Hi. This is my first post and first experience with bed bugs. I actually have a phobia of insects that is pretty intense. Even dead ones. So, this is the worst possible scenario for my life. I am also on my own. I rent, but my landlord says I am not infested enough to qualify for extermination. I have lived here for two years. Never had a problem until about a month or so ago. I saw an bug on my sofa one night. I ran away like a little girl. I did not see it again for a few days, but it was still on the sofa. I made myself kill it. It was that process that made me remember this commercial we have in Cleveland that yells, "BED BUGS! BED BUGS! BED BUGS!" loudly and shows photos of them. It is an add for an exterminator. I did some googling an confirmed the species, without a doubt. The particular individual I had killed looked to be sub adult, but I am not an expert. I have never had any bites. I know some people don't react. That might be the case, although I do react to other insect bites pretty intensely.
I emailed my landlord immediately. They sent an exterminator to inspect my apartment. He only found two of their shell casings from molting. No other evidence. Nothing in my bed either. Only on the sofa. He sent his findings to my landlord who told me that I am not infested enough to get exterminated. So, I am on my own. I am terrified to even sit on my sofa. I am also terrified not to sit on my sofa because I think feeding them there would at least keep them there. I am miserable. I am actually moving out of state in July. So, I will not be here much longer. I am not taking that sofa with me...I hadn't been planning to anyway. But, I need to make sure I don't take any bugs with me at all. So, I need them gone by then. Because of the move, none of my savings can go towards hiring an expensive exterminator. Especially when, from what I've read, even they do not offer a permanent solution. It is only guaranteed for a month or two. What also worries me is that only my apartment was inspected. I have people above me and next to me on one side. There is a chance these bugs came from one of them. Even if not, there is a chance my bugs will go to them. Especially when I start treating.
So, that is the story. It is what it is. I have to make myself handle it regardless of the anxiety and panic attacks. I plan to use the diatom dust stuff and "green" pesticides that are relatively safe for people and animals. Food grade. The bug guy said I have activity but I do not have a problem. I consider any level of activity a problem. I don't know if the now deceased bug was one I saw on both occasions, or if he left behind a small family. So, I need to get a better idea of how many I have. And monitor them during their apocalypse. I have two cats, both of whom have since been shaved so that I can see anything crawling on them and/or bites.
I was reading this site today and learned about the bed bug beacon thing. It is REALLY expensive though. Especially with continued use, but I do want something more than a few passive traps. So.. I am using my science-y brain parts to develop a plan. I have a hobby that I am pretty engrossed in. I have fish tanks. Specifically, I have "planted tanks." I actually don't have any fish. I grow aquatic plants and have snails employed as gardeners. Anyway, I inject my tanks with CO2. It makes plants very happy. So, I have a couple of CO2 systems in my house, and some tanks. One of these systems is like a mini system. It is designed for a 10 gallon or so nano tank. So, I have these little canisters with 20 grams and 88 grams. I have a bunch of them. I am happy to sacrifice some plant growth for this endeavor. So, I can basically rig up the same system used in my tanks except leave out the part where I put the tube in the water. The co2 would be released into the air. I can control the amount via a regulator and a "bubble counter." I can set up a system near the sofa (to start) on a baking pan that has been covered in carpet tape. And/or line it with the DE powder.
Does anyone see any flaws or have any suggestions for the plan to make it more effective? I only did brief research on the beacon thing. I know it uses CO2. Is there another aspect of it that I am missing?
If anyone else has successfully treated their problem without a professional exterminator, please let me know the details and methods used. I need a solid plan.
Thanks in advance.
Danielle