Hi there - this thread is probably just 'partially' in the correct section, I just can't find anywhere else I can put it in.
I recently moved to Zurich from Lucerne for an internship and got my suitcase filled with clothes with me. I didn't really need the suitcase so I put it aside. Now that I need to move again, I opened up my suitcase and my large nylon bag full of clothes was infested with these insanely large bugs with tails that stretch across at least 5cm. They're almost reptilian.
Obviously, it's not Altkleider any more, so I can't donate it.
It's not your "general rubbish", so I can't simply throw it away.
It's such a pity because I really had a lot of things I loved in that bag.
Is there anything (person or service) that I can call who wouldn't mind exterminating those darned things so that I can salvage at least some of the clothes? If you yourself won't mind doing it, please PM me and we can negotiate a price.
If not, does anybody have any idea how I can dispose it? (sniff)
If it's silver fish, make sure they don't escape, or you'll get an infestation in your flat. Deep freeze first, as others have mentioned, then shake off but not in your flat!
As above, please provide a photo. Also, how long was the case left unopened, and where were you storing it? I'm wondering why the bugs are there at all.
I wouldn't put the stuff in the freezer until the visible bugs are gone. I also have a small freezer like the poster above, so couldn't explore this option, even if I wanted.
What have you done so far - opened the case, seen bugs, and then closed it again? I'd start by opening it outside in the street, and simply shake off the visible bugs. Then, I'd put everything in the washing machine. I'm not sure if you can salvage the case, if there's a risk of the offspring of the visible bugs appearing at a later point.
I'd guess that if the bugs have been there for some time, they must be eating something or they'd be dead.. So would imagine the clothes could be half consumed!
Plus they'd be reproducing and defecating.. Lovely!
Put the case outside with a sign on it. 'A donner' or german equiv. Outsource the problem as somebody said.
Have you been abroad, to tropical countries recently? You might be introducing a new pest into Europe. Please kill the bugs with pesticide, and then open the bag.
I saw a notice at the plants department at the Bern Coop Heim & Hobby in Bern-Bethlehem, announcing a free bug identification service. They will accept bugs in sealed containers and tell you what they are and how to get rid of them.
Other Coop heim & Hobby shops will also offer this service, I don't have the address for the bug identification center.
i think the summer heat can kill it. can you leave the suitcase out in the hot sun with a sign on it saying not to open it? or in the trunk of a car under the mid day sun.
Maybe they've eaten the camera (or him). I have no idea why people post asking for help and then disappear after the one message. They surely know that their greatest opportunity for sourcing help is the same day or subsequent day, when their thread is appearing in "New Posts" lists, and it's then they need to be attentive to the thread they started.