How to get rid of bed bugs??

[lvpets2002]

Now there is a idea.. Now I have a mattress pad & then a plastic cover over my bed.. I do this so if the babies have throw ups on the bed then the mattress is not soaked..

As a quick fix, you could get a plastic cover for the mattress, then put a mattress pad, then the sheets and blankets over that. Then after their visit, you can work on more permanent remedies.

[Freckles]

This is interesting.

[kokopup]

originally post by Cinder & Smoke
I'd suggest some reading or Google.com searches on the use of Ozone
to eliminate Bed Bugs. The reports on using Ozone seem to be "mixed" at best.
See >>>

You are aware that for any position you can find the Naysayer for that position. I have been using Ozone for various remediation task for about 15 years. I have not had personal experience with bed bugs but I have with fleas, dust mites, pet odor, mold odor and the list goes on. The ozone generator should be a standard for pet owners.

I had a basement with extreme mold problems when I lived in Tennessee. I rented a ozone generator then to correct my mold problem. The Mold and odor was eliminated along with more bugs than I thought could live in a basement. I had little bugger on their back everywhere. I have since used my personal unite to rid my finished basement of a flea infestation. I keep one running on low to eliminate odors 24/7. If you have a unit that also has a ion generator it can blacken paint. If you buy or rent a unit make sure it does not also contain an ion generator. Ozone alone will not effect paint or rubber that was suggested by that article.

I am a retired engineer and worked around equipment that naturally gave off ozone because of the nature of high voltage power equipment. There was never any ill effects caused by ozone on this equipment. They were all painted and all had rubber gasket doors.

Low output units are good for odor elimination but to correct insect and mold issues you need a 7200 mghr+ unit.

[M&M's Mommy]

Low output units are good for odor elimination but to correct insect and mold issues you need a 7200 mghr+ unit.

I'll check out this Ozone generator option this weekend. In the mean time, I'll go with what Karen has suggested..

I'll be praying & wishing & crossing fingers that my uncle and aunt don't wake up tomorrow morning with bumpy red bites all over *shudder*

[Cataholic]

I have dealt with this problem professionally. IMO, you need the services of a 'real' exterminator. If these are bedbugs, they are horribly difficult to get rid of and there are sheets put out by the local health department that detail the long list of things you must do to remove the problem.

[Medusa]

I just saw a segment about bed bugs on Fox TV. Apparently, bed bugs have become a real issue again to the point where there's actually a govt. summit, believe it or not. The dr. talking about it said that a professional exterminator is needed, that we can't do it ourselves; although he did not mention ozone, I'd certainly give it a whirl unless you're pressed for time. He also said that some people have an allergic reaction to the bites and can scratch until the sores become infected, leaving you open to MRSA. That scared me. He said that he doesn't want to alarm anyone but that bed bugs are not to be taken lightly.

Geez, am I itchy now!

[pomtzu]

I was attacked once while staying at a very nice hotel. It was not a pleasant experience!!! I was afraid we had brought them home with us, but fortunately didn't.
I hear they are extremely difficult to get rid of, since they get in every seam, stitch and tiny crevasse in the box spring and mattress.

[Medusa]

I hear they are extremely difficult to get rid of, since they get in every seam, stitch and tiny crevasse in the box spring and mattress.

Not only that, this dr. said that they can live for a year w/out a food source but since humans are the food source, they just keep thriving. Eeeew!

[pomtzu]

Not only that, this dr. said that they can live for a year w/out a food source but since humans are the food source, they just keep thriving. Eeeew!

That's comforting to know!!

I'm checking my crew when they get back from vacation to make sure no one has bites. If so, they can all stay in the garage till the suitcases are fumigated!!!

[M&M's Mommy]

No bites so far. *knocks on wood* My aunt & uncle will stay for 3 more nights. Lets hope they won't get bitten for their entire stay.

I washed all the bedding twice & thoroughly cleaned the bed frame with the All-purposes cleaner solution - but that was it. I haven't had a chance to go get the plastic cover for the mattress or rent the Ozone generator..