[Noisebridge-discuss] Solving the bedbugs problem at Noisebridge

[Christine Dibella]

Thanks Griffen, this is the best suggestion by far.  I'm from the east coast too and had experience with bedbugs.  I think it is important to immediately notify everyone who visits Noisebridge of the bedbug problem so they can prevent bringing bedbugs back to their home. Noisebridge can collectively deal with the bedbug problem, but it could ruin an individual like me. When i travel I put everything through a dryer in a Laundromat (including shoes*).  I suggest putting a sign on the door immediately, so people can take precautions & if there is a way to bring a dryer in to the space that would also help protect people from bringing bedbugs home.   
On May 9, 2011, at 1:33 AM, Griffin Boyce wrote:

> Right now, I'm living in an area of the east coast that is having some sort of bedbug epidemic. Let me just say that it *is* possible to fight and win, but it requires a combination approach and patience.
> 
> Presuming that NB does have bedbugs, I'd just like to concur with what others have stated:
> 
> 1) The space should be inspected to see if there ~are~ bedbugs and to get a handle on how big the problem is.  An exterminator is going to be your best bet on this.
> 
> 2) DIY fogging is not an effective solution for the space.  There are just too many places for them to hide, and many of these places won't be affected much by fogging.  Fogging in this way leads to a months-long cat-and-mouse game with bedbugs that winds up being extremely aggravating for all involved.
> 
> 3) Couches will likely need to be tossed if they are infested (be sure to wrap them in plastic first, to minimize bedbugs escaping).  If that has to happen, maybe people can bring in non-upholstered chairs as needed?
> 
> 4) Treating with very cold compressed air, high heat, and alternating both, is probably the best solution for getting rid of them (barring an amazing exterminator solution).  
> 
> 5) The key to treating with high heat is to do it FAST, or they will simply leave the heated area and return once it's cooled.  You can rent equipment that can pull this off.  Caveat: This would be 130F-140F for 2-3 hours.
> 
> Good luck!
> 
> Griffin
> 
> 
> On Mon, May 9, 2011 at 2:25 AM, Christine DiBella <christinedibella at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi, I haven't actually read this whole discussion, I have some suggestions and I apologize if I'm repeating anything previously discussed.
> 
> 1. Contact Vector Control for an inspection http://www.sfdph.org/dph/EH/Vector/default.asp
> 
> 2. the most effective way to treat a bedbug problem is by heating the area to 115+ degrees for 20min, no chemicals if fact chemicals are often not effective
> 
> 3. I agree with getting rid of the couches, future couches should have a frame that would not harbor bedbugs and cushions that could be washed and put in a dryer.  
> 
> 4. Prevention, put pest monitors throughout the space and check regularly

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