Small infestation

by B&S1987
(Knoxville, TN)

Hi, I just determined that I have bed bugs from a series of bites on my arms and identifying one crawling past my head back behind the bed after finishing his midnight snack (>.<).

Horrible, horrible experience, believe me when I say it! I had to contact my property manager on a Saturday to notify her to call a pest control company. I have done a LOT of research on bedbugs after realizing I had them and what all the bites were that are literally leaving open sores and scars all over my hands, arms, feet and legs.

I am praying they bring a container truck with a heating element, not just spray since we have had an epidemic here in Knoxville, TN. recently at an elderly care home. I cannot sleep at night without being woke up to something crawling on me. I sleep in the day on the couch in the living room, only after inspecting every inch of myself and clothing to make sure they don't follow me! It is now Saturday and I have to make it until Monday, though I do realize this won't be a one hitter quitter I'm still anxious for relief!

I am not, repeat, am NOT getting rid of my furniture, no matter what pest control or property manager say. I will remove from apartment, fumigate or spray and steam treat and use vacuum at local car wash (has amazing suction power ^_^) to clean each and every inch of furniture after requesting pest control to spray items as well. I am bagging up everything and moving all possible clutter and furniture away to make room for them. I hope this turns out well, will update as soon as Monday comes! Wish me luck! I'm terrified.

Editor Suggestions Regarding Bed Bug Apartment Problem

Dear B&S

Thanks for your note. Heat treatment is very effective, particularly if the entire building is being treated. Heat is also a great way to treat the furniture. Also, research shows that there is a 20% change that bed bugs spread to adjoining rooms and a 7% chance that they will enter apartments above and below yours, so make sure all are treated by the landlord.

If you have any doubts (although probably not necessary), you might want to apply a do it yourself treatment in your apartment as a followup. A good inexpensive option is the New York Bed Bug Kit.

To make sure all of the bed bugs are gone, a good option is to buy a set of 4 bed bug climbup interceptors. These area placed under each bed leg, and trap any bed bugs trying to climb up onto the bed. If they didn't catch any, then you are probably free of bed bugs.

Best of luck and please keep us up to date. Don't be surprised if it takes 2 to 3 treatments to eliminate the problem.