Constant Vigilance - The War of the Bed Bugs

Every night is potentially a battle although depending on the infestation the bugs may only feed every three or four days. Depending on their number they might need to feed every night. While waiting for the third spraying of the apartment which is usually five days between sprayings I have resorted to a spray bottle and alcohol. No, not for drinking - for spraying the wooden bed frame and then the area of the floor under and around the bed. This seems to work for a few hours at best. The alcohol kills the bugs, babies and eggs on contact - but only on contact. If they are hiding around a corner then they are safe - the little bastards.

I learned early on while staying in India in the 1970s that neither the Geneva Convention nor the Bodhisattva Code of Ethics need apply to bed bugs. They are a serious health risk and can spread salmonella and other diseases. I am also investigating other treatments such as natural products that destroy and keep the bugs at bay. Let it be said that the 'battle is on.'

My allies, the apartment management company and their hired mercenaries have not been overly successful in the battle but it is still early and there are many more days of fighting before this campaign is done.

In the end either I will be Lord of the apartment or the bed bugs will.