Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
Seeking Advice
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worrier
newbite
Joined: Nov '08
Posts: 1offline
Posted 4 years ago
Thu Nov 20 2008 16:01:56
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Hello all, (this is a little long but bear with me)
I am seeking some advice about my situation. I understand that this is not professional advice, but I am wondering what others who have dealt, or are currently dealing, with bed bugs might think.
About two weeks ago, I noticed some bites on my back. I initially did not think that they were bed bugs bites. However, I received a notice from my apartment management that someone in the building had a bed bug problem and that an inspection and treatment would be performed. I immediately sought more information online, including pictures of bugs and bites. I have concluded that my bites are most likely bed bug bites - bites in rows or groups, some welting up, etc.
I immediately prepared my apartment for the inspection. I washed everything in hot water and dried on high heat (17 loads in all). I was even too paranoid to sleep at my own apartment for the couple nights between the notice and inspection.
I had the opportunity to talk with the PCO when they came. The infestation was the apartment one floor above mine, that backed up to the master bedroom of the apartment directly above mine. Does that make sense? Basically we share a master bedroom wall, just one floor apart. The PCO inspected and treated the place. They removed light and outlets covers, inspected wood furniture, couches, beds, etc. They did not find any bugs or any evidence of bugs in my apartment. I know that this should be good news, however, this also worries me since I have suspect bites on my back. And the apartment on the other side does have a confirmed infestation.
My main concern is that I am supposed to be moving in about 10 days. I am worried about bringing them with me. Am I just completely paranoid? Should the fact that the PCO did a thorough inspection and did not find anything give me a sense of mind or should I still be nervous about the move? I have no qualms about disposing of furniture. Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks, for the advice so far. For clarification sake, I should add that the PCO did treat my apartment even though they did not find anything.
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losingit
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Joined: Nov '08
Posts: 292offline
Posted 4 years ago
Thu Nov 20 2008 16:14:52
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Sorry to hear about your potential problem. Is there any way you could get a bb dog-sniffer out to inspect your place? Even a trained professional can miss them with a visual inspection, especially if it's a recent (therefore light) infestation. From my experience and understanding the dogs are much more accurate. Maybe it's worth a shot for your peace of mind.
Also if the dog does find something in your stuff you can decide to ditch it if you can, before you move or get treated if necessary...
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member
Joined: Sep '08
Posts: 192offline
Posted 4 years ago
Thu Nov 20 2008 16:26:48
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Hi, worried & welcome.
Your concerns are not paranoid. I think they are prudent. It is certainly possible that they are in your unit, especially given that they are in the surrounding units. It is absolutely a good sign that the PCO didn't find anything.
If it were me, I would thorughly inspect everything & be careful while packing. It is certainly better to be safe than sorry. Maybe (if it's reasonable to do so) get your things treated in a truck before moving.
Is it possible for you to have the doctor check out your back? A doctor should be able to determine whether it's bug bites (though they can't narrow it down to a particular bug) or acne or a contact dermatitis.
Best of luck. I hope you find that you are needlessly worried & all clear
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