Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
Avoiding Infestation from Nearby Units -- anxiety and seeking advice
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itchyingeorgia
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Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 16offline
Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 1:00:51
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During vacation, i recieved word that a unit in my building was being treated for BBs. The unit is at least one apartment away from mine, plus a wall and a hallway. I have seen no signs, but I bought climbups and white sheets as a precaution to monitor.
I also had not one, but two PCOs come inspect. They didn't find anything and gave me some monitoring tips
I'm still freaking out a little. I have some crazy neighbors, including one who frequently brings home "found" furniture. I got freaked out tonight because someone started vacuuming at 1 am. In my mind, I decided there was no reason to vacuum at 1 am other than bedbug fear. I do have issues with anxiety, so I am trying to sort out fear from reality:
1) can anyone chime in who has experience dealing with a known infestation in a shared building, but not being infested themselves? Are there things you did to monitor that worked? Did you get infested and, if so, how was it to deal with?
2) related, how careful do I need to be? I am glad to have learned a lot and will take precautions while travelling. Is it overkill to worry about picking them up in the complex in unforseen ways
. I freaked out earlier this week because the trash wwas full of items, including a bag that had broken to reveal the reamins of a vacuum...same fear...was it thrown out because it was used to clear out BBs? (i appear to be defeloping an irrational vacuum fear....)I know in part that I am being silly, and I can see a. Eed to limit my time on these forums. But BBs are not as common here as in some cities and it would help set my mind at ease to know I am doing all I can/ should to prevent BBs in an apartment situation.
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itchyingeorgia
newbite
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 16offline
Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 1:10:39
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Oh, and forgot to say..part of why I amworried about the PCO inspections is that I was gone for two weeks before it happened. The second inspection, I had only been home for two nights, isis it possible that this would have made BBs hard to detect? They did check the mattresses, etc.. But the sheets were clean minus two nights....
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,682offline
Posted 9 months ago
Sun Aug 12 2012 2:08:13
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Passive bed bug monitors may help you determine if you have a problem. Early detection makes the problem easier to get rid of. You can find FAQs about monitors in the DETECTION section of the Useful Stuff page.
You're at more risk if an attached unit is infested, and it sounds like there's no reason to think that's so right now. So monitor and try not to be too anxious! The first four FAQs here should help you educate yourself also.
Reading the forums, on the other hand, may just increase anxiety. Try not to worry. Education and monitoring are your best defense.
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