decontamniation of materials

[10meters]

This is what is posted on another site. A for profit site. I am not affiliated with this site.

Disinfection of Surroundings

There are two things which would take me back to the hell of itching and biting and they were:

1. making a mistake with my diet

2. recontamination

It's very important for me to control my environment. Most doctors don't even talk of this because they have no experience with the infestation. For me, I was infected from a cloud of dust/pollen of bird mites shaken loose from a tree as I pulled a vine from it in back yard.

Some sufferers have been infected from bed bugs, some from rat mites, some from clouds of dust, some from an air conditioner, some from their pets, and some simply from having been in contact with clothing, bedding, on furniture used by someone who was already infected. One lady claimed that she got it after sitting across from someone who appeared to be badly infected with something.

The infecting organism is called the vector and can be mites from birds, rats, and other animals. According to Dr. Harvey, retired specialist in the accompanying treatment of Lyme and Protozoan, the vector can be almost anything--mites, and mosquitoes included.

When I first was infected, it took me weeks before I discovered that the parasites had gotten into my furniture, rugs... I had to get really fastidious about disinfecting all my clothing, bedding, rugs and upholstery...

And then I started disinfecting my watch band, combs, razors and even outside around my house--they were everywhere. It took two weeks before I could start relaxing.

I dusted diatomaceous earth insecticide everywhere. I purchased a spray duster can be purchased at a garden center for about $30. Then I misplaced it and used a couple tablespoons into a cloth bag (a sock will do), and I shook it around the house. I closed food containers and cabinets with dishes and I dusted all rooms, carpets, mattress, furniture, etc. I wore a dust mask while dusting to avoid getting it into my lungs. I ordered 1 1/2 lb bag or a 4 lb bag of diatomaceous earth for about $13.85 by calling them direct at 1-866-927-3422 or go to www.yardiac.com Following is the the specific page for diatomaceous earth. http://www2.yardiac.com/long.asp?tgs...0&item_id=4919

Some sufferers have reported that their infection came from inside their home as with bed bugs or rats/mice. For them it was very important to get rid of the rugs and employ an exterminator to get rid of the vermin. Bed bugs are reported much harder with which to deal and even a challenge for the most knowledgeable exterminator. Bed bugs are not easy to exterminate as they hide in the walls and only come out at night to feed.

Automobile--I sprayed seats, safety belt (both sides) and carpeting with ammonia* or Lysol spray and then dusted with diatomaceous earth after every use until I was free of any itching for at least three days. For a while I used Lysol and then realized that breathing it that much might not be beneficial so I switched completely to dilute ammonia spray (approx 1/4 ammonia and 3/4 water) in a Windex spray bottle.

Environmental--I obtained pesticide effective for chiggers from Home Depot in a granular form for spreading on the lawn. I also sprayed all the shrubs close to the house with a pesticide effective for chiggers. I don't remember the actual pesticides I used, but I'm sure there are several from which to choose. Remember, I was infected from a cloud of dust from one of these trees and apparently they had gotten everywhere from that dust cloud.

I didn't have forced air heating or air conditioning duct work to deal with, so I don't know exactly what to do. There are companies that specialize in cleaning of air ducts, otherwise, I'd change the filter and be tempted to spray a lot of diluted ammonia (3 parts water to 1 part ammonia) into the air return of the furnace. If I were to contract a company to do it for me, I'd make sure they use a disinfecting agent.

I checked all air conditioners/dehumidifiers. For window air units, I removed filters and washed them with ammonia, sprayed intake vents (inside and outside) with ammonia solution as it is operating till the point where I could smell the ammonia coming out into the room. I had to step away from the unit as the ammonia passed directly through the unit and would smart my eyes if I stayed too close to the unit. I sprayed the ammonia through the dehumidifier as well.

If we're dealing with mites as the vector, they might be killed, but the eggs might not hatch for days--usually has to be a heat source to hatch them, so I wouldn't expect them hatching in summer air conditioning, however, the turning on and off of the blower might dislodge them and blow them into the air space and winter heating probably would hatch them in the heat duct. The eggs can exist for years--maybe indefinitely.

I washed all my clothing with bleach or ammonia (I never used bleach and ammonia together as it will produce deadly chlorine gas), or dry cleaned. I accidentally wore some clothes from the early era (when I was first infected) that were not sanitized years later and noticed itching within hours. One thing that appears on the message boards time and time again so it must work is using bounce in the dryer. Something about the bounce product that is miraculous. I use it whenever I remember for its intended purpose, never had any problem with ammonia or bleach not working. So, I use it anyway, just in case?

Bedding, I washed the mattress cover, all covers, and comforters with ammonia or bleach in the laundry and then I changed the sheets daily.

I vacuumed the mattress with a vacuum cleaner that uses a hepa filter. Then I used the shampoo attachment to shampoo the mattress using a Glamorine, diluted ammonia, and warm water. After it dried, I dry dusted it with diatomaceous earth and then put on the mattress cover. I laundered all comforters in either ammonia or bleach (depending on whether they were colored or not). I dusted the top sheet with diatomaceous earth to prevent them getting back into the comforters. I changed my sheets daily and sprayed the mattress cover and the comforters with ammonia solution. Although in my most recent re-infection, I didn't need to use the diatomaceous earth--simply washed all comforters, bedding, clothing and throw rugs with ammonia or bleach, disinfected my razor, eye glass ear pieces, chairs...

I washed pillows using ammonia in the wash and covered them with a plastic garbage bag to prevent recontamination.

I washed the bathroom floor and rugs with ammonia solution and dusted the rugs with diatomaceous earth.

I sprayed the inside of all shoes and bedroom slippers with ammonia solution daily. Also spray the souls of your shoes (dusting with diatomaceous earth will work too) and slippers--it's how the parasites get transferred from outside to inside or visa versa or to the carpet in your auto or at your workplace. In fact, this makes a good argument for using diatomaceous earth through out your home, auto, and around your work station at work until you get your environment under control as you'll always be stepping in carpets dusted with it and thus eliminate transporting the parasites from one location to another. Please note that this is not only true of carpets, but the parasites can be deposited on any tile, hardwood floor, or linoleum--just not as easy as carpeting.

I sprayed all furniture I sat in at work or home daily (including leather or nalguhyde) after each use with ammonia solution or Lysol and dusted with diatomaceous earth where possible.

I treated my razor with ammonia solution after using it, washed my watch's wrist band and the back of the watch, hair comb or brushes, eye glass frames, finger rings, neck chains with ammonia solution as well.

Any coats I wore were washed or dry cleaned after every use. I turned the arms inside out and sprayed all the linings with ammonia solution and closed the coat to keep the fumes inside as long as possible.

I bought an an ozone air purification machine, but didn’t find it that helpful in dealing with the scourge. However, I plan to purchase an Equoquest unit that kills molds, mildew, bacteria, virus... For more information on this unit, email me at knic@comcast.net with "air purification question" as the subject.

I never let others use my hats, clothing, wash cloths, towels, jewelry or bedding.

I stopped going to the barber for a hair cut--it can be passed on to the next person the barber sees unless he sterilizes his equipment. Maybe this is what is known as Barber’s itch. If discovered in time, it can be treated successfully with caladryl, hydrocortisone, or Predinsone.

I didn't shop for clothes while symptoms persist because trying on clothes could contaminate them for someone else who might buy them.

I didn't sleep with unaffected people; I didn't carry my four year old son or let him ride on my shoulders; I didn't rough house with my him or anyone; nor did I even hug anyone--distance is the best precaution.

I didn't let anyone use my razor blades and did’t get hair cuts while they are active. Anyone using a razor blade contaminated will within a day have skin lesions which may be the source of what is know as barber’s itch. If it happened, I'd have them use colloidal silver, Caladryl, Benadryl, or Neosporin with pain reliever, or neem cream or hydrocortisone lotion on the sites for a week. I disinfect razor blades, hair clippers with disinfectant spray or ammonia solution. I wash razor blades thoroughly to eliminate the ammonia which if not removed completely can cause a skin reaction itself.

I shampooed my carpeting with a disinfectant or I added ammonia to the shampoo. The mites/larvae generally don't jump to others, they are passed with clothing, bedding, combs, jewelry, or by walking barefoot or lying down on a contaminated carpet, or sitting in a contaminated stuffed or fabric/ leather chair. However if one sits in a contaminated area, they can be felt jumping onto one's legs.

I got rid of all standing water outside and inside my home--even made sure dishes in the sink were dry.

I also found that simply dabbing the diatomaceous dust on an itching site would reduce it within seconds. I had to be real careful about wearing any clothes for a second time. It gets expensive dry cleaning pants and jackets after every use. So I'd disinfect them by turning the sleeves inside out, spray them with 25% ammonia solution, and then turn the sleeve right side in and close the jacket to trap the ammonia fumes--sometimes it didn't seem to work. Then I realized I could dust the diatomaceous earth inside the pants legs and sleeves of the jackets. Other clothes, underwear, sheets and all washable clothes had to be washed with a cup of bleach or sudsy ammonia. Diatomaceous earth made life more livable than ever before. The directions on the package which contained pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides produced by certain species of the chrysanthemum known as a contact killer, suggest no contact with skin although the brand by yardic.com which has no pyrethrins, doesn't contain that caution. Both brands suggest using it to dust the sleeping quarters of the animals and it's represented as being nontoxic to humans and animals.

With continued use of the diatomaceous earth insecticide and the stage one diet, I ridded myself of the pestilence--except for the sites on my neck. It was freedom I never thought I'd experience again. After all, here I was with the cleanest clothes and the cleanest bed in town and felt like a second rate citizen infected with some scourge.

Pets: Many report that their pets are infected. They find that the pets are a source for re-infection with which has to be dealt. They report that having their veterinarian perform a stool analysis for Strongyloides stercoralis is the way to go and then a de-wormer treatment. Click here and print the cdc microscopy for reference.

Finding of the nematode in their pet is generally a pretty big bet that it's also in their body.

*it's been pointed out to me that ammonia can contribute to depression for those who are prone to depression in which case another product such as eco vie or the Klean Free product might be a wiser choice.

7/23/06 added caution re ammonia and depression

7/30 added spraying ammonia or dusting with diatomaceous earth the souls of your shoes and slippers on a regular basis.

[ladycolorado]

thanks tem meters good ideas about decontamination. i am looking forward to your posts regarding distress doc interviews that was very informative also. i have used vinegar ammonia, to decontaminate myself for environment. sharing this will help many who are coming in here. gee, this board is huge, i am so excited. (LC).

[unclear]

So you spray and just leave it or do you wipe it off, I have plenty of Eco Vie, I even like the smell of it. My doctor is open minded but of course is lost and does not know what to do to help me. I am the one that they closed my urethra tube to my bladder. Oh it was hard to get that one going again, i am doing acupuncture and that works. Plus what do you think of Hula Clarks Para Zapper. I have been putting down DE all over the place, my source came from a house behind me were the renovated and left the doors open and rats, birds and ferral cats go in there. Plus they left the vent hole to the attic open. I have been having my house sprayed every month and the exterminator said the first time in June when I found thousand of Springtails while I was gardening, he found mites crawling up the wall at the vacant house and was bit by something. I had never seen Springtails like this before this year. I do own parrots but they have been treated every 6 months with Ivermectin and sprayed with permerthrin. I had there nesting material check and not mites were in it, plus I had the stool tested by a outside lab, no mites again. So I am just so confused on what to do. Do you think that they will always live on the birds and the animals. Thank Unclear. I really need your help badly

[carla]

I think all animals make this worse unclear.I had to put my dog in the garage to live.because I thought he made me itchy .Within a week the garage was infested with tiny flying things .The same in the back garden.I won`t go out there anymore . I can see all these tiny tiny white bugs swarmimg around .Unless I am losing it .
Is there anyone you know who could take your pets for a while .I know this is the last thing you`d want .It is just a suggestion . If not you will have to take various meausures weekly to keep numbers down .Have you treid DE yet ? love carla xxxx

[hilly]

Carla, I was very worried about the dogs (2) and cats (2) they were itchy and biting their feet and one cat in particular had terrible fur, all sticky and dull. Now they are all fine (touch wood) I stand Taffy in a tub of eco-vie if his feet itch and that stops it. We had to bath the cat in eco vie. then rub DE all over her fur... I sprinkle a good dollup of the DE on all their food every morning and put some eco vie on to Taffy's as well. They all have a cod liver oil capsule. We also use Stonghold from the vet, once a month. It's better than frontline as it attacks mites as well as fleas. They all have lovely shiny coats now, no itching and are very well. The dogs sleep in our bedroom and that is also getting much better. Practically none of the dust and hair things that were all over it a while ago. Oh yes, Taffy also got some spots/pimples on his nose and his hair there came off, but I rubbed it alterately with eco vie and Kleen free and its fine now, all grown back and he looks his handsome self again. Do hope you and your poor dog can get over the problem... Love, Hilly xxx

[hilly]

Unclear.... we also have chickens and pidgeons. Had a terrible mite problem last year and tried everything, and finally got rid of it by putting ivermectin on the back of their necks. Is that what you do with your parrots. The other really good thing is DE sprinkle it everywhere, in nests and round cages, it's really good and try to get them to have some to eat. We mix some in with the chicken feed every day and now have no problems. I am the only problem still lol x Best luck...

[hilly]

Just to say again, if you are using it on food it must be the 'food grade'.. A good place to get it from is called Shadow Ridge in NC I can give you the e-mail etc if you pm me. good luck. Hilly

[carla]

Thanks Hilly,I have not got the energy to bathe Dixie every week. He is a huge dog but terrified of water and struggles so much that I give up and put him in garage again . There`s not much else i can do,apart from fleasprays and wormers . My ex hates him and he hates my ex so there`s no way he will bath him .
I think I`ll just pay up and send him to a poodle parlour .Dixie not the ex .He is wormed every 3 months by the vet and i give him a drop of h20 in his water bowl .He looks so miserable and skinny the past week that I ll have to do something .
Do you like the weather\Hilly.At least the rains have stopped . love carla xx

[hilly]

Carla... good to hear from you but so sorry about Dixie, wish I was a little nearer and could come and help. Will he stand in a plastic tub I got one from Wilkinsons, about £4... I just put a little warm water in outside, and add some eco vie, and get Taffy to stand in it, then i can wash him with a sponge. He did'nt like it at first, but now comes quite happily and gets in, altho he does'nt need it anymore. Have you tried rubbing DE all over him, it really seems to work. The mites certainly don't like it. One of our cats had bad mites on and in her ears but after putting the powder in and on her ears, she is OK... The weather is fine for me, now I'm on all these antibiotics I can't go in the sun... Take care Love, Hilly xxxx love to Dixie too

[carla]

No Hilly I still have not tried DE for him.I`ve been a bit preoccupied with keeping the kids and house free of anythiong but I know the dog will have to be sorted out too.If I did give him to someone I could trust I would risk it passing on to them,and the kids would murder me or make my life a misery . I will invest in some DE.Will you send me a link to a good place to get it from . thanks . Dixie said to tell Taffy `woof woof`
love carla xxxxxxxxxxxxxx