Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
Dont want bed bugs
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charlieh
newbite
Joined: Sep '07
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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Sep 16 2007 23:51:58
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Hi All:
First off, to whomever may read this note that is involved in the production of this website, kudos for a great resource on this topic. I've learned a lot.
So I am thinking of moving to an apartment here in NYC, great spot with views and space. Only prob is that the entire building is being treated for bed bugs. Now, the unit I would inhabit hasn't had any incidents, and I'm not sure which units have or how many, but I really don't want to take a chance with these things. Sounds like an absolute nightmare. Any thoughts on the probability that my unit might one day become infected, after a thorough treatment of the entire building? And should I inquire that a certain treatment is used?
I'll be talking to the landlord tomorrow about the whole situation, and have been pretty well prepared by this website, but wonder if I am crazy for even considering moving to a building with past cases of bed bugs. Any relevant thoughts or experiences would be extremely appreciated.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 5 years ago
Mon Sep 17 2007 4:12:54
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When you say the entire building is being treated, how do you know this? Is this exactly what the landlord said? What methods are they using?
If the whole building is being treated, and they're using traditional methods (sprays, dusts), I would not move in there. Yes, it is a common problem, but you do not want to move in in the middle of treatment. Spraying and dusting must be repeated for weeks and usually months and months.
Your unit is not said to be infested, but many people are not allergic and so do not feel bites or see marks. The person who moved out could have been bitten and not notice.
What's more, entire buildings are rarely treated unless the infestation is really extensive.
If the entire building were being treated by vikane gas fumigation (which is extremely expensive, and so rarely employed), that would kill all the bed bugs in one fell swoop, if done properly. The process involves a full evacuation (since it would kill any people or pets in the building). If this was the method used, then you would probably be moving into a building with no bed bugs.
However, keep in mind that even if Vikane were used, it does not have a lasting residual effect. If someone in your building brought home bed bugs from work on an airplane, or social work, or school, or their mother's house, then it can all start over again. The good news is it would take time to get back to you. And it's true also that some other building could have this problem too.
The one big plus here is that the landlord told you. Sadly, this sort of honesty and decency which you'd expect from another human being is sadly lacking in many cases. We're told daily of landlords who know full well they're renting an infested unit. Many of them even admit it once the new tenant spots the problem. So I do appreciate that the landlord told you.
Even if they did use vikane (which I doubt), I'd still be wary. Unless it was a small building where everyone had agreed to learn how to avoid getting bed bugs again. Which you can try to do, but most people are clueless, even post-infestation.
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BBsBlow
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Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 432offline
Posted 5 years ago
Mon Sep 17 2007 20:18:17
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I wouldn't move into this place, either. It just takes one pregnant female to infest your place- a female which would could easily get to your apartment! Better to be safe than sorry, believe me. It's not worth it. But kudos to the building for actually tell you what's going on.
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