two k9 visits, two mixed results, bumps on skin. what's going on?

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two k9 visits, two mixed results, bumps on skin. what's going on?

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scaredofthem

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Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 31 2011 11:31:29
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I've explained in the prior posts that I had a bb k9 come to my apt late may (there were 2 alerts and no visual confirmation). After that visit I ordered some climbups and have had them on for 1.5 months with no catches. I also had one non-mosquito bite on my arm and a sprinkling (about 15-20) of red non-itchy bumps on my stomach after that visit.

I had a followup visit from the same k9 about 2 weeks ago, and there were no alerts this time. I had dried and bagged some clothing, but not all). This did not make me feel better because I was left with more questions about why the k9 had alerts on the first visit.

About 5 days ago (note, this is after the 2nd k9 visit), I got home and noticed about 15 red small bumps (not itchy) on my upper left thigh. These were very similar to the aforementioned bumps that I had on my stomach two weeks prior. I am so frustrated and can't think of anything else it could be. I also had two itchy bumps on my right foot, right along the bottom side of my foot- these were itchy.

I am moving at the end of august and I'm TERRIFIED about bringing any potential bbs with me. I have worried myself sick, it's all I think about. I haven't seen any evidence but I keep hearing about people who have them for months and are none the wiser. I'm going to inspect my mattress again and also the box spring (I had the box spring inspected by another PCO and it was clean). This has negatively impacted my mood, I'm depressed over it. My family thinks I'm crazy.

Also, how do I decontaminate items and keep them that way in my apartment until I move? I can't figure this out.

Please help.
scaredofthem

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Aug 3 2011 14:34:42
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Please help. I'm losing it. I just discovered an itchy bump on my shin and I have not been wearing shorts/skirts lately. Advice is greatly appreciated
scaredpea

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Aug 3 2011 14:36:28
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can you see a dermatologist? perhaps they can help you determine/or rule out what the bumps are caused by
DougSummersMS

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Aug 3 2011 16:57:10
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You might want to consider Vikane gas fumigation of a rental truck with your possessions when you move.
scaredofthem

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Posted 1 year ago
Wed Aug 3 2011 20:59:26
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DougSummersMS - 3 hours ago »
You might want to consider Vikane gas fumigation of a rental truck with your possessions when you move.

Doug. I am nauseous reading your post. I can't afford to spend $1200 to get rid of something I'm not 100% sure I have. That's how much vikane costs here. I bought a packtite and that's bad enough.

Any insight into the two mixed k9 findings? From what I gather, you work with k9s.

Please help people. I am at my wits end. I can't focus on anything else.
DougSummersMS

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Posted 1 year ago
Thu Aug 4 2011 3:12:32
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Also, how do I decontaminate items and keep them that way in my apartment until I move? I can't figure this out

I was responding to the question about how to decontaminate your contents when you move rather than the confirmation issue... The traditional approach to decontamination is not inexpensive... giant Ziplock bags, plastic bins, laundry costs, hours of your time and related expenses can add up to hundreds of dollars for a result that is often less than 100% effective... I suggested consideration of gas fumigation as an alternative simply because you are already planning to move.

I did not intend to suggest that we should be performing a fumigation without confirmation of the presence of live activity.

Unconfirmed alerts and contradictory findings are confusing and anxiety provoking... At this point, we need to rely on physical evidence... You have not found any physical evidence to confirm the presence of bed bugs... We need to look for an alternative source for the skin eruptions.

Here are a couple of articles about unexplained bite activity
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ent58.asp
http://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/others/ent-3006/

We need to expand our search to alternative sources for your symptoms while remaining vigilant for evidence of BBs... Sticky cardboard traps, fly ribbon and an electric flea trap can help screen for other biting pests... A visit to your doctor to screen for health issues that cause skin eruptions may help rule out contact dermatitis, kidney / liver disease and other medical conditions.

It is possible that the K9 was correct and that the source was eliminated in the laundry process, but I would disregard the unconfirmed alert and rely on the physical evidence.