Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » How bed bugs are changing the world
EBAY
(6 posts)-
cantstopscratching
junior member
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 86
Posted 7 months ago
Tue Apr 7 2009 12:02:40
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I've read in several places that it is in the last 5 years that bbs have made a real comeback. I wonder if EBAY has something to do with that. I've ordered used things off of Ebay (In my ignorant days), and never had a problem. But, I wouldn't think of doing it now. Especially since some people may knowingly sell their infested things. Just a thought.
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parakeets
oldtimer
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 866
Posted 7 months ago
Tue Apr 7 2009 12:44:12
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I am not so sure if people sell things infested with bedbugs knowingly, but many people who have bedbugs don't know it, and I personally know many people who sell things on E-bay that they found dumpster diving (which is high risk).
My building has bedbugs. People toss things in our dumpster that are not marked "bedbugs." Other people come along and take things out of our dumpster. They could be selling those possibly-infested items on E-bay.
Wherever we buy used things, we have to change the phrase "buyer beware" to "buyer beware of bedbugs." Instead of "Caveat emptor," we will say "Caveat cimex emptor."
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Not just ebay.
Craigslist.
Freecycle.
But also stores that sell new items. If a store accepts returns, bed bugs may potentially be brought in this way. They can also be brought in with shoppers.
You can't stop shopping in stores, I know, but you do need to inspect new purchases carefully. Some people who are concerned and perhaps in areas with a lot of bed bug problems like to wash new soft goods or run things through a Packtite.
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BBsNRugrats
newbite
Joined: Apr '09
Posts: 7
Posted 7 months ago
Tue Apr 7 2009 16:20:25
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I'm still trying to figure out how the heck they got in our house. I think it may have been from thrift store shopping. I don't buy used furniture from there, but I get a lot of my kids clothes from there. Initially I would keep them in the bag until I could wash them, but I started getting lazy and just throwing them in with the regular dirty laundry. They seem to be confined to my bedroom right now, so I'm thinking that was the cause.
I do know that from now on, all clothing will be coming through the basement, and going straight in to the washer or a plastic bag until it can be washed.
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parakeets
oldtimer
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 866
Posted 7 months ago
Tue Apr 7 2009 16:44:02
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This is good advice, BBsNRugrats. It makes me think we should start a FAQ here about "How can I decrease my chance of getting bedbugs (again)"--since we know you can never 100% eliminate your chance of getting bedbugs or getting them again unless you are a hermit or something.
We could add things like:
1) follow the FAQ we already have about what to do if you stay in a hotel or travel
2) Never dumpster-dive
3) carefully inspect and hopefully hot-wash and dry all clothes and fabrics, new and used, that come in to your home.
4) try to avoid buying used items as much as possible
5) educate all memembers of your household about bedbugs, and inspect for signs of bedbugs regularly
6) keep clutter at a minimum
7) educate all your adjoining neighbors and houseguests about bedbugs, and keep an open communication about bedbugs with everyone you meet so they are aware, too.
8) support bedbug legislation and disclosure at all levels
9) never blame the victim or think "it can't happen to me." No one is immune. -
10) inspect your own home on a monthly basis checking the sleeping areas particularly.
11) try and educate at least one person per day about the simple facts of bed bugs, try not to share scare stories but help them understand how to avoid and how to detect quickly.
Above all communicate because this is spreading faster than we can hope to deal with at present and everyone who learns to avoid also reduces the risk of things spreading.
David
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