Hi Everyone,
Can't tell you how happy I am to have found your site as a resource. Already you've been a huge help. I have a few questions that I would love your expert input on. First, a little background.
I live on the top floor of a 4 story apartment row home, in a studio apartment. I have the only apartment on my floor, and my building is connected with another, only on one side. I discovered the first bug on me about 2 weeks ago. I told my landlord, and he did two rounds of bug bombs, and used powder on the outlets (but did a very poor job.) Obviously, this didn't work, and I now realize that the bug bombs may have only driven the bugs deeper into wherever they are hiding. I have no idea where I got the infestation from (there are several possibilities), and I may have had it from longer than two weeks ago, because I don't have much of a reaction to the bites.
Ok so here's my questions
1. Would you recommend a heat treatment? I've already had a PCO come to my place and spray chemicals and do some much more thorough dusting. He came two days ago. He was very well reviewed online, though I'm a little suspicious because there's no mention of him ever getting rid of a bed bug infestation, though this is a service that he offers. He said that it's normal for me to continue seeing the bugs after the first treatment for several days (and I have), and he is going to come back to treat in 3 weeks, and again 3 weeks after that. I heard from a friend that they used a heat treatment, and it was very effective, and I'm wondering if it's worth springing for it, even though I've already had chemical treatment done. Is there any detriment to doing both? It seems they are coming from the walls and baseboards (I had a bed bug cover on my bed already, and most of the fecal stains are on the baseboards and in a dresser next to it.) If I do a heat treatment, am I risking merely pushing them deeper into the walls and risking re infestation? Money is no issue, I just want them gone.
2. After the first chemical treatment, should I continue to keep my stuff in bags after I've dryed it on high heat, or should I put my clothes and belongings back in the dresser/where they go? As I mentioned before, I'm still seeing bugs and getting bites. My PCO told me that after the treatment I could put my stuff back where it goes after I dry it, but I'm skeptical. However, I also read somewhere on here that you shouldn't keep all your stuff in bags because you are risking harboring them in the bags, and then reinfesting yourself once you've finally gotten rid of them. This poster said that unless you can tie the bags tight enough so that air cannot escape (something I've been unable to do entirely), the contents are not safe.
Please let me know if you have any clarifying questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!