Preface: For my full story, check out my post history or find my first post, "I've got bed bugs. This is the worst. A novel." [ pictures included, bugs confirmed by PCO ]
It's been a little over two weeks since I posted and I wanted to give an update. In total, since bugs were introduced into my apartment at the beginning of September, I've seen and captured 15 bugs (1-3 adults, the rest obvious nymphs). My last live bug sighting was in my bed one morning two weeks ago. It was a young, recently fed nymph that I killed and captured.
Since then, I've seen no live bugs, no eggs, no casts, and I'm pretty sure no fecal (though I can't be absolutely certain). I've gotten no bites (though this may be because I sleep in pants, socks, long-sleeves, gloves, and a pillow case over my head). My boyfriend sleeps in just his boxers and has had no bites either. He doesn't react as badly as I do, but his bites would still show.
In my last post 2 weeks ago, I was awaiting a second treatment (having had only one prior, two weeks before), but unfortunately, it never happened. After three calls to an unresponsive PCO, I ended up buying EcoRaider on Amazon. I have interceptors on my bed and they've been empty. I'm not declaring victory until I can count 60 days with no sightings, bites or evidence of activity. I'm sure that's probably overkill considering I only ever had a light infestation that I thankfully caught early, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I still regularly wash everything on hot and dry it, I still have my belongings isolated and in bags or bins, and still inspect every single day. My mattress is encased and I vacuum every day. I steam once a week, after which I spray the EcoRaider practically everywhere.
Over the next week or two, I'm going to gradually sleep less and less covered. I'll never feel 100% comfortable until I can go to bed with my skin exposed and wake up bite-free. I'm too scared to tempt fate right now. I was thinking that once I make it to 60 days, I'll call a bedbug dog to give me an all-clear. Again, probably overkill, but again, I don't care.
I guess a lingering question I have is: should I still try to get in touch with my PCO for a second treatment? I'm so mad that he dropped off the face of the earth like this, but if experts here think it would be a good safeguard, I'm happy to continue calling.
Looking forward to anyone's input, thoughts or questions. Don't give up, fellow sufferers!