Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
do bed bug sleep?
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jduk
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Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jan 17 2012 16:45:34
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Confession time! i am afraid i have been watching scary you tube videos of nasty, nasty, "how the .... can it get to that stage" infestations. These were so bad that the faecal staining could be seen from across a large room and the bugs were roaming freely over the bed and surrounding fixture and fittings. One particular incident was of a room that had been vacated 2 days earlier and the bugs were still out in full force, scurrying about the bed, bold as you like. Now it was my understanding and my experience that the reason so many people have problems identifying infestation is because they are so cryptic and secrete themselves away to wherever they are harbouring after having had their fill of whomever they are favouring for a feed. I realise that the extreme cases highlighted above are the exception, but even when i viewed killer queens recording of his run in with the bbs on his hols, it was evident that the bugs where there on underside of mattress of the bed and on the move. I have also read many accounts on this forum of people going on the hunt and finally finding a bug on a pillow, comforter or box spring (bty we do not really know what a box spring is in the uk! we call it a divan). So my question is this, what are these guys doing hanging around, why are they not back in their hidey holes, and indeed do they ever sleep? I am still trying to resolve myself to the fact that i am in a post bedbug situation and that my stubbornly frequent bite like erruptions are the condition called brachiating urticaria as described to me by DC and my failure to find any bb evidence is a good thing! although i die a tiny death with each successive sighting of a mark on my skin. I am avoiding mirrors now as i cannot stand to see these welts on my chest, back, shoulder and arms. Wont bore you all with any more of my fears in this regard as they are already fairly well documented in other threads on this site, suffice to say i think i am handling things much better now but i would welcome some insight into the above question re bb sleeping habits, many thanks, jduk.
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oldtimer
Joined: Apr '07
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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jan 17 2012 18:19:40
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Hi,
The only bedbugs that I can say that I have reliably watched for any length of time are the ones in my jars in the office.
I cant say that they sleep but they certainly remain stationary while they digest and this can take a few days to a week. They generally only become active again when they are looking for food or offered a meal.
I tend to do some simple conditioning with them and have noted over the many years I have been doing this that if I get them a "meals coming" signal they tend to start getting ready before I invert the jar on my skin.
As such I don't think they sleep as we know it they just find somewhere to rest up while they digest.
Now for the tough love part. You know this raises your anxiety and causes you to worry where there appears to be no need so why do you do it to yourself? What benefit do you get by surfing YouTube for bedbug footage beyond what you need to know and already know?
There are far too many cases out there which have been documented which are in fact not typical and often the commentary can be from someone so far from a definition of professional its laughable. They are seeking sensation and all they do is induce anxiety and stress in people, well on this occasion they have got just want they wanted and we are the only ones around to try and pick up the pieces.
Its not healthy to put yourself through that stress and its also not healthy for others who will read your post and feed their anxiety with your stress.
All reason indicates you don't have bedbugs so please by all means stick around to learn and help but stop doing this to yourself.
I can repair a crack in the vase but if you will insist on smashing it into a million pieces you make our jobs harder and as anyone knows who hangs out here for more than a few weeks its hard enough already without the troops shooting themselves in the foot.
We cant help you unless you also help yourself.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
jduk
junior member
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 85offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jan 17 2012 19:45:03
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Well thanks for the reply and just to clarify , I did not go seeking such unedifying viewing per se. I know it was foolish and would not wish to condone it to anyone. I suppose I was overly curious. I am sorry if you feel I am sabotaging attempts to rehabilitate unhelpful behaviours. And it was never my intention to freak any forum users out. I take on board your advice and credit this forum for helping me where no other help was accessible. I do have a huge curiosity now and if that is misconstrued I apologise. Can I also apologise for hacking you off on your hols! Regards jduk
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oldtimer
Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 6,828offline
Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jan 17 2012 19:59:56
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LOL, it loaded itself and you just could not stop it?
It's OK less of the reply was direct at you and more as breadcrumbs for others to see that this behavior does not help them, with many conditions exposure reduces the anxiety but with bedbugs and some people the stress is to emotionally engrained for that to work. When I figure that one out I will retire.
Holiday however is going well apart from the fact that the room has the largest bed I have ever seen outside of the movies and just little old me to occupy it. I should have brought someone with me but that would not have been conducive to writing or having my flat overhauled while I am away.
David
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jduk
junior member
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 85offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Jan 18 2012 2:36:19
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Morning David, just a quick word before heading off for work and an ungrateful public . No sympathy here for your big bed dilemma, it sounds divine. I did kind of realise your intent re: tough love and I fully understand your frustrations with those of us who you have an instinct about and feel need to move on, and I am really trying to do that and one of the last hurdles is my skin issues. I cannot impress on you what good skin I had up until 14 months ago, not that that means much to anyone but me but I am a woman and still have sufficient vanity for this to bother me, skin being the biggest most visible organ an all that. I think I shall try and factor in a trip over to dermatology dept at my work pkace some rime this week. Anyway, I am rambling(again). A propos my ? Do bbs sleep, I should have added do David Cain and pbello ever sleep! You guys certainly put in the hours, even on holiday, such dedication! Have a great
day in the Egyptian sun.
Regards, jduk -
theyareoutthere
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Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 2,051offline
Posted 1 year ago
Wed Jan 18 2012 3:24:28
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Hi, JDUK:
Paul Bello started a thread about the emotional difficulty of BBs and moving on, or whatever the right term is.
The skin issue is tough on women (and probably men too, but I would think women would understand this is an issue we spend a lot of time and $ on). Don't feel bad about being worried about it, but it will just take time, a good doctor, and less stress to work it out.
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