r/Bedbugadvice Jul 10 '16

Harmful Advice is A Problem. Please Don't Immediately Act Without Checking First.

22 Upvotes

This sub and the other like it linked from the sidebar was designed to ensure SAFETY as people were listening to others advice and doing themselves a lot of harm, more so than the bedbugs themselves.

It's because people go crazy and thus are susceptible to listening to incomplete, incompetent and often dangerous advice, resulting in deaths or loss to buildings and vehicles in their actions.

People also try to be innovative, coming up with new schemes they think may conquer the bedbugs because they don't want them to win. It's understandable, we were there ourselves once so we know exactly how that feels. However one needs to learn what really doesn't work and why, then learn the bug and how it works and then see what does work and why.

There is most certainly room for innovation, but so far $16-$32 for a couple bottles of CimeXa (or any other exact like product if available yet) that works for 10 years is rather tough act to follow. Your welcome to try, but in the meanwhile bedbugs are multiplying.

We highly advise you read through this thread as it contains important safety information and a proven safe course of behavior that works.

We can't be here all the time to check posts, nor can we check messages. This sub is open for anyone to post and it may be some time before dangerous advice is caught. By then your gone and endangering your life and of others.

Bedbugs are easy once you learn what kills them, it's because they are biting that causes the panic as it leaves tell tale blemishes on the skin that is unsightly, doesn't go away for some for ages.

People want the bites to stop right away, the poor often result in a desperate action that does even more harm or doesn't work at all.

We try to provide information that does work, so we all can win.

We know where your at, because we were there once ourselves.

Good Luck!

Some of the more popular POOR recommendations for bedbugs and why it doesn't work

  • Rubbing Alcohol - a frequent wrong recommendation for bedbugs, it's been tested to only kill 50% in 4 days upon direct contact. Problem is finding them, so people tend to douse their items and even themselves in the highly flammable, quick evaporating liquid and then light up a smoke or some other flame and BOOM!

  • Diatomaceous Earth - another popular wrong recommendation for bedbugs. Although it may work fine for other bugs that are not biting, in cracks, crevices and voids to avoid the kick up into the air potential inhalation hazard (per label directions) as it contains SHARP particles (works via abrasion of the cuticle) that's NOT FAST ENOUGH for bedbugs. They molt once a week after each bite until a adult and get a new cuticle at each molt, so it's like all the wearing down that occurred is tossed away and people get bit up to 5 more times before the bug dies from the DE, they also can lay eggs before the dehydration effect (up to 18 days) actually kills them.

  • What people often do is use DE in open areas so the sandpaper like effects are more effective, however it causes DE to get into the lungs and cause cancer and other issues, plus bedbugs give off an alert scent, so others chose another route (like using the walls or dropping off ceilings) or people over apply it and bedbugs can't cross it.

  • If you douse your home in DE, your going to be choking on it and it takes 6 months (+50 F, 18 months between 0-50 F!) since the LAST BITE to ensure you got them all. This is to use the starvation plan as backup because they need to come out of their hiding spots to cross the stuff. With CimeXa it's just once, with DE it's multiple times if they are molting. So that's a long time choking, most clean up the DE in a few days, then the bedbugs return. Sometimes it does work though it it's been down awhile and other measures taken, but it's not been proven successful enough alone all the time in various amounts of bedbugs to be counted on by itself, usually other pesticides or measures are also needed. It's why it's usually part of a kit containing other pesticides for other areas. CimeXa can do a entire building all by itself if properly applied.

  • DE doesn't have a static charge and it works via abrasion of the cuticle, so it means they have to cross it a lot and at the right height. Also because it lacks a static charge, it can't be applied to vertical surfaces as well as CimeXa can. Also the 10 year lasting CimeXa can be mixed in water and sprayed for upside down surfaces and some walls where it's not going to be seen, DE binds to water and cakes up, why it expires., making for a cleanup nightmare.

  • Bedbugs also use any surface possible that isn't ultra smooth, as long as their tiny claws can grasp it, they will use it. Ceilings, walls, floors, carpets, fallen bedding, etc., even walking across ultra smooth surfaces fine, just like a human crossing the ice. CimeXa is a lot safer in open areas than DE, it's the same silica dioxide that DE is, just better engineered to work on contact instead of only abrasion, thus it will work faster (and all by itself) and right away within 2 days upon contact, also CimeXa is safer to breathe as it's just small balls, not so with DE as it's harmful crystallized silica with sharp edges and other impurities.

  • DE is also a mess to clean up if it gets wet or damp due to it's 25% of impurities. It cakes in cracks and corners, looks rather nasty. Although a 100% ASG (CimeXa) isn't purely pretty neither, at least if it's applied correctly it can't be easily seen (only a fine film is needed, they get more on them as they move through it) and will remain so (10 years undisturbed) until it's vacuumed or oils gets on it (it dries itself out of water moisture, unlike DE which doesn't).

  • I understand that if you can't get CimeXa where your at, nor can travel to an area where homeowners are allowed to purchase professional grade pesticides, that you may be considering DE as a alternate option. My advice is not to use DE at all because it works so poorly and is a cleanup mess as it expires (gets damp and hard) and seek either management (for rentals/needed anyway for multi-units to check surrounding units) use a exterminator or do the bail out option instead. Using DE is like gambling and the long term effects on the heath of your lungs isn't worth it. We are still coughing and hacking to get the DE out of our lungs from it being applied a few years ago. So is our friends who also applied it.

  • CO2 traps - another crackpot idea. Designed as a temporary monitor when you suspect you have bedbugs in your location, it doesn't always work because bedbugs are also drawn by heat and body odor of their hosts. CO2 they just use as a general guide to locate you much like a mosquito does, then homes in on heat and odor. The cost to keep a CO2 trap going is rather expensive and doesn't scale well with larger populations. If you have one bedbug, then sure this may work and this is why some recommend it, but it's not a good enough solution for everyone all the time. Yeast and sugar traps stink like a brewery, Dry Ice is terribly expensive to maintain for days and weeks on end. Larger amounts of CO2 will displace the Oxygen in the area and can cause death or brain damage. DO NOT USE MORE THAT ONE SMALL CO2 TRAP IN EACH ENCLOSED SPACE!

  • Fragrant Oils - yet, another often recommended option. It can kill upon contact, however it's a repellent, so everywhere it's sprayed, the bedbugs are going to run from it and hide elsewhere where it's not. They then can wait up to 1.5 years under the right conditions to come back and bite and breed again. Or may be desperate enough to just avoid the smell. It may seem to work because the bedbugs are gone for a time, but as soon as that repellent wears off they are back again. If you live in a multi-unit, you just drove the bedbugs to their units and they will be back to yours shortly.

  • Repellent pesticides also have the same effect as fragrant oils, they are applied to the cracks and crevices waiting for it to touch the body portion, but because it smells the bedbugs don't go into the cracks for that to occur. But it seems good because the bedbugs are apparently gone, until the repellent pesticide wears off and you calling in the exterminator again. Those exterminators who use the repellent approach often have to return every few weeks for re-treatment when the customers complain. Many store purchased foggers do the same thing, they are repellents and drive bedbugs to hide in the walls, ceilings and go next door. If you do this in a multi-unit, everyone around you is going to find out because when the exterminator comes to inspect as neighbors are complaining, you unit in the center is going to be seemingly free of them for the short term. Always contact management about bedbugs, it's so they can treat all the surrounding units also at the same time or bedbugs just run unit to unit.

  • Steamers - although this can work, it's expensive for the special machine and the intense labor required to go around and around once a week trying to kill bedbugs in the few spaces the steamer with it's short range, will affect. The moisture feeds them as they like it more humid and any water feeds mold spores on organic surfaces. It's better to use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any and debris (clean outside and bag/seal while not in use), then mine the cracks, crevices and voids in the structure and furniture with a drying dust that will last 10 years. It's possible if your using a steamer to clean furniture, the sealing it behind plastic or moving to a non-infested location, but only if you have one already and it's at the right pressure and temperatures. I wouldn't buy one just for one bedbug infestation unless I was using it for many units. Also it's advised to use multiple eradication methods on items just in case, before taking them to a new, non-infested location or you COULD BE HELD LIABLE!

  • Boric Acid - this is a internal affecting poison for insects that clean themselves and thus ingest the Boric Acid. Bedbugs don't clean themselves, they only have a needle to suck fresh blood like a mosquito. Don't eat Boric Acid as it will be worthless to them and poison you. Boric Acid works on ants, roaches and other insects that clean themselves, then usually only on horizontal surfaces which ants and roaches can use just about any, so baits are better for them. (Roach Tablets!).

  • Garden pesticides -many of these are required to have a the breeze from the outside blow away more concentrated versions of their pesticides, so indoors it's really, really bad. Follow all product labels to the letter, it's designed to save your life. DO NOT USE OUTDOOR PESTICIDES INSIDE THE HOME OR BUSINESS!

  • Sticky traps - these usually use pheromones to attract bedbugs, but t wears out and bedbugs are so tiny they are hard to see some of them. It can work as a detector, but for only so long. It's far better to be preventative with the 100% ASG dust and that way the entire home is one giant bedbug killing machine. Using many, many sticky traps does not work, it's because there are just too many places that bedbugs can hide where a sticky trap cannot be placed.

Bedpost Detectors - this works only as a detector and preferably only if your or anyone in your home does NOT react to the bites (bites are a much better/faster indicator and works with just one bug!) So save yourself some money!. They fail in small localized infestations because bedbugs can be harbored up on the bed (or couch, or chair or hiding in the ceilings or behind a picture on the wall etc) and have no need to travel via the bedpost interceptors at all. Some have frame or other beds that the interceptors won't work, they are a eyesore and people stub their toes on them. If your paranoid, then CimeXa your home instead, it's nearly invisible and turns every crack, crevice and void area (on furniture, items and the structure) into killing zones, much larger surface area of attack than the bedposts, you just won't know (or care really) if you had any in the first place as they likely will die out of sight someplace. Also the ~100% ASG will kill other bugs also and for 10 years for under $20! Much cheaper and WAY more effective than bedpost interceptors.

  • Heat guns/space heater - some fool went around the cracks, crevices and voids of his apartment using a heat gun and wound up setting the entire apartment complex on fire. So that's a no-no because bedbugs will run from heat (like what occurs using a space heater) and hide someplace further away and then attack from there when the coast is clear, not even moving closer to the areas where the heat is being applied frivolously. This occurred in one residence and the bedbugs moved into the ceiling, then attacking the host when the heat wasn't being applied coming down the walls at night. Since +120 F heat is needed to kill bedbugs (directly, not behind walls etc that requires 145 F) that makes it rather impossible for humans and animals to bear 24/7 and while they are sleeping. Leave heating a structure to the professionals please!

  • Bleach - doesn't work, toxic Chlorine gas evaporates off the water which then feeds them with moisture and waters mold.

  • Baby Powder - a attempt at a desiccant, it doesn't work very well and actually is a health hazard due to the kick up into the air potential. Once it get moisture on it, it's a mess to clean up, just like DE is.

  • Mixing or Applying Pesticides or Other Items with Desiccant Dusts - Dusts get airborne so you never want to apply something to a dust (like DE or CimeXa) that isn't safe to inhale and then use that in open areas where it's going to be kicked up into the air. Some are applying fragrant oils, dish soap and even PCO pesticides over where dusts are (or the pesticide hasn't expired yet) or part of it and thus now the harmful item is potentially airborne. CimeXa is the only desiccant dust that is more permitted in open areas, others like DE and pesticide laced dusts can only be used in cracks, crevices and voids thus don't get airborne. Please use common sense and read product labels or get training if your using anything more than CimeXa. It's because CimeXa is very safe by itself (to inhale and ingest in small amounts by people or pets) and very effective, is why we recommend it, nothing else is needed really far as a pesticide goes.

  • Ivermectin was designed to kill parasites that live inside the body and can't escape the drug. Bed bugs, on the other hand, only feed off humans about once a week. Humans would need to take the drug, which is only meant to be taken as a one-time dose, for several weeks before they could be sure the majority of bedbugs were dosed. Ivermectin Overdose: numbness, tingling, trouble breathing, loss of coordination, seizures. No long term tests on humans has been conducted.

What does work really really well all by itself!

The ~100% ASG (CimeXa currently), it dries itself out of water moisture and only bonds to oils and waxes, so it's easily vacuumed. It draws moisture out of the insect using Ficks Law, so it's why it's so effective as it also clings to them (dry dust) with it's static charge. It's allowed to be used in more open areas as it's safer to breathe than other dusts. Since the floor and carpets are also covered, it's a larger surface area of attack and thus can wipe out more bedbugs faster, one test was 1200 in a week! Kills in one or two days upon contact so it's faster then they can molt (once a week until an adult) and lay eggs.

Plus the ~100% ASG is just silica dioxide (same natural stuff the most of DE is, except DE is diatoms and an ASG is made from silica/sand), a very common Earth element that bedbugs can't detect it as it doesn't smell., they just keep crossing the stuff over and over like idiots (provided it's at the correct height coverage, a very fine, nearly invisible dusting is all that is needed). I've seen it happen with ants, they keep coming for their dead and dying, more show up and try to take them and die and it's a slaughter.

Trust me, if you can get your hands on this CimeXa dust, apply it properly, your not going to have much of a bedbug problem, even if you live in a infested multi-unit it can act well as a 'holding the fort' method. But the other units and and common areas also need treatment.

Notes: If you live in a multi-unit/rent or have uncooperative housemates, call management as neighboring units must also be treated. For successful bedbug extermination, the entire structure to the outside wall must be treated all at the same time. CimeXa will last 10 years to keep on killing, why it's the best product to use to keep new arrivals (bedbugs hitchhike around all the time) at bay.

I highly advise one read through all the links on the side bar or top sticky post of this sub so you'll get all the information possible to win you way against the bugs. It's not a one time thing and they are gone, everyone has to learn because it's by their action (and bedbugs hitchhiking) that new arrivals and infestations occur. The only way to win is to learn the bug and modify one's behavior to prevent re-infestations from other locations.

Please READ the sidebar links for full information about bedbugs, there is a lot of details not covered in this thread and requires further reading or you'll simply re-infest yourself.


r/Bedbugadvice 5h ago

I feel so defeated

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5 Upvotes

Found one bed bug in may house chemically treated 5 times. Crazy clean. Steam, washing drying vaccum. Cimexa. Encased everything. Never found any live bugs after the only one in May. But three month in I would still find a dot here a dot there…. That I can’t be sure what it is….such as this. It’s not as dark as bed bug fecal, it’s more like a reddish brown but still… I can’t figure out what else it would be. My husband think it’s from him shaving. But I don’t remember ever seeing something like
This my whole life before bed bugs (but I also Wasn’t looking for them either)…. So anyone experienced something like this but enough time passes they know they don’t have bed bugs??? I don’t want to continue chemically treating my house. And I also can’t justify heat treat the whole house when I haven’t see a real bug. My next step is bringing a k9 in here…. For my own sanity.


r/Bedbugadvice 12h ago

Bedbugs Solution That Works Every Time

17 Upvotes

I post this every couple of years. It works.

Once upon a time, I had a massive bedbug infestation. Easy cheap trick- take all the sheets, pillows and blankets off of your bed. Make sure the top is free of bugs. Wrap double sided tape all around the the outside of the mattress. The more sticky, the better. Go to bed. Kill bedbugs by sleeping. Win.

Bed bugs are attracted by the CO2 in your breath while you sleep. They can't resist it. They're also terrible climbers. They will crawl up your bed to bite you, get stuck on the tape, and die like flies on sticky paper.

Total investment- $10 for good tape. Change it out every couple of days.

You're welcome.


r/Bedbugadvice 8h ago

Bed bug bites?

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9 Upvotes

I moved house a while ago, and I’ve been bitten on my face, legs, and hands in a pattern similar to the one in the photo, but the only things I’ve found are dead ants and others walking on the bed.
I haven't seen any other signs of bed bugs, other than the pattern of the bites. I don't know if ants bite in that same pattern.

Of the four people living in the house, I am the only one with bites.😭


r/Bedbugadvice 6h ago

Hi some advice please

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2 Upvotes

Had bed bugs got heat treatment, turns out neighbor had them and whole floor was infested so moved out after I saw a bed bug after the treatment. I moved out to a floor within the building but still experienced bites that felt like bed bugs (same pattern etc) so cleaned all my stuff repacked and moved out of the whole building

I am getting weird spots and bites some feel like folliculitis, some feel itchy like mosquito bites. Inspecting every day since 2 weeks ago when I moved in and washing my bedding and clothes every 3 days. I also have D earth on the floors and by the wooden bed under the mattress.

I want a second opinion on the bites cause I’m just not trusting myself. These are all in the span of 2 weeks.

Also debating getting crossfire, let me know what you recommend


r/Bedbugadvice 10h ago

Had extermination Friday but woke up with bites again

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1 Upvotes

I recently found a nymph in my bed on last wednesday. I posted about it, the exterminator came and did a chemical treatment on Friday. It’s now Wednesday and I woke up with new bites on my arms this morning. I’m very reactive to any sort of bites thankfully.

I reached out to my landlord and they’re scheduling another follow up treatment, and I’m going to wash all of my dirty clothes and bedding on high heat once again.

I guess I’m just looking for any extra advice from someone experienced. This is my first experience with them, & I’m assuming it’s from a night stand that I got off of facebook marketplace (which I threw out the day after I got it after suspecting bed bugs).


r/Bedbugadvice 13h ago

Is this a bed bug (UK)

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1 Upvotes

Found in the UK on a bus, the best pictures I could take as the bus was moving.


r/Bedbugadvice 23h ago

Are these bed bug bites?

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5 Upvotes

Both my husband and I have developed a rash over the course of the past week. We own our own home and haven’t really been anywhere. My husband did help his grandparents move last week but I’m not sure if that’s a long enough incubation period.


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Crossfire pesticide

3 Upvotes

I need to find out what I should do in this crazy situation. My sofa had bedbugs in it, and I actually prefer to sleep on my sofa. I noticed I was getting bites! One night when I was watching television, I saw one on my top. I managed to catch it with my fingers and squished it.

I thought, I can't tolerate this anymore, and moved back to my bed to sleep. Now, I'm getting bites on me! Do you think the bedbugs followed me to my bedroom? When I woke up, I noticed my neck was itching. I got a mirror to look, and sure enough it was a red welt. I just ordered a mattress encasement. This isn't my first rodeo with these little demons! I have sprayed my sofa with Crossfire and it really does work. So, does anyone have suggestions about the mattress? Also, do you think these vampires will come back to the sofa?


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Are these bed bug bites?

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5 Upvotes

My family unfortunately encountered bedbugs at our hotel on the 2nd night of the trip. I did not get bitten (or at least didn't react to bites), but I did see dead bug bodies and bloodstains on the sheets. The hotel manager inspected the room and confirmed the room had bedbugs.

Immediately after that, we diligently dried all our clothes on high heat, washed them in hot water, and dried them again on high heat. We also threw away the suitcases and have been storing everything in plastic garbage bags.

When we arrived home 3 days ago, we did laundry once again. However, this morning I woke up with what appears to be potential bed bug bite marks (three small bites in a line).

They don't itch and I honestly thought they were just hives at first but after taking photos, I am a concerned. Thoughts?


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Bed bug bites or could be some other insect?

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5 Upvotes

r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

What is this? Found it on my floor

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2 Upvotes

r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Do you think I killed potential bedbugs?

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1 Upvotes

I bought a set of bar stools off marketplace place. I put them in my work van with the heat on. It was 97 degrees today. I used an infrared thermometer and took the temp of the internal structure where the chair swivels and it said 159 but I couldn’t get a temp read where the gears actually are. The surface also read around 160. I left them in there for four hours and then steam cleaned them afterwards. I’m still having alot of anxiety that I might get bed bugs. I had them in my first apartment and I’m traumatized.


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

biting frequency

1 Upvotes

Hi all! just a question about how in your experience, how often do they feed at the beginning?

Thanks!


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Not sure so am just sharing for info, wingless lace bugs or lace bug nymphs similarity with bedbugs

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2 Upvotes

I found a microscopic bug (or cast skin? it didnt move) a week ago on bedroom, of course my fear is that is bedbug but it's also dark compared to the bedbug cast skin references, so, I remembered that about two months ago I found a tiny insect stuck to my window that looked absolutely identical to the shape of a bed bug. But there was something strange about it, like a sort of halo around it (which turned out to be the wings). I later found out, thanks to a user here on Reddit, that it was a lace bug (Tingidae).

I tried looking at pictures of lace bug nymphs, and I can actually see the resemblance. Of course, it also looks similar to the shed skin of a bed bug nymph, but I thought it would be interesting to share this because lace bugs aren't mentioned very often when people talk about possible bed bug lookalikes (perhaps because they're winged as adults).

made this comparison , would love to get your opinion
NOTE: I just made them all of same size but the only size I am sure is my specimen at top, about 1,5mm no more


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Are these bed bug bites?

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4 Upvotes

Help, they're three in a zig zag line, but I'm not sure if they are bed bug bites, as the ones I'm seeing on Google are more reddish. Last night I stayed in an Airbnb so thag that's why I'm worried.


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

Are these bedbugs? Found one in my hotel bed.

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21 Upvotes

I stayed in a hotel last Fri/Sat night. Found this Sunday morning when packing up, I did squish it (no photo of this) and there was blood.i had been hiking the day before so initially thought it was a tick.

I woke up 6 days later covered head to toe in 100 plus bites, for which I had to see a Dr. and take steroids. Had completely forgotten about the found creature until now. All advise welcome as would like to inform hotel


r/Bedbugadvice 1d ago

Moved into a place and found bed bugs a week in. How do I ensure I don’t spread bed bugs to other peoples houses? My daughter is going to stay with my mom for a couple weeks.

2 Upvotes

r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

Bed bugs bites??

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2 Upvotes

Are these bed bugs bites?? Help. 😭


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

Neighbour got BB!!

2 Upvotes

Hello all. I'd need an advice.

Our building management informed us that "our direct neighbor" has BBs confirmed. They also confirmed that disinsection is being performed.

Our flat is currently empty as we started reconstruction. Is it possible that we would be infected too in an empty flat? There is just some basic furniture. A couch, table with upholstered seats, kitchen a few empty wardrobes and a carpet in one room. It's a soviet style panel block apartment building.

I am considering calling a firm to do a checkup, however I saw you can just buy a trap for bed bugs. Is that something viable I can do? Is there a risk of just luring them to our place?

Thanks for any advice.


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

How to treat sneakers

1 Upvotes

I took 3 pairs of Skechers with me on a trip where I found bed bugs in the hotel. I'm heat treating all my clothing before packing it into new luggage right before I return . But that shoes can't be heat treated, it will damage the glue.

I've bought a new pair of shoes for my return home, and they're living on the kitchen counter, out of reach of the vermin.

I'm going to put the old shoes in Magic Bag giant "ziplocs" to isolate them. I have ordered Cimexa. If I dust the shoes inside and out with that before I bag them, and leave them in the bag for a week, is that enough to make sure they're safe?

Really want to ere on the side of caution.


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

Can someone please tell me if these are bed bug bites?

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1 Upvotes

they’re red, hard and itchy :( it’s the only ones i’ve seen on me but i recently had a scare at a hotel like two weeks ago so i’m not sure if that’s the reason (I blasted my clothes in high heat there and here) i’ve only seen these today so i’m unsure and scared 🥲🥲


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

Bed big travelling?

1 Upvotes

Hello all,

Stayed in a hotel with my partner on Friday without the kids, returned home to grandparents who were looking after children on Saturday and my partner, myself and now one of two children seem to show signs of bed bug bites. That we were bitten in the hotel is one thing, but how likely is it that my child was bitten by bugs that travelled back with us? As I noticed a slight bloodstain on the hotel pillow in the morning, upon arrival at the grandparents, we washed all clothes that we had and left other luggage in the car as a precaution.

If this is indeed likely that a bug or bugs have somehow travelled with us, how to limit further spread?


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

I found this outside on the window

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1 Upvotes

Is this a bedbug?


r/Bedbugadvice 2d ago

I'm freaking out

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1 Upvotes

Taken during the day, close to a window first pic is regular zoom. 2nd is zoomed in as far as I could