Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
should i move?
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jennifer09
junior member
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 66
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 10:43:03
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hi,
thank god for this web site. it's given me a lot of great information. I live in an apartment. I found bed bugs this past Monday. Since then, I called landlord, (not happy to hear about this problem) and an exterminator came out on Tuesday. Sprayed entire apt. Bugs were in my bedroom only...along my wall. There were quite a lot of them. One was out in open space hiding in crease between two walls. I've washed all my clothes and bagged and storing them in living room. I have a dog and don't allow dog in bedroom. I threw out my bed, bookshelf, bedside table. I think my landlord should spray or investigate surrounding apts but he's reluctant. Should I move? I've been looking for new apt. but I love where I live. However I'd rather get rid of these bedbugs. I'd make sure I don't bring any to new apt.I just don't know if I'm being too hasty. Maybe I need to ask landlord to replace carpet, caulk bedroom, and wait a month to bring in new bed. I'm sleeping on couch and haven't been bitten in living room (yet). Any advice? Is moving helpful? Some clean clothes I'm storing at mom's and would make sure I don't bring any exposed to new place. Any help much appreciated.
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buggedmama
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Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 195
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 11:19:08
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Don't move until you're certain you don't have bugs. I thought we took adequate precautions by tossing our our furniture and washing all our clothes, but a couple bugs still hitched a ride from one side of the country to the other with us and have infested our new apartment (so far only in the bedroom, as far as we can tell, like you). If I had forseen this, I never would have moved. Hope this helps.
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itchyincharmcity
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Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 262
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 11:26:43
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If your landlord doesn't treat the adjacent apartment, it's possible your bugs will move next door. And maybe come back at some point. So maybe your landlord needs some education od persistent prodding from you. But maybe if he still refuses to treat the problem properly, you might want to think about moving at some point.
With that said, I do agree that you don't want to be too hasty. You don't say for how long you've been bitten, but you do mention you just discoved you had bed bugs on Monday. Have you only been facing this horrible issue for five days? And you already have been looking for a new place to live?
I remember when I first realized a might have a problem, I totally freaked out, went nuts doing laundry, didn't eat for two days, cried in the laundry room, etc. I was in total panic mode. After a few days I was able to calm down, get a grip, and make a plan. I am not saying you are also in a freak out, only you can speak to your current state of anxiety. I'm only suggesting that you may want to consider if you are reacting out of panic.
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parakeets
oldtimer
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 913
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 12:41:16
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If your landlord is acting reasonable, and you think there is a chance you can get rid of the bedbugs (won't happen unless all affected units are also treated), then I don't think it makes sense to move. You could take bedbugs with you. You could move to a place that had bedbugs of its own. (They are not going to disclose that to you before you move in). You could move to a place that had a bad landlord.
If you repeatedly treat, and the bedbugs don't go away, I think the only solution is to eventually move.
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currentinsomniac
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Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 121
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 13:03:54
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I did the same as Itchy...and I've lost 5 lbs so far! But BBs suck (no pun intended) but I wouldn't freak out to the point that you choose to move. If you move and they come with you, you have to start all over again. What a pain.
At least wait until you can be certain you don't have them anymore. -
I agree with currentinsomniac whole heartedly. 1. because you can carry them with you. and 2. (hold on, please don't yell at me) because it is easier to get rid of them in an occupied setting. Think of it as your contribution to stoppping the cycle. Does that sound bad? Sorry.
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jennifer09
junior member
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 66
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 14:12:31
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hi,
thanks all for your thoughts. i've had bites for three weeks but just discovered the bugs this past Monday. I'm definitely in freak out mode. I know the landlord won't spray other apts and one neighbor said she doesn't want the spray even as preventative.i know there is a risk of moving and taking them but i'm seriously considering throwing EVERYTHING away. the only things i'd take are computer, pots, pans, and clothes that have been drycleaned, washed and put in plastic bags stored at mom's. i just don't think i can deal with this battle for 2 plus months to make sure they're gone, especially if the next door apt. isn't treated. so does anyone think that moving would be less stressful in the long run? i just don't think i can be quarantined from my loved ones for next 2 months etc.
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What people have been trying to gently point out is that you can move your bedbugs with you despite the sort of moving plan you are envisioning where you throw out nearly everything. And, it is nearly everything, not everything. The distinction is important.
We hear from people who move their bedbugs ALL the time. I have no doubt that many people are successful when they move, but we never hear their stories. So, you could take a gamble that you are going to be extraordinarily lucky and be one of those who can move successfully. Or you can take stock of your situation and come up with alternative plans.
Your neighbors' apartments should be inspected, not necessarily treated. There is a difference. If you are the only one with an infestation, then you can definitely control it, with some smarts and some strength of will. If, and that is by no means certain, your neighbors are also infested, then, yes, you will have difficulties down the road should they not cooperate. But consider this: in the current climate, I'd wager in most large cities, you can have no certainty that you will move into a bedbug-free apartment. People panic and move when they find bedbugs. Just like you. Who do you think moves into those vacant apartments?
We know this is a tough situation, but you can do it. Read the FAQs and ask questions about how to combat your infestation. Take action and go through the process. If the situation warrants it later, you can always plan a move then. Right now, it will likely be a huge mistake.
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buggedoutinbaltimore
junior member
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 55
Posted 2 years ago
Fri Nov 16 2007 14:54:54
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i'm in a similar freakout mode. i have seen no bugs or other signs but have seen lotsa bites, mostly on my boyfriend. i've carefully and methodically (and some would say rather insanely) inspected my bedroom and decided i would just have to move b/c my landlord refused to inspect other units in the apartment - a PCO did an initial inspection of my unit and came up with nothing, though he did note that the bugs could be carefully hiding in my unit or in others in the building.
luckily, with lots and LOTS of persistence (and tears) on my part, my landlord has finally agreed to call in a PCO to inspect ALL units in my building for the presence of bugs. this is not happening for a week or so, but at least it's happening.
i'm concerned that the PCO will not find bugs in other units and then i'll have to just wait this thing out until i can conclusively determine where the bugs are hiding out while they're waiting for their dinner. it's truly an awful state-of-mind feeling but i can't say that moving is in my best interest at this point, particularly since i don't know where they are. i have a closet full of stuff i haven't paid enough attention to, and i fear i'll find a colony inside a box of something in there - or will just bring them to a new home.
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