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Can BBs get CPS involved?
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V
newbite
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 8offline
Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 14:45:49
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My fiance and I live in an apartment complex that is infested(mine's not the only unit nor is my building the only one that has BBs). The landlord will lower my rent once I show the billing receipt from the exterminators(that will have to be after next month when I can afford it). For now, and in between future pest control treatments, we are vaccuuming and steaming and frequently washing clothes in hot water and drying in high heat settings. This is obviously not enough. This is my first time dealing with Bed Bugs and thought they were a myth before now. We are reasonably clean tenants. No clutter or anything.
Ok, the main concern here: We are expecting our baby in January. We are ecstatic about that. My fear is, if we cannot adequately get these pests irradicated, someone could possibly call CPS/DHS on us. We are trying to get this done NOW so that does not become an issue. That is our gaol anyway. If I sound ignorant about this, I apologize, this bed bug stuff is new to me. Thank you. -
Bed Bug Epidemic
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Joined: Jun '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 15:00:49
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You're doing all the right things as far as getting rid of them so far. After washing/drying your clothing are you sealing them in bags? like ziploc bags? They have XL sizes.
The only reason i would be worried about you not getting rid of them is if others in the building do not follow this bb protocol all at the same time. If they don't, you may get re-infested by other apartments.
I own, so don't really follow the steps some take when in a building unit. But I know lots of caulking cracks/crevices and floor work is a must.
Check through the posts for that. I think "Beth" just did this in her apartment.
Lauren -
Bed Bug Epidemic
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 15:02:50
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And Im sorry, I don't know what the BBS and CPS are...that was your main question!
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Eve
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Joined: Apr '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 15:12:46
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CPS = Child Protective Services.
No I don't think you have anything to fear. It's widely understood these days that BBs have nothing to say about whether you are fit parents or even meticulous householders. CPS has better things to do with their time than to track every parent who happens to be infested but is doing everything they know how to deal with that.
The times you may hear mention of this issue on this board are those cases where the parents are willfully blind to the situation and the infestation is so severe that their kids are literally dripping with the things. Sometimes we have posts from older children (young adults) who are appealing for help with dealing with their home environments in the face of resistant adult guardians. In both those cases, advice is sometimes rendered that perhaps authorities should be consulted.
But, no. Not for a normal householder who just happens to have a child and is cleaning like mad too boot.
Remember to breathe and try not to get too stressed.
Eve
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V
newbite
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 8offline
Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 15:30:34
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Bed Bug Epidemic - 26 minutes ago »
And Im sorry, I don't know what the BBS and CPS are...that was your main question!BBs=abreviation for Bed Bugs, CPS=acronym for Child Protective Services.
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Bed Bug Epidemic
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Posted 2 years ago
Wed Jul 28 2010 17:03:48
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You'd think I'd get the BBS by now.
I'm not too together today.
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informantinformation
newbite
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 1offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Nov 12 2011 15:34:40
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Yes CPS can get involved because of their IGNORANCE and the IGNORANCE of others. I just recenlty had CPS called on me because of bed bugs and trust me the CPS worker had NO CLUE what they were or how to get rid of them...
Hopefully this will help... by the way. I have learned from my bed bug experience: Don't tell a living soul that you have them. If you try to be nice like I was trying to be and inform people about them so they don't get them (hence how CPS got called). Don't be nice to those who are IGNORANT of Situations If the person doesn't seem empathetic towards you before the whole bed bug thing... don't say a word... let them get them and SEE how they Deal with them!
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BugsMustDie
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Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 328offline
Posted 1 year ago
Sat Nov 12 2011 16:46:19
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Information,
Please note that this post is a year old. I hope the originator's problem is resolved by now.
I think not talking about it only fuels ignorance. The only way to educate people is to talk. It's unfortunate there are people who will try to use this against you. It's also unfortunate a person who works for Child Protective Services (someone who should have been educated since they often make home visits) was not aware of them. Have you tried to educate the CPS worker? I'm not sure your situation, but if the CPS worker is pursuing the case due to his or her lack of knowledge, if I were in your shoes, I would contact this person's superior. There has to be someone in the agency who has delt with bedbugs.
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cilecto
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Posted 1 year ago
Sat Nov 12 2011 19:48:22
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Frankly, I'm somewhat sympathetic to "I-I" point of view. Bed bugs (and their sufferers) have not achieved a "critical mass" where "everybody" understands and people with bed bugs are protected from discrimination and ostracism.
I'd guess that child welfare authorities (or family courts) could get involved if a home is found to have bed bugs, that it would vary by locale and individual. What they would mandate would likely also vary. In some cases, they might see it as a "maintenance issue" and "besides, all our foster families have them too". In others, a non-custodial parent might try and use BB at the other parent's home to try and change arrangements (someone on the board a few years back seemed to be fishing for support for such a play).
By the way, bed bugs do not have the dexterity to call CPS themselves.
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