This is absolutely disgusting! And not for the faint of heart. (Don't worry no photos)

[pink-o]

As many of you know, I work for a major airline at SFO as part of the ground staff. One thing we do is check in thousands of suitcases every day. Well...suitcases come into contact with our clothes after being in hotels. And they can carry unwanted hitch-hikers....

So guess who now has BEDBUGS??????

EEwwww! Gross! They've been staying rent-free in my apartment for about a week now. I tried the fogger. I tried the ditamaceous earth, which was supposed to cut them like glass and suffocate them. It almost ended up suffocating me, it's so dusty! I tried spray, I tried steaming, I've done my laundry six times this week, taken 3 showers a day. But they're still chomping on me.

It's so weird, because I haven't yet seen one. But I can sure feel it: it's like sleeping on pins. Granted, the bites don't form welts like fleas and mosquitos, but believe me, it's not pleasant! I spread the fossil flour on my rug and furniture, and have everything covered in plastic sheeting. And they still keep coming!

I'm throwing in the towel, and gonna call the professionals on Monday. My recommendation to you if you encounter my problem is to do the same--immediately. I know it's chemicals, but I've tried the organic natural way and it doesn't work! Sometimes it comes down to us or them.

Okay, hope I haven't ruined your day. Wish me luck!!

[crim son]

1. Good luck!

So sorry you've been invaded & infested... ugh. I hope the professionals can take care of it in one shot! :hug: :scared: :hug:

[PeaceNikki]

2. You should go to the doctor, too. It could be scabies or something.

Are you still working? Are you concerned that you could now pass it onto other's luggage (cuz, quite frankly, I am)?

[pink-o]

3. Yes, I'm still working.

..But I've been fumigating my towels and workclothes and keeping them in Hefty Bags. There are no bugs on me when I leave the house--I'm too worried about my co-workers.

If anything, the luggage that you check in will be piled onto other luggage that has come from hotels with the problem. I'd seriously spray all your suitcases before opening them or bringing them into the house. This is a problem that's exploded in hotels.

Also, if you stay--even in 5 stars, bring a piece of plastic sheeting to put over the mattress. It sounds extreme, but it's better than dealing with this!

[QueenOfCalifornia]

4. No Images?

Here ya go!

[pink-o]

5. Oh, thank you! Sweet dreams, eh?

Do you happen to know what the scale is? I still have never seen these little parasites, nor smelled that syrupy odor that's supposed to emanate from them.

Pest Control coming Monday, tho. And the only reason I posted this is because I wanted to alert everyone as to how prevalent bedbugs have become. My house is not a sty, I don't wear dirty clothes, yet they've moved in. Be careful in hotels, People, and once again, spray your suitcases with insecticide after travel--maybe even before you put them in your car.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

6. If you have carpet

try looking where the carpet meets the baseboard.

However, if you don't have welts/sores from the bites, I agree that you might have scabies. Ouch.