Last month, I felt icky. I had a mysterious rash, I thought it was an allergic reaction to my perfume or something. and suddenly I became ill with a cold. My doctor treated me with antibiotics (generic perscription: augmentin) Later, while doing laundry and removing my bedding from my bed; I found that I had bed-bugs! whoa! This is a first. I took everything seriously. So seriously, to the point of insanity; while I was spraying alcohol over my fabrics and furniture I finally cracked into laughter from the fumes and realized. The situation can be managed.
In this post I will describe my approach to ridding myself of these pests.
Firstly, unlike myself, try not to panic. I notified the apartment management as soon as I recognized the situation. And of course, I googled images of what these creepy crawlers were. I oriented myself with what damages to my health and what other damages they can do to my surrounding environment.
Time is essential. The quicker I worked to resolve my issue, the better.
My point is that one must not procrastination because the situation can escalate and these bugs can surely multiply if no action is taken.
Firstly wash clothing in warmest setting for clothing and tumble dry in High Heat. Tell-tell signs are small brownish/redish splotches on white fitted
bedsheets of your mattress. Most likely this happens when eggs and
bed-bugs die from heat of the dryer. What I did was wash ALL my clothing. I'm so fortunate that my wardrobe is a modest size than most.
Inspect the mattress and cushions of the furniture. Live bed-bugs and their eggs maybe most noticeable in these areas.
Once the situation has been determined and you find bed-bugs in your living situation, whether apartment or household, take action and be vigilant in your efforts
Bed-bug sprays and foggers are available in drugstores, home improvement stores, and local privately owned stores like First Bargain and the99cent only store. Spray the bed-frame.
With my situation, I took most of my belongings; clothing *even the clean ones* in bags, household items in boxes and storage containers and put them in on room *in my case the bathroom* and fogged the room to oblivion.
the other rooms were treated as well with pesticide foggers provided conveniently by my apartment's management. Later, management made arrangements to have my carpets steam cleaned. The events were exhausting to this point.
Steam clean the carpet and furniture and once the carpet is dry, I recommend to re-vacuum the area as I did.
Later, I looked up online on how to maintain a bed-bug free area and found that 91% isopropyl alcohol will dry bed bugs and their eggs. Please be aware the chemical is highly flammable and use with caution; it's always recommended to spray in well ventilated areas. In addition, metals, fabric, and plastics. The alcohol will strip paint so take care of where this chemical is sprayed. Continue treatment for at least over 4 months. According to a personal source, (my neighbor) these creatures can go on without food for about 4 months.
Treat furniture, clothing, and fabrics found around the household, such as curtains with 91% alcohol as a preventative measure as well. Its better to be safe than sorry. A disposable lint roller to pick up bug-bodies and eggs, if any; from fabric is ideal. Always reinspect the area; and lastly don't forget to dust!
Before going to bed. Take a nice shower. Groom yourself before you retire for the evening. A lamp with Citronella lamp oil burning may put your thoughts at ease during your evenings. Citronella Oil kills bed-bugs as well as repel mosquito-bugs, if any.
IF my efforts fail, which (currently) I highly doubt. I will try and try again.A clean living area and care of your environment is best. In the end, the time invested will be a profitable one.
It's very important that your do not point fingers. Take responsibility. Pointing fingers at who started the issues to begin with must be the last thing on your mind. Stay focused. Handle the matter at hand and assist others in their efforts within the apartment so that the issues are permanently terminated.
In conclusion, once you are bed-bug ridden, you can guarantee better health for yourself, and no rashes due to bites from these pests. At worst bed-bugs can cause illness and the dis-ease of rashes on the skin.
Its been an exhausting first month. As I type this post under the flame of lamp that's burning citronella lamp oil, I think. I did well. as it was once said in the movie Babe: "that'll do pig; that'll do". lol. *smiles*
addendum:
The previous bed and box were destroyed and removed from my apartment. With the help of my dad, I have a new mattress and box. I continue to spray seams for precaution and have the beds in cased in a plastic 'bed-bug' bag so that it protects the bed and box from any attempts. The enclosure that my bed and box are in can be found at Anna's Linens. Mornings I check my body for anything out of the ordinary; and every five days to a week wash bed linen in hot and warm water. Because my linen is brand new as well I look for tiny splotches on the sheets that is a good indication if my work has been done well. After a good high heat dry, I spray sheets with alcohol too. lol. the fumes get me a little tipsy and wear of as soon as I get out into fresh air. So far so good. it's going to be a tedious five months.
As for where they originated from bed-bugs are hitch hikers they can be on cushions of seats. They are found on beds of unkept hotel and motels or unsanitary places. They can travel from apartment to apartment. Just be cautious on the company you keep. No worries, I'll get through this in shining colors.
Best to any efforts out there. My efforts continue. Luckily, I wasn't infested. I my experience resembled more closely to an unwelcomed visitation. :P
in retrospect; yes. I've out done myself this time with sanitation *smiles*
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