Follow
Share

She refuses to accept the bugs are there. She states they don't bite her but I watch her scratch. This is really hard. She's declining fast. I am at a loss on what to do. I am trying to do the bugs on my own but it's such a huge undertaking she can't comprehend. She can be really mean and shuts down at the mention of the bugs. Is there a grant or help for her, maybe to help her understand or something?

Welcome to the Forum, Danny.
At 88 and with dementia, as your profile tells us, you are dealing with what is the new normal for your life.
Fighting bedbugs, with or without the help of pest control folks is DAUNTING in the extreme. If you go up to the blue timeline at the top of AC Forum you will see, on the far right, next to your circular avatar a magnifying glass. That's the search engine for the site. Type in bedbugs there and you will find a lot of good advice. RealyReal suggests diatomaceous earth, which is harmless to humans and pets, but does get the bugs. Problems occur with older homes, loose flooring or floorboards along walls, which allow hidden eggs and reinfestations. Having to treat EVERYTHING over and over isn't unusual and with mixed results whether with a service or alone. There is a ton of information online and on youtube as well. My kids here in the city went through this when the hubby brought them home from a trip away, and my neighbors next door when they rented their place for Airbnb. It is very daunting.

Given that you have an uncooperative senior with dementia, and if you have the POA to act for her, you may need to consider respite care. However, they need to be aware going in that she is dealing with an infestation, as she is going to have to come in with careful monitoring. Then you can address the issue.

This is a terrible situation, and must feel very hopeless. I can't do much but wish you luck and hope others have great suggestions for you.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

How to kill bed bugs using diatomaceous earth:

dhttps://greenharvest.com.au/DownLoads/HowToUseDEOnBedBugs.pdf

Diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from the sediment of fossilized algae found in bodies of water. Because the cells of these algae were high in a compound called silica, the dried sediment produced from these fossils are also very high in silica. These deposits are found all over the world.

You can buy it at hardware stores and online.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

My Building got a Infestation and everyone had to throw things out and most People Moved out - it was a shame . I was severely allergic to the Poisonous spray and went to the doctors - they tell you " To throw everything Out . " I was also allergic to the bed bugs Bites and had red bumps . I left everything behind . Then I went to the ER and they said the same thing " get rid of everything . " You can try Diatomaceous Earth which is a white Powder you sprinkle that cuts into their Bodies and dries them Out But It Is Going to take a lot of work and Your mother should stay some where else for a week or 2 till you get rid of them . They suck your Blood and come out at Night . Its pretty gross .
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to KNance72
Report

When you Buy the Diatamaceous earth Make sure it is food grade and Not Pool grade there is a big difference .
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to KNance72
Report

First...
I am a firm believer that a person with dementia should not be living alone.

The easiest way to resolve the current problem is to have someone take mom out for lunch or shopping. Someone stay at the house and have an exterminator come in and take care of the bedbugs.

With dementia getting her to understand something is going to be difficult.

I do hope you are legally in a position that you can make decisions for her. If not if she is unable to appoint a POA (an elder Care Attorney will determine this after talking to her.) you may have to seek Guardianship.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

It’s already an infestation. I’ve never known anyone to completely get rid of bedbugs without using a professional pest control company.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Fawnby
Report
AlvaDeer May 17, 2024
My stepdaughter did, Fawnby. Albeit they knew right away. But her hubby went on a trip with a friend. They both brought bedbugs home. They both treated on their own and they are gone. I never would have thought it could be done either. In fact told them it wouldn't Once AGAIN, I was wrong, hee hee.
(3)
Report
brought home from moms memory care facility, we had a professional bug sprayer come in, I packed all clothing and objects in tightly closed bags and put in the center of the room on top of the table. Washed everything in hot water and dryer then lived out of bags for 6 months.He then came back two weeks later and sprayed again. I did use the powder as well on electrical outlets, around the molding. It’s now four years later and have never had a problem since. What a nightmare it was!
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to terisly
Report

This is a full time job. One that I don’t think you will be able to handle yourself. The only thing that is going to work for you is hire a professional. I know they can be expensive but find one with a guarantee as they can keep coming back as an egg can hatch later. I suggest you pay the money as it will save you your mental health.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Annanell
Report

DannyRifkin710: Perhaps the bigger issue is that your mother, Janet no doubt requires managed care facility living. Due to dementia, her brain no longer possesses the capacity for logical thought processes, e.g. "She refuses to accept the bugs are there."
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

Did you call an exterminator?
If you do not manage this as soon as you can, they will increase and be more of a problem. You don't want them all over the house.

Is 'she' in the bed with the bugs? Move her out of there ASAP !

Get her some medication. Contact her medical provider ASAP, too !

Gena / Touch Matters
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to TouchMatters
Report

Rubbing Alcohol in a spray bottle kills the bed bugs on contact. Tea tree oil on a cotton ball will keep the bugs away. Vacuuming every single thing after you have sprayed the entire area is the key in reoccuring.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to loragrinstead
Report

You have an infestation if you are constantly seeing theses things. Be careful that you don't infect your own home. PPE along with shoe covers and gowns is a must. Do not undress in your bedroom, but in the bathroom. Bag your clothes immediately and dump in the washing machine and wash immediately. Bedbugs are travel bugs so be sure to vacuum your home after returning from your mother's home.

JT Eaton had an excellent bedbug spray years ago. You will have to wash and clean the bedframe, mattress, furniture and cracks and crevices of walls. A good vacuuming of the carpet and cleaning will help. Launder bed linens in hot water and dry above 140 degrees. Wash all of her washable clothing. Check drawers where clothing is kept for bedbug droppings and vacuum all the drawers. Check corners of drawers. Take out vacuum bag immediately.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Scampie1
Report

This is a may post
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Anxietynacy
Report

She needs to go to respite at least until the exterminators clear the problem.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to PeggySue2020
Report

You need to hire an exterminator.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to akababy7
Report

If she has bedbugs it is already an infestation.
First if mom is living alone with dementia she shouldn't be.
You need to have professional exterminators come in and eradicate the bugs.
Place mom in "Respite" while the extermination is done. I would also consider the Respite as a permanent placement.
With dementia she will not "understand" that the bugs are there, that they are a hazard to her health and that she should not be living alone.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report
AlvaDeer Jul 27, 2024
A respite is going to be truly hesitant to take someone with a bedbug infestation as their entire facility is at risk. But yes, your first sentence says it all. It is already an infestation, and they are terribly difficult to take care of.
(0)
Report
This post is from May. OP has not posted anymore questions or replied to this one.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter