Have I spread them to a dear friend? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)

Have I spread them to a dear friend?

(7 posts)

Tags:

bugalew

junior member
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 54
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Thu Aug 23 2007 17:50:07
#

Login to Send PM

Hi all,

I will save my Tale of Woe for the Tale of Woe pages. I became one of you all a mere two weeks ago and it's all different now. "Way back then", I had no idea what I was doing. I have since found the forums, websites etc and you all are now the boss of me. On topic- I had them for a week before PCO arrived. First night after treatment I stayed in a hotel. The next four nights I ignorantly stayed at the apartment of a dear friend who is out of town for all of August. He said he was sure I would take all the proper precautions.I didn't tell him that at that time I had no guidance. I slept on the couch wrapped in a sheet. Took showers, laundered a few times over the four days. Vacuumed the sofa bed and area rug before I left. He has two kids and two cats in a chock filled NYC apartment. I have no idea whether or not I brought the bedbugs to his place. He & his kids return after Labor Day. Prior to their return, do I spend one night on the couch as bait to confirm it? I'm still getting bitten at my place. Is that risking exposing them more? Do I wait for the dreaded phone call after they get back? Are there any premptive strikes I can take? I can't afford to bring in a PCO for him myself. I'm sooo embarassed and ashamed that I may have brought this plague upon him! I know- very dramatic but really: Arrrggggh & help! Thanks for reading this!
Nobugsonme

your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,743
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Thu Aug 23 2007 17:51:57
#

Login to Send PM

I would not spend any more time in his apartment. You may well expose him NOW if you have not yet. I would educate him about the signs (we have a good page on that at bedbugger.com). Look at the FAQS.
bugalew

junior member
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 54
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Thu Aug 23 2007 18:00:40
#

Login to Send PM

Thanks- this brings me to-I'm going to work, Home Depot, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Starbucks but that's it.I don't even want to go to the movies. Am I going to anyone's home right now? Is anyone coming to my place?
Nobugsonme

your host
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 13,743
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Thu Aug 23 2007 18:07:28
#

Login to Send PM

What you should do is look in the FAQs under travel. There are several FAQS on not spreading bed bugs which are relevant even if you are only going to work. You do not have to expose your workplace.
nightshirt

senior member
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 454
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Fri Aug 24 2007 14:49:15
#

Login to Send PM

you will be pretty isolated for a few months. you wont want to do that stuff or socialize b/e of getting/giving them. it is a process but you have no choice.
bugalew

junior member
Joined: Aug '07
Posts: 54
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Fri Aug 24 2007 18:16:14
#

Login to Send PM

Thanks to both of you. I read the travel FAQs and it was helpful! I understand the isolation part. I am also not good at living w/not knowing whether or not I brought it to the home of someone near and dear. I'm antsy (no bug pun intended) to do something, anything to prevent it. Thanks again.
Anonymous

Unregistered

Posts: 1,455
offline

Posted 5 years ago
Fri Aug 24 2007 18:52:51
#

Login to Send PM

Bugalew, it's a tough situation but realize that spreading them is not automatic. I travelled and stayed overnight somewhere else before I knew I had bedbugs. Luckily, and incredibly to my mind, I did not spread my bedbugs to my family and friends. I know it's hard, not knowing, but the best you can do for your friends is make sure they're well-informed about bedbugs so that if they ever have this unfortunate experience, they know what to look for and what to do. In NYC, we're all at risk from multiple sources, so sharing what you have learned is the kindest thing you can do. Have a talk with your friend, explain that you now have more information and tell him how to inspect and what to look out for.