Post by angie on Dec 1, 2020 23:22:17 GMT
Hi Again,
In my introduction post, I'd indicated that I was going to be moving on Dec 8th and I'm hoping I might be able to get some suggestions and precautions I should take in order to prevent a re-infestation at my new home. Since I've been knee deep in a major flea or multiple bug issue as I've seen black carpet beetle larvae in addition to the flea issue, I've done a tremendous amount of research in re to natural and chemical treatments. Most have not worked with the exception of table salt, diatomaceous earth, and Vet's Best.
Both my cats are vet script treated for fleas and have been for over a year. They also wear Seresto flea collars. On the day of our move, they both will be dropped at the groomers for a very close buzz haircut, flea shampoo, and reapplication of Revolution Plus before being brought to the new place.
These are the precautions I've taken so far in attempting to avoid hitchhiking bugs to new place. Although the list below may seem extreme, trust me, it was bad; hence, Fleamaggedon. The house was overrun and would consider it uninhabitable, condemnable. It displaced me from my home for 3 weeks as I couldn't deal with the onslaught of bugs on me day in and day out and more so at night where they would attack and climb into bed with me. Sadly, at one point was up for 4 days straight and the onslaught was insane. I left my home 2, 3 days later and stayed at the Residence Inn for 3 weeks and it was heaven!!!
These are the precautions I've taken:
I can't think of any other precautions we've taken. I know we will always have fleas to some extent because we have two cats. I know we can't fully stop all hitchhiking fleas but the more I can eliminate from coming along is ideal. Like I said, I have been through an absolute hellish nightmare we've been living for the past 3 months and the stories I can tell. The crap I have seen when it was at its height. Sadly, as severe as my experience has been, have no doubts PTSD may set in. I've been living with fleas or some type of bug inside my clothes on the daily. Thank God it's nowhere as severe as it was but I'm still dealing with it and it's been maddening. How I've not had a nervous breakdown is beyond me but I'm still here pushing forward and getting through it. We're on the tail end of it here at our current residence and I'm hoping to be as bug free in our new place
I know it's a lot and my precautions and remedies. But if anyone who is more intimately familiar with the general habits of bugs, outside of what I've detailed above, what else if anything at all can I do to prevent hitchhikers??
Again, sincerely thank you very much for any help offered
Angie
Post Edit: To my understanding, others in my complex are also having bug issues, fleas, etc., so it's not just us. There's something seriously wrong with the apartments I'm in. We've been here for 10 years and never had a problem till now.
In my introduction post, I'd indicated that I was going to be moving on Dec 8th and I'm hoping I might be able to get some suggestions and precautions I should take in order to prevent a re-infestation at my new home. Since I've been knee deep in a major flea or multiple bug issue as I've seen black carpet beetle larvae in addition to the flea issue, I've done a tremendous amount of research in re to natural and chemical treatments. Most have not worked with the exception of table salt, diatomaceous earth, and Vet's Best.
Both my cats are vet script treated for fleas and have been for over a year. They also wear Seresto flea collars. On the day of our move, they both will be dropped at the groomers for a very close buzz haircut, flea shampoo, and reapplication of Revolution Plus before being brought to the new place.
These are the precautions I've taken so far in attempting to avoid hitchhiking bugs to new place. Although the list below may seem extreme, trust me, it was bad; hence, Fleamaggedon. The house was overrun and would consider it uninhabitable, condemnable. It displaced me from my home for 3 weeks as I couldn't deal with the onslaught of bugs on me day in and day out and more so at night where they would attack and climb into bed with me. Sadly, at one point was up for 4 days straight and the onslaught was insane. I left my home 2, 3 days later and stayed at the Residence Inn for 3 weeks and it was heaven!!!
These are the precautions I've taken:
- All couches have been thrown out
- Curtains thrown out.
- Fake plants tossed.
- Shoes that can not be easily cleaned inside and out have been tossed
- Blankets have been tossed
- All clothes have been removed with the exception of a week and a half of clothing for both my son and myself. All are cleaned at local laundry mat and are sealed in air tight trash bags, one outfit, one bag, for each day worn. Have been doing this since the beginning of the infestation. Everything washable such as blankets, clothes, were all laundered numerous times to no avail and eventually got tossed.
- All mattresses and box springs thrown out. After new carpet installation when we thought the problem was fixed, new beds were brought in. Once the bug issue began again, the new mattresses and box springs were put into plastic storage bags designed for moving and sealed with duct tape. We sealed them maybe a week or two after receiving them and 3 days after minor bug issues presented itself again. We are awaiting encasement mattress bags for both mattresses and box springs before the move. May be buying new beds though as I'm paranoid at this point. Man, I have been through some sh*t. Really, some movie horror style incidents. My God, it has been hell especially for someone that the bugs absolutely love and have become their prime host.
- The only furniture that is being brought to the new home is wood furniture, dressers, book case, entertainment center, etc., etc. All dressers, nightstands, etc., are empty.
- Diatomaceous earth has been put inside all wood furniture and has been there for 3 weeks or more and will stay there during the move.
- Smaller items to be packed have been vacuumed and cleaned and put into air tight trash bags and/or contractor bags
- On day of move, all sealed items will be sprayed down with Vets Best before transport.
- Once we get settled in new place, will heavily vacuum and will be laying down table salt throughout apartment as I've found this is the only surefire way of fast extermination
- Also, I've been vacuuming damn near every single day, my GOD, for 3 months straight. It's been torture. I'm now suffering from trigger fingers in 4 fingers, 2 for each hand
I can't think of any other precautions we've taken. I know we will always have fleas to some extent because we have two cats. I know we can't fully stop all hitchhiking fleas but the more I can eliminate from coming along is ideal. Like I said, I have been through an absolute hellish nightmare we've been living for the past 3 months and the stories I can tell. The crap I have seen when it was at its height. Sadly, as severe as my experience has been, have no doubts PTSD may set in. I've been living with fleas or some type of bug inside my clothes on the daily. Thank God it's nowhere as severe as it was but I'm still dealing with it and it's been maddening. How I've not had a nervous breakdown is beyond me but I'm still here pushing forward and getting through it. We're on the tail end of it here at our current residence and I'm hoping to be as bug free in our new place
I know it's a lot and my precautions and remedies. But if anyone who is more intimately familiar with the general habits of bugs, outside of what I've detailed above, what else if anything at all can I do to prevent hitchhikers??
Again, sincerely thank you very much for any help offered
Angie
Post Edit: To my understanding, others in my complex are also having bug issues, fleas, etc., so it's not just us. There's something seriously wrong with the apartments I'm in. We've been here for 10 years and never had a problem till now.
