mer seems to be a launching point--as we were given notices June 12 2010 to be on Bed Bug watch and report activity to management.
Down town Portland seems to be a hot-bed for these blood suckers.

From August - February 2010 I dealt with live bed bug activity and clean-up. It was exhausting, nerve racking and I still have scars from having been bitten at least 60 times.

After I discovered the pest control guy had been spot treating my apartment Vs top to bottom and treating every inch of the place like he said he was; He came and treated 3 times. Steamed once, sprayed twice-- but not everywhere.
Leaving out places like under large area rugs, behind large kitchen appliances, ceiling mouldings and furniture etc.
Because bed bug extermination was so busy down town, I didn't get the pack-tite machine until his last treatment weeks later. Therefore weeks had gone by before most of my unwashable clothing were treated and the eggs had obviously hatched in the plastic bags. Every time I stuck my hand in I got bit. It took me 2i/2 more months fighting them off myhself before I got the place cleared. I found a product that was effective and safe enough for me to use and I spent about $250.00 and saturated my apartment from top to bottm--treating 2 more time. I continue to steam clean and watch for signs 4 months later.

I empathize with anyone who is trying to rid themselves of these pests. They are very difficult to exterminate and one has to be ready on all fronts for reinfestation.