Using PackTite.....but isn't every day life a risk?!

Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)

Using PackTite.....but isn't every day life a risk?!

(12 posts)

Tags:

vigilant

newbite
Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 7
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 11 2010 19:04:24
#

Login to Send PM

So I definitely understand the value of using PackTite after returning home from a trip, but here's my concern: it seems that a lot of our everyday life involves risk when it comes to encountering bedbugs/bedbug eggs, such as going to movie theaters, libraries, restaurants, laundromats, work meetings, hospitals, riding in cars, riding on public transportation, visiting friends' apartments/houses and them coming to visit, etc etc...the list goes on. So pretty much, daily life (and not just while we're going on trips) is a risk and could involve encountering bedbugs/bedbug eggs.

Ideally, it would be safest to be using PackTite literally all the time since we are so often exposed to risk in public places (and could even be exposed in our own homes for that matter). However, to use PackTite all the time wouldn't be realistic and would drive most people insane to be consciously thinking about it all the time. I don't want to live my life drenched in fear.

I mean of course it would be wise for us to use our PackTite when we return home from a trip, but would we have to use it so often in our daily life as well? There's so much we encounter everyday that could pose a risk, but like I said, it would drive me insane to have to consciously use PackTite all the time......

Help?
DeedleBeetle

oldtimer
Joined: May '10
Posts: 1,232
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 11 2010 20:45:01
#

Login to Send PM

You're right to think that we should be using our PTs alot. What's the problem with that? That doesn't mean that we are obsessed -- it just means that we're being careful because who in the world would want to risk another infestation? So, i find i'm continuing to PT often. I'm PTing right now because husband just picked up our laundry from the laundromat and before we use it i must run it through the PT to be sure that if any bbs climbed on our stuff from someone else's laundry, that it will be killed. Earlier today after i finished vacuuming, i popped the vacuum pieces, including the hepa filter and bag inside the PT to be sure that no egg or larvae or bug could live in the hose, the suction pieces, the body of the vacuum or even in the vacuum bag or filter. then it goes back into a plastic bag until i use it again.

Tomorrow i plan to PT the two quilts on my bed and the pillows as well. I don't think anything is in them but why not be sure. I think it's a great idea to PT our blankets and quilts and pillows at least once a month.

So enjoy your PT...enjoy the peace that it offers ...
zomgbbs

newbite
Joined: Dec '09
Posts: 21
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 11 2010 22:53:35
#

Login to Send PM

i use my packtite quite often for maintenance... every couple of weeks i throw my purse, jacket, gym bag etc in there... also any new piece of fabric i buy: quilt, clothes, etc, even if not from a thrift store all get cooked too! it's not the most rigorous routine but makes me feel better than doing nothing besides staring suspiciously at everything.
nycyn

senior member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 701
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Mon Oct 11 2010 23:04:18
#

Login to Send PM

Please don't live in fear. I heard what you said. People have a choice, well most of the time, whether to be driven insane or not.
Sleepless in NYC

senior member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 544
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 12 2010 0:13:49
#

Login to Send PM

Someone posted on this forum that they thought the packtite would become a common everyday appliance. I don't disagree. Experts state that the bedbug situation is going to get worse and more widespread. Forty years ago, people would spray DDT on them to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, they have grown resistant to it and there is nothing readily available to consumers to "easily" kill the bbs and their eggs . And from what I read here, it's not so uncommon for people to get re-infested after successfully having them removed from their homes.

I would love for the Pack-tite to really become a household appliance. it may not eradicate bed bugs, but no matter how low a percentage, it would still curb the spread of bed bugs.
kannon_bosatsu

member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 128
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 12 2010 0:34:49
#

Login to Send PM

We're using our pactite to do maintenance treatment and bought it in case we find bug in our books, my yarn and fabric, etc. We run my husband's shoes and pants through it after he throws out the trash. Lots of people in the building are throwing out bed bug infested things and we don't want them hitching a full ride back to the bed. I treat my purse once a week and now that I am going back to my tote, will treat it as well.

We have two very active toddlers and it is hard to fully maintain the protocols. I use the pactite for peace of mind with some of their items. They deserve a childhood and not to live in a plastic bubble. I would pactite our cats since they spend a lot of time on and under our bed but know that's not possible.

I'm not obsessive about using it yet but we'll see how things develop with our situation. I think you should do what is comfortable and sustainable for you and yours.
nycyn

senior member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 701
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Tue Oct 12 2010 0:45:23
#

Login to Send PM

Sleepless in NYC - 29 minutes ago »
Someone posted on this forum that they thought the packtite would become a common everyday appliance. I don't disagree. Experts state that the bedbug situation is going to get worse and more widespread. Forty years ago, people would spray DDT on them to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, they have grown resistant to it and there is nothing readily available to consumers to "easily" kill the bbs and their eggs . And from what I read here, it's not so uncommon for people to get re-infested after successfully having them removed from their homes.
I would love for the Pack-tite to really become a household appliance. it may not eradicate bed bugs, but no matter how low a percentage, it would still curb the spread of bed bugs.

Message board posts aren't science. Please, people, don't run your lives on what you read on a message board! Vet, vet, vet!
nycyn

senior member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 701
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Wed Oct 13 2010 1:43:33
#

Login to Send PM

Bump.
Richard56

senior member
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 636
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Wed Oct 13 2010 8:36:14
#

Login to Send PM

I agree with the sentiments expressed by the original poster. For me, PackTite was extremely helpful as part of my prep, but now that I'm fairly certain I don't have (and never had) bed bugs, I'll probably sell the unit as it takes up a lot of room even when folded -- plus the idea of going through a 1-2 hour decontamination process, for example every time I go to the movies, is not the way I want to live. As for travel, I do plan to inspect bedding and headboards from now on, so feel reasonably safe in that regard. Should I ever get bed bugs for real in the future, I could always buy another PackTite. And I would because it is a great device.

I'd also like to add that I don't think the chance of picking up bed bugs (or the "epidemic" as it is now being called) is nearly as great as some (including the media) is making it out be. From my readings so far, I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot more people who think they have bed bugs than really do, and this has created a media synergy/frenzy and also a lot of what frankly appears to be PCO promotion of the problem, especially with the bed bug sniffing dogs that are always on TV.

My building, for example, has around 60 units and according to the superintendent we've only had one case of bed bugs in the past three years which was promptly taken care. This is not something of epidemic proportions and I live in one of those cities high on the list of bed bug problems.

This is not to say bed bugs aren't a serious problem for those that have them, and they have my sympathies. I've been there, or at least I thought I had been there, and went through the arduous prep process which took both a physical, emotional and financial toll.

And when I mention "PCO" promotion, I'm certainly not talking about those posting here who in my opinion set a standard for a prudent approach to bed bugs, i.e. no bugs, no treatment. That said, this is not anywhere near the industry norm as I have found it. Most PCO's I talked are in high treatment mode and will send someone over to spray (most don't even give credence to a physical inspection) at the drop of a hat or at the sniff of a dog.

Richard
persephone86

junior member
Joined: Nov '09
Posts: 104
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Wed Oct 13 2010 15:11:10
#

Login to Send PM

I personally use my Packtite religiously for maintenance. I dealt with my own bb infestation late last year and was able to move this past spring into a bb free apartment after successful PCO treatments, followed by super vigilant Packtite treatment and subsequent proper storing of all items I was taking with me. The PackTite was my savior and allowed me to move successfully and feel safe about doing so. It's set up in my new place and I still use it everyday. I take public transit in Chicago and as soon as I get home, I toss everything I have with me in there. My purse, coat, all my clothes and shoes (which get taken off outside on the porch) are dumped right in there. I am super vigilant about this, but not obsessive and not thinking about it all the time. It's simply part of my daily routine when I get home. Takes seconds really. It's like unpacking the groceries, I am so used to it. I can't protect myself from someone else in my 6-unit building bringing an infestation in, but I sure as hell can try my darndest to prevent ME from doing it. Some might think I'm crazy, but all those close to me understand. I have a boyfriend who's never dealt with bedbugs and was not around during the height of my ordeal, but completely understands my prevention tactics and has never batted an eye when I ask him to follow them with his own belongings. (I think he also quite enjoys me getting into my skivvies when I get home from work, so he's not gonna judge ) But with them on the rise in Chicago, (I actually saw one on the train a few weeks ago btw) I will continue to use my PackTite whenever I take a cab, train, go to the movies, etc. Being preventative doesn't necessarily have to be a huge inconvenience. But in the end, each person is different, so really it's all about your peace of mind and doing the things that are practical and sustainable for you and your situation.
bugnut

senior member
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 528
offline

Posted 2 years ago
Tue Jan 11 2011 10:38:24
#

Login to Send PM

Sorry Richard - but I live in a house in a nice suburb of NYC and I have had them twice a year apart (several experts believe it was not the same infestation due to several factors too lengthly to explain here). I have seen many times that bedbugs are a pest of exposure. If you are unlucky enough to be exposed more than once you will get them. And unfortunately you never know where you will pick them up. For me, the cost of eradicating them is so prohibitive the extra measures I take are well worth it. I utilize my dryer as well as the packtite for heating clothes when I get home. I is actually nice to get into comfy clothes as soon as I come in. If those few extra steps are not worth the effort then so be it - but for me, I never want to go thru the hassle and expense again.
help_me

member
Joined: Jul '11
Posts: 134
offline

Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jul 12 2011 18:32:06
#

Login to Send PM

I run my Packtite every day, if not multiple times in a single day and I am certainly glad I have done it. Upon cleaning it today for the first time since getting it, it is clear after looking at what had collected on the bottom that stuff has gone into that had been exposed that I may never have known until too late. I use my dryer religiously. It runs sometimes for hours. As soon as I come in the house from being anywhere where I was sitting or handling stuff everything goes right in. You cannot be too safe because there are many people who don't care. I would love to hear from other Packtite users who no longer have bugs but Packtite regularly and have found things in there after.