Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Free for all
Just discovered bed bugs in my apt. Help!
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lrb
junior member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 45offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 18:18:20
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The other day, my roommate complained of these weird bites on his body. I said it must be allergies and forgot all about it. Until today, when my roommate had more bites. I then took the bed apart, and saw 4 bed bugs crawling around on it. I managed to capture 3 and taped them to a piece of paper. I checked myself for bites and discovered I have little red bumps as well, and that was enough for me to know for sure. I then called my landlord and asked her if there had been any complaints of bed bugs recently. She told me they had an apartment on the second floor fumigated recently. (I live on the third floor) I gather that this may be where they came from. I called a PCO, and they're coming on Wednesday to fumigate. I bagged up some things, but have no way of securing them properly. I also don't know where to get the large sealable bags, and mattress encasement from? I'm beyond horrified that this is happening. I'm confused, scared, and need information that will help me figure this out properly. I have read the FAQ's and I will read them again. I'm also terrified of spreading this to other people. HELP!
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AshamedandScratching
senior member
Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 660offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 18:23:46
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First, breathe. You'll do yourself no good in a panic.
Two: ZIPLOC makes L, XL and XXL storage bags that are huge. I like XL. Small enough to carry easily and big enough for a large bag, a mini laptop and a uke. (Yes, for two months I carried my most important possessions on my body after I cleared them.)
It'll be ok. It'll be different, but ok.
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 18:26:08
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Hi. Please don't assume that you need to seal things up if not instructed by the PCO. Your best bet is to ask for guidance from the pro as to what treatment will entail and what you need to do. Not all want you to wash and/or bag everything. I'm glad you've read the FAQ. If you're in NYC, the big bags (should you need them) are available at Home Depot or Target, among many other outlets.
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lrb
junior member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 45offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 18:59:12
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Thank you everyone, for your replies. I really appreciate it.
The PCO told me to bag up all clothing, sheets, anything cloth like, and wash it in hot water and dry for a half hour, and seal all clothing etc. and vaccum before they come to fumigate. I spoke to my landlord just now and she told me there are other apartments in the building (12 unit, 1 bedroom) that are infected. She said the apartment below me, across, and beside will be fumigated. So does that mean I have a high risk of reinfection if the other tennents don't do what's needed right away? What are my options if that is so? Do I move? Right now, all I can think of doing is crying. lol. How often do they lay eggs and how long before they hatch? Does anyone have a home remedy I can try for the time being? I want to be as well informed as possible, so I can see about getting this over and done with. One more question, what do I do about not being informed by the landlord not telling me they fumigated for bedbugs when it occured? I could have had SOME warning and learned about the precautions to take.
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AshamedandScratching
senior member
Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 660offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 20:06:07
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There are no easy answers. My advice is to read the FAQs. A couple of times. A lot of information is there, including life cycle.
Whether or not your landlord was obligated to inform you is dependent on your local laws. Are these other apartments infested? Some PCOs will inspect and/or treat the apartments surrounding the infested apartment to prevent spreading the bugs. So, your landlord could be being responsible. I would give him/her a chance to solve before you make plans about what to do. Right now, focus on the prepwork and educating yourself so you can be your best advocate in the situation.
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lrb
junior member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 45offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 20:47:22
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Thank you AshamedandScratching that made me feel better. I'm still freaking, and I haven't slept for awhile. I find it hard to sleep, how does one go about coping with the creepy crawlies?
I went to a basement floor apt. and told the person who lives there that I'm infested. (I knocked on all the doors, but no one appeared to be home). I don't know if knocking on peoples doors was the right thing to do, but I felt it was my moral responsiblity to make everyone in the building aware. He had no idea that this is going on. I hope that by telling him, I save him even a tiny little bit of grief. I'm on no sleep, total information overload, and I haven't been very productive in the prep work. I'm totally exhausted. I hope I don't sound like I'm being very whiney, and if I do, I'm very sorry. Does anyone know of any web sites that deal with the psychological trauma involved?
Yes, I will re-read the faq probably more than once more. I'm so glad I found this site, it's like a ray of hope. -
lrb
junior member
Joined: Oct '11
Posts: 45offline
Posted 1 year ago
Mon Oct 31 2011 21:09:35
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In reply to cilecto, I don't live in New York, I live in Canada.
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