Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Bed Bugs: Pests from Hell - The Saga Continues

Guess what I found on my pillow last night?  That's right: Cimex lectularius, a.k.a., bed bug.  This is two weeks after the "final" chemical application.  I called the pest control company to report it.  They're supposed to call me back, but I guess not today.

The bed bug was small.  That makes sense.  It takes four weeks for a bed bug to fully mature.  If the exterminator missed some eggs two weeks ago, they'd be half-grown now.

Bed Bug Poop
I didn't mention in my original blog (see below) that one week after the first chemical application, Charlie found a (mature) bed bug in the bedroom.  I caught it and called the company.  The sales rep called back and said I must've caught the one last desperate bed bug in my apartment.  He called the incident "highly unusual."

He said he'd stop by the next day.  The next day he called to say he couldn't make it because of the weather, but he would be here the next day.  That day (a Friday) the company called to say that the sales rep was taking a vacation day and a technician would be sent to my place on Monday.  The final chemical application was scheduled for Wednesday.  I was a little exasperated with the runaround and said forget it, I'll show the bed bug to the tech who comes to spray on Wednesday.  That technician didn't seem too impressed with it, but he did want to know where it was found.

I knew I shouldn't blog about them.  There's been a nagging voice in the back of my head for weeks.

I never completely finished unpacking because of the bedbugs.  Management didn't want me putting items in my storage bin downstairs for fear of contaminating others' belongings.  They didn't want me taking out recyclables, only tightly sealed garbage.  They wanted me to limit my movement in the building to what was absolutely necessary.  There's a bicycle and an air compressor in my living room, amongst boxes of cassette tapes, photographs, and other junk.  Last Monday I was given the "all clear" to move my stuff.  Still, I waited . . .

What if I had followed their advice?  What if I caused an outbreak?

The exterminator at the old building told me it was safe to move, but it wasn't.  The exterminator here said the bed bugs were eradicated, but they weren't.

When the building manager first spoke to me about the pest control company, he said they had done two other bed bug exterminations in different apartments.  Then he said, "Well, they've been here three times."  I said, "Three times?"  He said, "They had to come back and re-treat one."

That's been stuck in the back of my head, too.  I'm so sick of this shit that I could vomit.

Previous blog:  http://www.jtirregulars.com/2014/01/bed-bugs-pests-from-hell.html 

8 comments:

OrbsCorbs said...

The pest control company is gong to wait and see. The rep said if there's a problem, they will take care of it.

The bedbug I caught was dead by the next day. The rep said there are residual effects to the chemicals they use that don't kill instantly, but over time.

He agreed it's very strange to see two bedbugs during and after treatment. He offered to come and spray, but I don't want any more chemicals spread around than have to be. So we'll wait and see. And the anxiety continues.

kkdither said...

Ive been trying to think of something to say... but I can't express how sad I am to hear that this continues to plague you. Don't wait too long to try more chemicals if necessary. You sure dont want that life cycle to start again.

You don't deserve this. It needs to be attended to. This is not your fault!

Could they be in the truck?

OrbsCorbs said...

kk, I thought about that, too. Since this nightmare started, I've sprayed down the interior of the truck a few times. It's been parked outside this winter and the temps have been well below zero on some nights. I would think that would kill them if there are any. Also, hanging out in the truck doesn't provide the bedbugs with any regular nourishment, so I don't think they'd stay there.

The rep didn't mention the truck, but asked if I've had visitors who could bring in bed bugs. No, and I've not gone anywhere other than public places.

I'll be honest: when I saw the bed bug, I thought about piling up my belongings in one place, setting fire to them, and driving my truck into the lake.

It's not just the bedbugs. The last year has brought me the deaths of my two closest relatives, I almost died myself, and financial setback after setback. I'm in debt up to my ears. I'm swimming like crazy just to stay afloat. At some point, the mounting losses will overtake me. All bets are off after that.

BL Basketcase said...

Don't ever give up. You are loved by all your friends. We will all help you. It is so hard to lose your family. I lost so many, including my child. We are put here for some purpose and, even tho we don't always understand what that purpose is...we must know that it is God's plan that we are still here.

Your site indeed lights up so many lives. I live to read your site and consider it a treat to sit and take a break on go on JTI. You are very intelligent and have much to offer in those ways!

I believe the war on the bedbugs is almost over. Just stay vigilant
and soon it will end. If you see any more call the company again.
I am going to give you some furniture after my Mom gets here.
She has some things and I dont need all the doubles.

Please email me a list of your wants and between a few of us
we may be able to find things for you (between a few pack rats) I don't want you to feel like you are asking for charity because I KNOW THAT IS NOT THE CASE!!!

never give up...you are important to US!!!!

OrbsCorbs said...

Thanks for the love from BLB and all of the Irregulars.

MinnesotaChick said...

I'm with kk, I really don't know what to say..
Sorry you are going through this. Have you thought of everything? Do you have a cat tree for Charlie? Beds blankets, I'm sure you have thought of.
I've dealt with fleas, but never bed bugs.

I'd help if I could.

OrbsCorbs said...

Thank you. Charlie's cat tree stayed at the old place because of bed bugs.

I'm being hyper-vigilant when I go to sleep and wake up.

OrbsCorbs said...

So far, so good. No bedbugs.