Comments on: Bed bugs 40, humans 33: 185 Smith Street in Winnipeg. http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/ bed bug news, information, activism, and support Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:14:38 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: JP http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-15176 JP Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:34:19 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-15176 Have you EVER had bed bugs wpgbugguy? Have you EVER had bed bugs wpgbugguy?

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-15021 nobugsonme Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:34:32 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-15021 Eloquently put, wpgbugguy. Eloquently put, wpgbugguy.

]]> By: wpgbugguy http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-15019 wpgbugguy Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:33:50 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-15019 Hi M.A. I am sorry to read about your personal plight in dealing with bed bugs in your home. I agree with your assessment regarding the need to enhance awareness and education about bed bugs; however I must remind the public that the incidence of bed bugs is not limited to lower income housing complexes, nor did the Winnipeg problem originate in these complexes. The complex bed bug issue simply became known as occuring in these public housing stocks. Lately, further attention appears to be focused on public housing in Winnipeg. Rest assured the problem is unfortunately more widespread than this; terrible scenarios such as yours have been occuring for years in our city. Believe me, you are certainly not alone living with bed bugs in a more "affluent" neighbourhood. The problem, as you suggest, is that the subject is still not talked about - it is apparently still taboo to have bed bugs. While I appreciate and respect your proactive desire to discuss the issue in public, I think we must escape the temptation to focus the blame or responsibility on lower income housing occupants or the landlord(s), when the reality is that these pests are everywhere: mansions, older character homes; newer suburb developments, hotels, dorms, and all manner of public places. I have met individuals in all social and income brackets with these pests. A sad trend is the Winnipegger bringing the bugs back in their luggage after taking a winter vacation (hotels)! These insects are concerned with two main survical instincts: safe harbourage and finding a regular food supply (us). They don't care about our social status. They don't care about how we live. They are unconcerned about cleanliness, although this is part of a good human lifestyle choice. While "dumpster diving" is a method of spreading bed bugs and may appear to the casual observer to be intentional, the desperation that drives some individuals to dig in the gargage is only one issue that needs attention as part of the big picture toward eradicating these pests. In my experience, buying or renting second-hand furniture and beds affected with bed bugs is an equally or more common method of spreading the bugs. The vicious circle is continued when these infested pieces end up abandoned by the curb, seemingly safe and intact and are picked up by regular folks looking for "a step up from what I have now" (see posts regarding bed bugs and abandoned stuff). The war on bed bugs has always been and will continue to be EVERYONE'S problem to solve. It will take more than "the powers that be" to effect the greatest impact, although I agree they must lead in solution development. But I think it starts with open dialogue like yours and a desire to change the way we live to offset the bed bugs complete adaptation to our current, often cluttered lifestyles (as you know, clutter makes eradiction more difficult due to more hiding places). Good luck and I truly hope they are gone for your home, and from everyone's as soon as possible. Hi M.A.

I am sorry to read about your personal plight in dealing with bed bugs in your home.

I agree with your assessment regarding the need to enhance awareness and education about bed bugs; however I must remind the public that the incidence of bed bugs is not limited to lower income housing complexes, nor did the Winnipeg problem originate in these complexes.

The complex bed bug issue simply became known as occuring in these public housing stocks.

Lately, further attention appears to be focused on public housing in Winnipeg. Rest assured the problem is unfortunately more widespread than this; terrible scenarios such as yours have been occuring for years in our city.

Believe me, you are certainly not alone living with bed bugs in a more “affluent” neighbourhood.

The problem, as you suggest, is that the subject is still not talked about – it is apparently still taboo to have bed bugs.

While I appreciate and respect your proactive desire to discuss the issue in public, I think we must escape the temptation to focus the blame or responsibility on lower income housing occupants or the landlord(s), when the reality is that these pests are everywhere: mansions, older character homes; newer suburb developments, hotels, dorms, and all manner of public places.

I have met individuals in all social and income brackets with these pests.

A sad trend is the Winnipegger bringing the bugs back in their luggage after taking a winter vacation (hotels)!

These insects are concerned with two main survical instincts: safe harbourage and finding a regular food supply (us).

They don’t care about our social status. They don’t care about how we live. They are unconcerned about cleanliness, although this is part of a good human lifestyle choice.

While “dumpster diving” is a method of spreading bed bugs and may appear to the casual observer to be intentional, the desperation that drives some individuals to dig in the gargage is only one issue that needs attention as part of the big picture toward eradicating these pests.

In my experience, buying or renting second-hand furniture and beds affected with bed bugs is an equally or more common method of spreading the bugs.

The vicious circle is continued when these infested pieces end up abandoned by the curb, seemingly safe and intact and are picked up by regular folks looking for “a step up from what I have now” (see posts regarding bed bugs and abandoned stuff).

The war on bed bugs has always been and will continue to be EVERYONE’S problem to solve.

It will take more than “the powers that be” to effect the greatest impact, although I agree they must lead in solution development.

But I think it starts with open dialogue like yours and a desire to change the way we live to offset the bed bugs complete adaptation to our current, often cluttered lifestyles (as you know, clutter makes eradiction more difficult due to more hiding places).

Good luck and I truly hope they are gone for your home, and from everyone’s as soon as possible.

]]> By: M.A. http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-15007 M.A. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:09:27 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-15007 I live in Winnipeg in a old character home in Wolsley. Up until a month ago I thought bed bugs were a myth. No longer! Found them in my daughter's room. Have had two treatments already, am not seeing any bugs nor is anyone being bitten but I am paranoid they will come back. We are throwing out everything we possibly can, treating all wooden surfaces such as hardwood floors and dresser drawers with a mixture of neem oil and tea tree oil, spreading diamatheous earth into all cracks and crevasse, around all baseboard etc. Wrapping our mattresses and boxsprings. I really feel there needs to be a concerted effort on behalf of the powers that be to get the info out about bed bugs and how to prevent their spread - i.e. no dumpster diving for sure! With spring just on the horizon I think we are in for a huge surprise in the Wolsley area as they begin to spread from apartment to apartment and house to house. I work in health care in the city and many of our lower income housing complexes are innundated with these pests. I live in Winnipeg in a old character home in Wolsley. Up until a month ago I thought bed bugs were a myth. No longer! Found them in my daughter’s room. Have had two treatments already, am not seeing any bugs nor is anyone being bitten but I am paranoid they will come back. We are throwing out everything we possibly can, treating all wooden surfaces such as hardwood floors and dresser drawers with a mixture of neem oil and tea tree oil, spreading diamatheous earth into all cracks and crevasse, around all baseboard etc. Wrapping our mattresses and boxsprings. I really feel there needs to be a concerted effort on behalf of the powers that be to get the info out about bed bugs and how to prevent their spread – i.e. no dumpster diving for sure! With spring just on the horizon I think we are in for a huge surprise in the Wolsley area as they begin to spread from apartment to apartment and house to house. I work in health care in the city and many of our lower income housing complexes are innundated with these pests.

]]> By: Jake http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-14875 Jake Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:11:29 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-14875 I've been living at 185 Smith for about 3yrs (FYI, it's a 400 suite complex). The 1st year was hell--lots of bites and no guidance on how to keep the bloodsuckers at bay meant a lot of trial and error. Save yourself some grief and note these tips: -any kind of fabric, including slippers, are potential breeding grounds and hiding places for bedbugs. I suggest you get rid of them. If you enjoy lying on the floor, the bedbugs will get you. They find you by sight and smell. Keep things off the floor whenever possible. I had bird feed on the ground in an open bag and they got to my budgies. That was the day I declared war on bedbugs and took back my apartment. -any furniture with legs should have silicone or WD-40 smeared around the legs where they contact the floor. The bugs can't go vertical on walls, but they can climb sloped or rough surfaces (I'm on the 20th floor). -Get your mattress and any upholstery wrapped with heavy gauge plastic and ensure it is airtight--the boxspring is optional if you have greased the legs of the bed before moving in. -If your bedding touches the ground, even for a second, it must be washed in hot water immediately and dried on high heat for 1 hour or thrown in the bathtub so the bugs can't escape. All soiled clothing should be handled in the same manner until you have the situation under control. -keep sweeping the floors and vacuum the crevices if you can. Boric acid powder, available at some drug stores, will slowly kill off bedbugs and cockroaches. I dust the perimeter of my appt. Cockroaches are a natural predator of bedbugs, so if you don't mind cockroaches... KIDDING!!! Happy Hunting!!! I’ve been living at 185 Smith for about 3yrs (FYI, it’s a 400 suite complex). The 1st year was hell–lots of bites and no guidance on how to keep the bloodsuckers at bay meant a lot of trial and error. Save yourself some grief and note these tips:
-any kind of fabric, including slippers, are potential breeding grounds and hiding places for bedbugs. I suggest you get rid of them. If you enjoy lying on the floor, the bedbugs will get you. They find you by sight and smell. Keep things off the floor whenever possible. I had bird feed on the ground in an open bag and they got to my budgies. That was the day I declared war on bedbugs and took back my apartment.
-any furniture with legs should have silicone or WD-40 smeared around the legs where they contact the floor. The bugs can’t go vertical on walls, but they can climb sloped or rough surfaces (I’m on the 20th floor).
-Get your mattress and any upholstery wrapped with heavy gauge plastic and ensure it is airtight–the boxspring is optional if you have greased the legs of the bed before moving in.
-If your bedding touches the ground, even for a second, it must be washed in hot water immediately and dried on high heat for 1 hour or thrown in the bathtub so the bugs can’t escape. All soiled clothing should be handled in the same manner until you have the situation under control.
-keep sweeping the floors and vacuum the crevices if you can. Boric acid powder, available at some drug stores, will slowly kill off bedbugs and cockroaches. I dust the perimeter of my appt. Cockroaches are a natural predator of bedbugs, so if you don’t mind cockroaches… KIDDING!!!

Happy Hunting!!!

]]> By: hopelessnomo http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-8643 hopelessnomo Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:05:23 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-8643 Loretta, please read the FAQs. It is not in your best interest to self-treat as you might spread the bedbugs and make them harder to kill. Please consult a qualified pest control professional. In most areas, your landlord is required to eradicate pests from your home. You can ask further questions in the forums (click the blue 'forums' bug above right). Loretta, please read the FAQs. It is not in your best interest to self-treat as you might spread the bedbugs and make them harder to kill. Please consult a qualified pest control professional. In most areas, your landlord is required to eradicate pests from your home. You can ask further questions in the forums (click the blue ‘forums’ bug above right).

]]> By: loretta http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-8640 loretta Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:20:43 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-8640 how do i get raid of bedbugs what kind of spary do i get can you let me know so i can buy the stuff my son is getting bitten up i wash every thing i put all stuff toys in a black bag and now i dont know what eles to do .. how do i get raid of bedbugs what kind of spary do i get can you let me know so i can buy the stuff my son is getting bitten up i wash every thing i put all stuff toys in a black bag and now i dont know what eles to do ..

]]> By: nobugsonme http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-6725 nobugsonme Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:26:44 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-6725 Never, Check the FAQS for landlord-tenant information. And come to the forums if you have questions. (Links above.) Never,
Check the FAQS for landlord-tenant information.
And come to the forums if you have questions. (Links above.)

]]> By: NeverSleep http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-6724 NeverSleep Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:19:05 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-6724 ugh, im from winnipeg too. unfortunately i am renting a house and i dont think my landlord is going to foot the bill for an extermination, and as a student i certainly cant. im covered in bites. cant sleep. can't move out. can't find the time to go to a laundrymat (student blaarrgh) i just want to die already! ugh, im from winnipeg too. unfortunately i am renting a house and i dont think my landlord is going to foot the bill for an extermination, and as a student i certainly cant.

im covered in bites. cant sleep. can’t move out. can’t find the time to go to a laundrymat (student blaarrgh)

i just want to die already!

]]> By: buggedinbrooklyn http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/comment-page-1/#comment-1599 buggedinbrooklyn Sun, 25 Feb 2007 13:24:22 +0000 http://bedbugger.com/2007/02/22/bed-bugs-40-humans-33-185-smith-street-in-winnipeg/#comment-1599 Hopelessnomo, glad the move went well, and nice to have you back with us again. buggedinbrooklyn Hopelessnomo,

glad the move went well, and nice to have you back with us again.

buggedinbrooklyn

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