:45
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Oh, I know you weren't suggesting that. I just was taking your example as one thing most would not routinely do, because we don't know enough to. And that is what is bothering me. We will probably never know how to lay powerful insecticide sprays down correctly or in the right places, and I would be hesitant to self-treat in that way. But we should be able to learn how to REALLY inspect, and at least how to lay down DE. I have read a thousand posts here and suspect that their might be only 2 or 3 people who have ever applied DE correctly. No one is really showing us. The videos i have seen appear to illustrate the same mistakes we are accused of making in the application procedure.
It is clear that many of our PCOs do the least possible acceptable job. They know they aren't going to find them or get rid of them, and all we are really getting is a maintenance or control protocol. Thus people get rid of the bugs, and see them again later. This being the case, we have to be empowered in every SAFE way we can. We have to know how to do thorough inspections, to know what the PCO would have done if he/she really looked the way KQ does. I never hear of anyone here finding eggs, but he does. They have to be visible somewhere, if we just knew how to look. There can't be any dangers in inspecting--I just wish I could get more pointers on how to do it.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 18:06:27
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We will probably never know how to lay powerful insecticide sprays down correctly or in the right places, and I would be hesitant to self-treat in that way. But we should be able to learn how to REALLY inspect, and at least how to lay down DE. I have read a thousand posts here and suspect that their might be only 2 or 3 people who have ever applied DE correctly. No one is really showing us. The videos i have seen appear to illustrate the same mistakes we are accused of making in the application procedure.
I agree and as I said on another thread, I'd love to post such videos if an expert will produce some for us to share.
As for the comments about PCOs: some do suck and don't do a good job.
I suspect that most people who get rid of bed bugs with a professional do not have access to a David Cain, or a KillerQueen. And yet they still get rid of bed bugs.
I agree with you that all professionals do not know what they're doing regarding bed bugs, but I also think that most of them aren't as clueless as people with no experience and who aren't doing a whole lot of research.
Sometimes people here genuinely do need to learn about bed bugs and treat themselves, either due to financial reasons or the fact that they don't have access to good assistance. But a lot of people here seem to jump to the conclusion that they're in that group. In other words, they've heard PCOs are mostly clueless and/or they hired one clueless PCO, and now they're going to go it alone. I think that's a common mistake.
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done in
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Joined: Nov '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Dec 18 2010 19:35:40
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I know that people in my immediate family had BB problems. I had my house treated in July and Aug. Only saw the original bug, not sure it was even a bed bug. Am thinking that if I had this problem since May, surely to God I would have seen something else by now. Am really just wondering if bug paraonia has taken over. My PCO says that I would have had other evidence by now. How do you get past this?
Still experiencing small itcty spots on my body and some funky stuff on my sheets
Just want to move on. -
your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Dec 19 2010 3:45:52
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done in - 8 hours ago »
I know that people in my immediate family had BB problems. I had my house treated in July and Aug. Only saw the original bug, not sure it was even a bed bug. Am thinking that if I had this problem since May, surely to God I would have seen something else by now. Am really just wondering if bug paraonia has taken over. My PCO says that I would have had other evidence by now. How do you get past this?
Still experiencing small itcty spots on my body and some funky stuff on my sheets
Just want to move on.Do you have any passive monitors in place? BBAlert Passive is probably ideal in this kind of situation, if your bed is not isolated.
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bestbugdeadbug
newbite
Joined: Oct '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Dec 19 2010 4:12:42
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so unsettling - 10 hours ago »
I never hear of anyone here finding eggs, but he does. They have to be visible somewhere, if we just knew how to look. There can't be any dangers in inspecting--I just wish I could get more pointers on how to do it.Hello so unsettling, I actually found eggs even though they weren't numerous. The key is to use tape. Use packing tape and dab it on every square inch possible (surfaces and fabrics), then the eggs are a lot more visible as they become stuck to the tape. Be sure to use new tape when the old tape loses its stick. Bed bug eggs also have smooth exteriors, so it's possible to see them if you are slow and careful and have a powerful flashlight.
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so unsettling
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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Dec 19 2010 16:06:26
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Thanks Bestbug. That makes sense. I will add it to my roster of activities.
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jjakk
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 19:27:17
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Here are some helpful videos I found on You Tube - this is only a small sample of the vast info available on there. The first 2 are by a guy who did self treatment (although possibly not in the totally correct way to do the applications) but it gives you a starting point. The 2nd two are mini documentaries on the Buggers. You can spend hours researching on You Tube alone. Also try google for treatment advice and products available for detection and treatment.
I had no clue what the things even looked like and assumed they were little black bugs (not the case) and found these videos to be a good beginners guide to the battle. I just purchased DE and am going to use it sparingly to start after my PCO gets here tomorrow to investigate and give advice. Will follow up as I am jumping into the battle in every way I learn how. This forum is great and there are some excellent posters who are very informed and helpful with their support and advice.
[Admin note: Bed bug powder video removed at user's request.][+] Embed the video Get the Video Player [+] Embed the video Get the Video Player -
oldtimer
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 20:25:36
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I didn't look at all of them, I think I have seen the bottom 2. But the imposter in the first video has no clue what he's doing or talking about. Its a horror he's even on the same page my name is mentioned in.
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spideyjg
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 20:33:12
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It is the return of Itchy Mon!
Watch again how much scratches in the video.
DO NOT DO AS HE DOES!!!!
Jim
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 21:00:53
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Yes, the "Bed Bug Powder" video is NOT recommended.
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jjakk
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 21:41:54
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Ok well it's good to get feedback on what's a proper or improper method. The guy in the first video is not an exterminator - he is a 'Do It Your Selfer'.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 21:51:27
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jjakk - 8 minutes ago »
Ok well it's good to get feedback on what's a proper or improper method. The guy in the first video is not an exterminator - he is a 'Do It Your Selfer'.He claims to be a do it yourselfer. He may actually be the person marketing the product.
As noted on this thread, a user claiming to be a satisfied customer was promoting this video on our forums. I won't tell you how I found evidence that this other "satisfied customer" was actually the person promoting the Bed Bug Powder website, but I did.
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jjakk
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 22:53:49
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Ok maybe we should remove that video - is there a way for a 'user' to remove a post themselves ?
here is a much better and very comprehensive video done by the department of sanitation of the city of Cincinatti for public awareness on detection, treatment and prevention :
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/health/downloads/health_eps17657.wmv
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Mon Dec 20 2010 23:33:03
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jjakk - 38 minutes ago »
Ok maybe we should remove that video - is there a way for a 'user' to remove a post themselves ?Nope. But I did:
[Admin note: Bed bug powder video removed at user's request.] -
jjakk
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Dec 21 2010 0:17:35
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ok thanks NoBugs... I now spent time backtracking on the site and reading the FAQS and more on how to use the site properly, which I recommend to other new users instead of just jumping into the Forums as I did needing immediate answers when 'panic mode' set in.
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your host
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Dec 21 2010 2:45:22
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jjakk - 2 hours ago »
I now spent time backtracking on the site and reading the FAQS and more on how to use the site properly, which I recommend to other new users instead of just jumping into the Forums as I did needing immediate answers when 'panic mode' set in.Thanks, jjakk -- that message will probably mean more coming from you than from us oldtimers!
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jjakk
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Posted 2 years ago
Tue Dec 21 2010 10:48:46
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You are welcome 'NoBugs', I appreciate that and yes I would reiterate again to all 'Newbies' to read as much as possible before jumping into the forums. Go to the 'HOME' page first and read through the 'TERMS and CONDITIONS' FAQS, the 'ABOUT' section, Privacy Policy, etc.
Many of our initial questions have already been addressed and answered on the site. It takes time to read through but it is extremely helpful. Also reading and learning how to properly use the site will give the info needed as to What section of the Forum to post your question in and get a proper and quick reply.
I was jumping around Googling the internet and watching a number of videos on You Tube and getting a crossbreed of info, some correct some incorrect. Also someone mentioned the 'Bed Bug TV' site as an additional resource site which is excellent in combination with this site.
I've just been here 11 days and needed to settle down a bit and get acquainted with site after jumping into the Forums initially. Everyone panics at the revelation they might have BB's so it's understandable. Thankfully there is a community of people here who are supportive and gracious in taking time to offer their help. Much thanks to all, particularly the 'Oldtimers' , Professionals and especially to 'Nobugsonme" for devoting the time to be a very helpful 'Host' here.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Dec 22 2010 1:34:46
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Thanks, jjakk, I'm glad you found us, but sorry you needed to know more about bed bugs.
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tforms1
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Posted 2 years ago
Thu Dec 23 2010 14:44:47
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good stuff
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