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Bedbug Registry
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bugoff_1
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Joined: May '09
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Posted 3 years ago
Mon Jan 25 2010 5:33:55
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After being forced to move at the end of my lease last July, I'm still suffering from PTSD caused by this horrible situation and being abandoned from Anyone and Everyone who had the power to help me thru this.
Now, just recently I discovered that my ex-LL has posted my actual first and last name on the bedbug registry webpage following my warning to others that this location was infested. In addition, within their post they outright lied about how they tried to treat the problem but I refused to allow them to do so! I went thru 8 months of this LL's home remedy so-called treatments from hell which were all ineffective and extremely toxic as well as having to vacate the premises 5 separate times for several days at a time. This was AFTER having a building inspector out every time I was able to catch a live bug to 'prove' to her it wasn't all in my head. Never mind the $5,000 worth of furniture and other belongings that I lost due to my LL's misuse and refusal to even call a professional PCO to take care of the BB problem. How even the Health Dept. turned their backs on me trying to pass the buck off to someone else saying "We cannot help you with this problem, try calling....." on and on and on.
I've attempted to contact the owners of the website to have my name removed but was told by them (actual quote): "you called out the management company by name, and now they have done the same to you." I tried writing back to ask them to remove the entire thread, including my warning to others just to get my name off this website, but they have yet to do so.
Why is it that the victim becomes revictimized while asking for help with an infestation that ultimately affects us all?
~bugoff-1 -
parakeets
oldtimer
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Posted 3 years ago
Mon Jan 25 2010 14:57:00
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I'm sorry that this happened to you and I hope it can be resolved quickly in your favor, but in the long run know that you took a valiant act of communication on a very important issue by posting about the situation in your building on the bedbug registry. Think of the patriots in the American Revolution, people in the French Underground in World War II...there are so many examples in history of brave people who speak up and fight. Consider yourself to be a courageous (if now unfortunately wounded by your landlord's posting your name) member of the underground in war on bedbugs. How many people simply stay silent? Not you!
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wchicago
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Posted 3 years ago
Mon Jan 25 2010 16:00:53
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i agree with parakeets (as i usually do>
i AM sorry this happened to you, your LL is an ass.
that said - you were and are brave to warn others about the situation.
furthermore, we gotta get over this stigma thing.
i just sent a mass email to my professional colleagues about bedbugs because the conference hotel for the national meeting we're all attending starting wednesday is on the registry - i told them how to take precautions so as not to bring them home, and told them i was currently battling an infestation so i knew how difficult they could be to eradicate, to try to press upon them the importance of taking precautions at the hotel.
was it embarrassing, um sure a little (these are my professional colleagues) though many knew about my current battle just because i'm a whiner and many are friends who i have happened to whine to, but also, i think its much more important to get knowledge out than to worry about what folks might think.
because -THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU IF YOU HAVE BEDBUGS.
its not an std, your home is not unclean, its just an unfortunate turn of events. the more people are ashamed of them, the more people think maybe they should be.
what IS wrong, BEYOND wrong, is having bedbugs and not doing anything to address them, and not doing anything to avoid spreading them. that's wrong. now you - you tried to get the bb problem at your place addressed, your LL was an ass and did not effectively address it. there is something wrong with HIM not you. and most folks who read the registry understand that. and i'm sure you've saved more than one person from moving into a horrible situation. so it sucks that your name is posted, but you should be proud of yourself anyway.
just my 2cents. and hugs and sympathy to you. sounds like an awful situation. -
NEEDOFHELP
newbite
Joined: Nov '09
Posts: 6offline
Posted 3 years ago
Mon Jan 25 2010 16:30:24
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Hi ,bugoff-1 I deeply respect your behavior if everyone would be like you long-lasting list of participants of this excellent forum would go down but now (how we all can see )escalating rapidly. And a lot of people due their age and others factors can not register infestation or participate in the forum or somehow be identified with bbugs infestation
<Why is it that the victim becomes revictimized while asking for help with an infestation that ultimately affects us all?> That a Q my mind never free and preoccupied year around as well. It’s seems to me I’ll be second victim after you being loud and clear.
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persephone86
junior member
Joined: Nov '09
Posts: 104offline
Posted 3 years ago
Mon Jan 25 2010 16:55:32
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Hey Bugoff_1,
I agree with everyone above and feel awful that this happened to you. But do know that you did the absolutely right thing in trying to get the word out not only about an infested building, but the management's improper and idiotic handling of the situation. You are possibly saving several otherwise unsuspecting souls from enduring a future infestation (and the resulting LL nightmare) by just posting this information online. You're their hero! It stinks that your LL had the audacity to retaliate and post your information online, just remember they are an a-hole and are highly unprofessional to behave that way. As wchicago said, most people who view the site will see that the issue lies with them, not you. I hope that things get straightened out for you very soon! Hang in there!
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bugoff_1
junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 46offline
Posted 3 years ago
Wed Jan 27 2010 22:48:30
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Dear parakeets, wchicago, NEEDOFHELP and persephone86,
Your words of caring and support have touched me to the point of actually feeling misty-eyed. Through this past year you have ALL given me Hope when all I felt was abandonment, Strength when I was weakened by the continual day by night fight and your Shoulder when I could not see beyond the tears of such great sorrow.Thank you for the bounty of such unconditional kindness and words of encouragement which have been my shelter through this storm. YOU are My HEROES!
Very Sincerely,
~bugoff_1 -
BB_Slayer
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Joined: Nov '09
Posts: 60offline
Posted 3 years ago
Thu Jan 28 2010 20:43:03
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If something untrue is being said about you then you can sue the person who posted the information for libel and defamation of character. If they said nothing untrue then you have no recourse. Under USA law, anyway.
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bait
senior member
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Thu Jan 28 2010 23:36:04
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Revictimized is a good word. I have had as much hurt and setback because of the reactions of people as of the bugs and my reaction to their bites.
This is a setback for everyone as it can have a deleterious affect on the publication of infested locations.
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 2,546offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 0:24:44
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Bait,
Question: If I were to do a full inspection in your home and find zero evidence of bed bugs would you trust my inspection and think you are bed bug free?
I'm asking because I will do this for you free of charge if it will help you.
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bait
senior member
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 0:50:16
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I don't know KQ, can I think about it?
I've had so much backlash and little support here that I fear you (not you personally, but You as in the site's pros). Wrongly, You take my not being able to stop the bites as a personal affront to Your expertise, and that can never bode well for me. IOW, if you don't find them you will post that I am BB free and suffering from parasitosis. I don't think I could take that.
I called you once and you promptly returned my call. You advised me to hire a dog (you must have since changed your tune about dogs). I'm still considering that.
Bait
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bait
senior member
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Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 0:53:20
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KQ, sorry I didn't directly answer your question.
Question: If I were to do a full inspection in your home and find zero evidence of bed bugs would you trust my inspection and think you are bed bug free?
My answer to your question is no.
Bait
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bugoff_1
junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 46offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 5:08:08
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If something untrue is being said about you then you can sue the person who posted the information for libel and defamation of character. If they said nothing untrue then you have no recourse. Under USA law, anyway.
Okay, this is where the bb infestation crisis begins to overflow into the political arena. How not even our laws are protecting our people who are encountering this critical epidemic, at least not in the state of Wisconsin. Of course the information my ex-LL wrote about me is appallingly incorrect and I fear any prospective LL in the future who sees this false information now posted on the internet, will certainly be biased about renting to me.
Can I sue my ex-LL? Maybe, but remember - for one to bring another to court, they must be prepared to deliver the burden of proof. Furthermore, I am TIRED! Tired of the abuse this LL subjected me to while living there and now even after having moved. Disgusted with all the so-called 'legal rights' we are 'privileged' to upon signing a lease for OUR protection but when it is time to have them enforced, suddenly the legal jargon is lost in translation, your voice and rights are silenced and you are left to fend on your own. City and State Legal Aid atty's are 'too swamped' to take your case but assure you that you do indeed have one, so ‘Good Luck to ya’. Private atty’s agree, yes there is a case here beginning with landlord retaliation but in order for us to take your case you must cover, on a monthly basis, any and all expenses acquired including their fee of $250 per hour, any long distance calls, photo copies, etc. and this is BEFORE you even go to trial!
Sadly, many of the laws and rights of renters have not yet caught up with the political aspects in dealings with bb infestations. I would LOVE to sue the pants offa this LL, but more importantly, I Need peace - which is something I haven’t felt in a very long time.
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old timer
Joined: May '07
Posts: 978offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 11:09:55
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KQ Danger Will Robinson Danger!!
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,730online
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 12:33:09
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bait,
Do you have any faith in the Nightwatch active monitor? (I'm not suggesting you buy one, but would you trust it more than a good human inspector?)
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soscared
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Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 429offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 14:17:38
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KQ - how would you conduct your inspection of cracked hardwood floors with gaps into the subfloor, such as I have? How would you be able to find evidence? Would you have to rip up the floorboards? I am curious bc 2 other PCOs (incl mine) said evidence, assuming it's there, would be obscured by the floorboards.
Thank you. -
bait
senior member
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 20:02:28
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Good question soscared.
Along those lines, David once posted a comment about the negative impact of putting down vinyl flooring. I did this to seal off gaps. David characterized it as a nightmare strategy in 2009. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Thanks Winston. Glad you could comment.
Nightwatch, like the dog, is on my back burner. But what happened to me is that I called it quits - no more spending real money on this thing. I spent 10G so far (includes my beautiful almost white "nightmare" flooring). It's not that I don't trust KQ or Nightwatch. It's just that I don't think either is foolproof, ironclad. I've had inspections. I've had three PCOs. None of them were slackers. In those days, they were considered the best.
Nobugs, in answer to your question, "Do you have any faith in the Nightwatch active monitor?" I would have to answer yes, in most situations.
Even though I've read similar stories here, my infestation is not your run of the mill, and whatever it takes, it will have to be something out of the ordinary. Others with no evidence are the ones who post that the Nightwatch remained empty.
What I'm working towards is for my friends here to understand what I live with every day, that bedbugs are not well understood, that there is much yet to learn, that they don't fit neatly into a "box," and that we won't conquer them unless we open our minds. Think, until someone actually went to the forest and observed the great apes in their habitat, we well-read humans were nothing short of stupid as to the wealth of their existence.
Bait
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bugoff_1
junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 46offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Jan 29 2010 20:05:17
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Excuse me folks but could you please continue your posts with KQ on another post and leave this one to the topic regarding the Bedbug Registry.
Thanks
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,730online
Posted 3 years ago
Sun Jan 31 2010 3:02:33
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bait - 1 day ago »
Nightwatch, like the dog, is on my back burner. But what happened to me is that I called it quits - no more spending real money on this thing. I spent 10G so far (includes my beautiful almost white "nightmare" flooring). It's not that I don't trust KQ or Nightwatch. It's just that I don't think either is foolproof, ironclad. I've had inspections. I've had three PCOs. None of them were slackers. In those days, they were considered the best.
Nobugs, in answer to your question, "Do you have any faith in the Nightwatch active monitor?" I would have to answer yes, in most situations.I think you'd have to run it for a while to be sure, but when the time comes, it's good to know you can rent them from some PCOs, which should be cheaper than buying one.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,730online
Posted 3 years ago
Sun Jan 31 2010 3:05:03
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Sorry, bugoff_1.
I don't think anyone meant to hijack your thread. I did not mean to further do so, but I posted before I saw your message.
If anyone wants to continue any of the discussion outside of what bugoff_1 was asking, please start a new thread AND link to it from here (so others can FIND it). Thanks!
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bait
senior member
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sun Jan 31 2010 3:30:37
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I thought the registry only listed addresses. I had no idea you could post names on BBR. Please let us know if and when the registry removes your posts.
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 3,851offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sat Feb 6 2010 10:39:35
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Bugoff. The operators of bed bug registry will remove your info on request.
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bait
senior member
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 559offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sat Feb 6 2010 13:33:48
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Cilecto, Bugoff-1's comment may be deleted at his/her request, but how will that affect the malicious counterpost stating his/her name?
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cilecto
oldtimer
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Posts: 3,851offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sat Feb 6 2010 17:20:30
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We don't vouch for the truthfulness of any report on this site. If you feel a location has been reported in error, or want to dispute a report, please contact the site owners:…Maciej Ceglowski <maciej@ceglowski.com>
I believe that BBR will remove anything that they get a reasonable request to do, including your LL's posting of your name.
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bugoff_1
junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 46offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sat Feb 6 2010 20:37:45
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After a Third letter to the operators of the Bedbug Registry pleading with them to remove my name, remove the LL's company name too, or just delete it all, they have Finally removed the entire post, both mine and my ex-LL's.
While I appreciate them finally listening to me and removing my name, I cannot help but to feel sad and angry for the innocent people who move into any of this LL's properties. In my letter to them, I pointed out that the entire reason for them even starting this website was to warn others of LL's like this one and to help save others from going thru the hell I did. No wonder people are intimidated about the topic of bbs and why any movements to help tenants in this debate are crawling slower than a snail.
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