Wicker -- would you automatically toss? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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Wicker -- would you automatically toss?

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Started 2 years ago by scared-girl
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scared-girl

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 18:00:01
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I have had a wicker hamper in my bedroom in NYC for the past 10 years, but now I am realizing what a great a 'nest' it would be for BBs. Ick. I don't see any signs on it but should I just toss it? Sigh...it is a nice hamper...

what would you do?
baumannm

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 18:46:32
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There is no need to toss the hamper if you have not noticed any signs of bedbugs in your home. If you are unsure or feel uneasy call a pest control company, the majority of pest control companies will conduct a free bedbug inspection for you.

Some pest control companies also use k9 units which are more accurate then human eyes.

My advice don't toss it till you have a inspection.
nycyn

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 20:57:32
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Wicker concerns me too. I have some serious antique chairs with wicker or caning. I don't know what I'd do if they became infested. My kid's godmother picked a basket up out of the trash and that may have been the culprit as that's where they found the fecal spotting.

Meanwhile I have been treating my most valuable items with a light DE wash as a preventative.
KillerQueen

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 21:07:09
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baumannm - 2 hours ago »
Some pest control companies also use k9 units which are more accurate then human eyes.

Not my eyes =)

Keeping on topic, I have had people with this type of hamper in the past. Everything depends on the size of your infestation. Inspect it like a crazy person and then place a large bag over it once you feel its clear. You can even submerge it in hot hot water in a tub for a short while and get a bug out and floating probably. Just flip it over to get both sides. You can also heat it up with a blow dryer to see if you can get anything moving. It will not kill them, just get them to move probably.

I had a client who's entire bedroom set was made of wicker; headboard, nightstands, dresser, chest, and shift robe (spelling?) and everything was saved. Seek and Destroy!

Good luck!
cilecto

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 21:22:08
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KQ> Not my eyes =)

Touche!

In one of his videos, Austin Frishman points to a wicker lamp base as problematic if infested. I'd think that wicker could be treated, if necessary by steam or by sealing up with DDVP (and of course via whole house thermal or Vikane). I'd keep it, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice of material if I were shopping at this point. I would also wonder if having a wicker hamper could hurt you in the following scenario:
- You throw in infested clothes.
- Infestation takes hold in hamper, undetected.
- You launder without the thoroughness you'd use for infested clothes.
- You store the still infested clothes elsewhere in your home.
- Infestation spreads to your armoire?
nycyn

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Nov 27 2010 22:05:10
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Concerning KQ's post: In theory, and anecdotally, water shouldn't harm woven reeds.

But, as the resident antiques and collectibles lady, I feel compelled to tell this story:

I have an amazing antique colored basket that should've gone to a museum. I rinsed it in the spirit of 'moisture can't hurt' to get the dust off. I ruined it.

Point: Don't stick heirlooms in bath tubs. Posted to protected anybody that thinks it is okay to put great-great-great grandma's basket in water. A contemporary piece is worth the risk, if there is any.

"Just saying."
SearchandDestroy

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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Nov 28 2010 15:00:55
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I packtited my wicker hamper...had the same thought about the clothes. We kept the wicker tables (sprayed them with alcohol) and tossed the wicker chair. (it was old and I got bit there).
cilecto

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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Nov 28 2010 16:22:08
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If a wicker item were truly infested, I would be leery of using alcohol on it, as alcohol likely would not penetrate into the hollows where BB might hide and it does not kill eggs.
scared-girl

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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Nov 28 2010 16:41:21
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i did find one bug in my bed -- no other signs. i am just wondering if keeping anything wicker is WORTH it in the long run. Is it really worth taking the chance? The hamper is near my bed and my bed is fully encased. If i were a BB, this would be an amazing location. I guess I am asking if keeping anything of the material is worth it -- even if you see no current infestation on the item...?
Bug wary

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Posted 2 years ago
Sun Nov 28 2010 16:51:31
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I recall reading a study conducted in Asia? where there was a lot of wicker furniture. Bed Bugs did find their way there, although other areas were prefered.
Ultimately the decision lies with you and there is a balance betweeen how much pleasure a hamper gives you versus the grief that you might have if irt becomes a nest for bed bugs.

Me, I'd toss it. I'm doing my own editing at home just in case and my approach is to be ruthless.