About 8 months ago I found a bed bug infestation in my old house. I had a
pressboard bed frame. I threw it out. Put my mattress ina cover and had a
two month long steak out of bed bugs, waking every hour or two and
investigating my bed until I found none / no signs of any. I continually
did random checks every few days and thought I had eliminated the problem.
I moved to a new apartment about 9 months later. After a few months I
removed the plastic mattress cover frmo the original infestation thinking
all was well. About a month later I found several (less than a dozen) full
sized bed bugs on my new solid wood bedframe (in crevaces, corners, screw
holes etc). I killed every visible bug and sprayed down the unfinished
woodframe with a 50% bleach solution (a bit much, I know but I am crazy
about these god forsaken insects). I do a check every night before bed,
wake up mid-sleep to do another check and then again in the morning.
Needless to say I don't sleep properly.
Here is the thing. I finally learned waht a bedbug egg looks like and have
been using tape to remove them and seal them (roll the tape on, pick up the
egg,fold it back on itself). I had a few days between killing all the
adults that I had no bug findings in my bed. now the past few nights I
have been finding 6-10 baby bed bugs (some very, very tiny) every night -
always on the bedframe or in my bed mid-sleep. I have intermittant wraps
of double sided tape around various parts of the frame and around each of
the bed legs - so I know they arent coming from anywhere but the bed frame.
Do you think that the baby bugs I am finding now are jsut the residual
eggs from the first infestation I noticed? Is it safe to assume that if I
keep killing the baby bed bugs that eventualy I will control the
infestation (since I am not finding any more adults since the first
find/kill)? Should I just throw in the towel and have my landlord get pest
control on scene (I don't think its THAT serious yet as we have scoured my
roomated room and have found zero signs of bedbugs there). Please give me
some advice... how long before I will stop finding the babies if I just
keep finding / killing them?
Also, I dusted every crack and crevace of my solid wood bed frame with
dichotus (spelling) earth dust... and noticed one time that there was a
baby bed bug actually living amongst the dusting (when I picked it up with
tape, it was still moving). Did i do this wrong?
Mattress Cover Ratings
Summary: We have rated the various bed bug mattress covers available and describe them in detail. Take a look at this article for the facts on getting the best bargain for your money for mattress covers.
Many of you read my first article on bed bug mattress covers describing the different types available for purchase. I thought it necessary to write another article comparing the products to better give you get an idea of what you are buying before you go maxing out your credit card. Remember! We are interested in bed bug control, but not at the cost of sleepless, uncomfortable nights. Let's start at the bottom and work our way up the list beginning with vinyl mattress covers.
The heavy-duty six gauge vinyl mattress cover is priced around $16.
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Compared to thinner vinyl covers, this six-gauger is proven to tear less. It lasts at least a year under normal conditions and is ideal for use in cribs or on toddlers' beds. It is a nice bargain, but the compromise is that you will be sleeping on vinyl fabric which may not always be the most comfortable. This cover gets a rating of a 2.
The cotton-polyester blend mattress cover, priced at about $64, is a mix of two materials. The cotton material is great for comfort, but still less expensive than 100% cotton mattress covers. Some versions may also be waterproof, which is an added bonus if your plumbing breaks in the middle of the night. We rate this bed bug mattress cover as good, not great. On hot nights you know you are sleeping on polyester. It gets a 4.
Breathable, 100% white terry cotton bed bug mattress covers will run you about $90. This fabric is the industry standard against bed bugs. Hotels tend to buy this kind of cover most often. One brand, called the AllerZip, carried by Fantasy Futons, states that it is 100% proven to trap any bed bugs you may have. The theory is that you can put the mattress cover over your bed bug-infested mattress and the bugs will be unable to escape. They will eventually die and you will not have to worry about the pesky critters again. However, if you get a new infestation of bugs after you have encased your bed, you are back to square one. The advantages to this type of cover are comfort and it also helps keep out dust mites which are allergens for some people. This cover is also less bulky and will sufficiently cool you down in the warm summer months. This is the best bet for anyone who has a severe bed bug infestation, but does not want to shell out the big bucks for a top-of-the-line product. The 100% cotton mattress cover is the most ideal for the average customer with a bed bug infestation. We give it a rating of 8.
The soft and supple micro-weave 100% polyester fabric bed bug mattress cover costs around $95. One brand, called the Pristine Luxury mattress cover, is proven to not only protect against bed bugs, but does a great job against allergens, as well. It has very small pore sizes and is the best choice for someone with many allergies who also happens to have a bed bug infestation. Because it is not quite as heavenly-soft as the 100% cotton mattress cover, we give it a 7.
BugLock encasements, manufactured by Protect-A-Bed of Chicago, are specifically designed for bed bugs. According to the manufacturer, these were the first encasements to be backed by scientific data, proving their effectiveness against bed bugs.
Finally, we get to the ultimate in bed bug mattress covers, the Peruvian organic cotton cover, priced at about $230. This is the epitome of protection against bed bugs that provides the most luxury. The Nahanni 1000 Flannel Pad from Obasan eliminates the threat of bed bugs while ensuring a peaceful night of sleep. It also helps to absorb body moisture. An organic mattress cover is ideal for people who wish to be environmentally friendly. Because this is the most comfortable bed bug mattress cover, we give it a rating of 10. However, if you purchase this kind, don't be surprised when your wallet is thinner.
Comments
Ugh_nastiness
31 Mar 2009, 04:30
31 Mar 2009, 04:30
Ask the Exterminator
31 Mar 2009, 09:49
31 Mar 2009, 09:49
Your mistake was removing the mattress cover. The bed bugs can survive over
a year once encased. They go into a type of hibernation. It takes about ten
days for the eggs to hatch. If you continue to see new babies after that
you can assume you still have adults laying fresh eggs.
Bedframes should be disassembled and thoroughly inspected. A lot of work, but worth the effort. Be sure to check every screw hole, too. Failure to inspect every inch will result in further infestation.
Diatomaceous earth would not be my product of choice. Rather, purchase some cans of Bedlam. The pros use it because it has a residual. If you cannot find Bedlam at the hardware store you can find it for sale on-line.
Bleach will kill on contact, but it is not an insecticide. Plus, it can ruin your furniture and fabrics. I prefer using a product by Ginesis. It's an enzyme product and it kills bed bugs on contact.
Keep up the good fight. I think you are winning.
Bedframes should be disassembled and thoroughly inspected. A lot of work, but worth the effort. Be sure to check every screw hole, too. Failure to inspect every inch will result in further infestation.
Diatomaceous earth would not be my product of choice. Rather, purchase some cans of Bedlam. The pros use it because it has a residual. If you cannot find Bedlam at the hardware store you can find it for sale on-line.
Bleach will kill on contact, but it is not an insecticide. Plus, it can ruin your furniture and fabrics. I prefer using a product by Ginesis. It's an enzyme product and it kills bed bugs on contact.
Keep up the good fight. I think you are winning.
Ugh_nastiness
31 Mar 2009, 10:32
31 Mar 2009, 10:32
The solid wood bedframe / headboard is unfinished (ikea). Would it be
advantageous to finish it and seal it so that the surface is less porous?
Also, I noticed my cat scratching more than usual - she is an indoor cat and we have hardwood floors - so fleas are unlikely. Can she be bitten by the bedbugs as well since she sleeps on my bed?
Also, I noticed my cat scratching more than usual - she is an indoor cat and we have hardwood floors - so fleas are unlikely. Can she be bitten by the bedbugs as well since she sleeps on my bed?
Ask the Exterminator
31 Mar 2009, 14:50
31 Mar 2009, 14:50
It's the temperature of the wood that makes it "home" for the bed bugs, not
the finish. A metal frame is colder and less likely to habor large
infestations.
Bed bugs favor human blood, but "any port in a storm" will do. That includes cats.
Bed bugs favor human blood, but "any port in a storm" will do. That includes cats.
B.B are our enemies!
17 Jul 2009, 17:42
17 Jul 2009, 17:42
I have moved into an aprtment that is bed bug crazy! There is not one
night where i dont wake up and spot for these nasty critters. I have done
loads of laundry and cleaned out clutters under the bed and around. I've
researched a lot online about these bugs. I have ordered the New York Bed
Bug Control Kit. Is this a good idea? I am also going to order mattress
covers for all 3 beds in the apartment. Another problem is that my couch
is also infested with bed bugs. I'm going crazy of figuring out what to do
and i am surely not getting any sleep. Its becomign such a problem taht i
am afarid to go to bed and just cant shut my eyes. Can you please inform
me with other ideas and if the NY Control Kit will really help and the
mattress coverS? Please, Please help me. I am in desperate need. I always
wake up with trails of bites! I would move out but the money situation in
the family is reallyy bad. I'll do anything to get rid of these bugs.
Please help me nd i will truly thank you.
Ask the Exterminator
18 Jul 2009, 07:26
18 Jul 2009, 07:26
The NY Control Kit contains some standard materials that some pest control
companies use. Personally, I would not use SteriFab. It is volitile and
requires airing out a room. I prefer an enzyme product from Natural
Ginesis. Bedlam is fine and so is the dusting product.
Regardless of what you use, finding every bed bug and bed bug egg is essential and will require much close-up work. I suggest using a magnifying glass to help.
The couch is a problem. Bed bugs get way down into the folds of the upholstry. Over-treating with pesticides could ruin the couch. Some companies offer a heat treatment in a portable container. They can treat just your couch or other specific items, without having to treat the entire apartment, which is costly. Call around for that service if you want to save your couch.
Regardless of what you use, finding every bed bug and bed bug egg is essential and will require much close-up work. I suggest using a magnifying glass to help.
The couch is a problem. Bed bugs get way down into the folds of the upholstry. Over-treating with pesticides could ruin the couch. Some companies offer a heat treatment in a portable container. They can treat just your couch or other specific items, without having to treat the entire apartment, which is costly. Call around for that service if you want to save your couch.
Afreen
24 Jul 2009, 22:41
24 Jul 2009, 22:41
i found few bed bugs in my bed so i bought the "spray away good night
sleep" from home depot i sprayed all over my bed & i found 3 dead bugs that
nigh. is that mean they are dead? some one said that they don't die they
will come back, how true is that? how can you kill the eggs of bed bug.
please please please reply i am going crazy over this. i really appreciate
your time. should i buy the mattresss covers to prevent from them? thanks
Ask the Exterminator
27 Jul 2009, 10:01
27 Jul 2009, 10:01
I've got a zillion articles about bed bugs. Please read them.
David
09 Aug 2009, 13:48
09 Aug 2009, 13:48
Got a question I didn't really see in your article:
We picked up some hitchhiking bedbugs at a hotel and brought em back to our apartment.
We read online and buy a vapor cleaner. Lots of hours and bagging later, we decided to just toss our bedframes, mattresses, and some other furniture. Then we moved.
At the new place, we brought in no furniture from the old place. Only sealed bagged washed items. We brought in a mattress and some furniture from our old house (tied up in litigation) that has no pest problems and has been uninhabited for over a year.
We sleep on the floor, but start getting bit again. We bring our baby in to the pediatrician, and he says these are flea bites - probably from the last tenant. He says it is safe to bomb the house if you stay out a few hours past when the can says.
We wash everything and vaporclean the hell out of that room.
To be safe, we call in a bedbug seeking K-9.
The dog IDs 3 spots for bedbugs. I don't get it. The dog did not ID anything in the structure. She ID'd the mattress we brought over, which was encased the 3rd day we had it here. She ID'd a sealed bag of washed laundry (washed in scalding hot water) and she ID'd a piece of furniture that was next to the mattress she ID'd - but had been vapored before bringing it in.
No spots on carpet, wallboards etc.
How could she ID the garbage bag of laundry that had been hot washed? It was 1 bag in a big pile of other bags.
I hope we are near the end of our trials. This has taken a ton of effort and I have been afraid to use pesticides due to the kids, so I have been painstakingly vaporing everything or what cannot be putting it in the deepfreeze for 10 days.
Do the dogs hit or miss that much? Could she be correct - nothing on the carpet but with the mattress, bedstand, and bag of laundry? Her handler could find no evidence of them at all and advised us not to spray and just forget about them.
We picked up some hitchhiking bedbugs at a hotel and brought em back to our apartment.
We read online and buy a vapor cleaner. Lots of hours and bagging later, we decided to just toss our bedframes, mattresses, and some other furniture. Then we moved.
At the new place, we brought in no furniture from the old place. Only sealed bagged washed items. We brought in a mattress and some furniture from our old house (tied up in litigation) that has no pest problems and has been uninhabited for over a year.
We sleep on the floor, but start getting bit again. We bring our baby in to the pediatrician, and he says these are flea bites - probably from the last tenant. He says it is safe to bomb the house if you stay out a few hours past when the can says.
We wash everything and vaporclean the hell out of that room.
To be safe, we call in a bedbug seeking K-9.
The dog IDs 3 spots for bedbugs. I don't get it. The dog did not ID anything in the structure. She ID'd the mattress we brought over, which was encased the 3rd day we had it here. She ID'd a sealed bag of washed laundry (washed in scalding hot water) and she ID'd a piece of furniture that was next to the mattress she ID'd - but had been vapored before bringing it in.
No spots on carpet, wallboards etc.
How could she ID the garbage bag of laundry that had been hot washed? It was 1 bag in a big pile of other bags.
I hope we are near the end of our trials. This has taken a ton of effort and I have been afraid to use pesticides due to the kids, so I have been painstakingly vaporing everything or what cannot be putting it in the deepfreeze for 10 days.
Do the dogs hit or miss that much? Could she be correct - nothing on the carpet but with the mattress, bedstand, and bag of laundry? Her handler could find no evidence of them at all and advised us not to spray and just forget about them.
Yasmine Hecker
24 Aug 2009, 14:19
24 Aug 2009, 14:19
Do air tight bags kill bed bugs? If so, how long should one keep their
belongings in air tight bags before opening?
Diana
01 Sep 2009, 01:58
01 Sep 2009, 01:58
Hi, Does Neem oil or Cedar oil really work for bedbugs? Or it is just over
marketed items? I heard it really does...
We went to the camp and brought some unexpected bedbugs back. Found where the infestation was-vacuumed the mattress, frames, cleaned mattress with lysol wipes also used a magical chinese chock for insecticide all over the bedframe, floors.
What type of zipped mattress cover u also recommend the most.
Thank you.
We went to the camp and brought some unexpected bedbugs back. Found where the infestation was-vacuumed the mattress, frames, cleaned mattress with lysol wipes also used a magical chinese chock for insecticide all over the bedframe, floors.
What type of zipped mattress cover u also recommend the most.
Thank you.