Itchy

[judecorp]

I am SO freaking out about this bug thing, so much so that I can't stop itching and feeling like there are bugs all over me. Which of course there aren't. But still.

But I've been looking up bed bug information on the internet to try to find out what we'll need to do if in fact this IS a bed bug infestation. We supposedly will have to bag and wash (in hot water) all of our clothes and all of our linens. And then we'll have to have a pest control person come, probably several times. But what just occurred to me is that it's not safe to be pregnant around pesticides! So what the heck am I supposed to do? Should I start everything this cycle and try to get pregnant and risk complications from pesticides? The whole thing just makes me want to cry my eyes out. I don't even know what to do. I am so scared about teratogens and all of that as it is and now we're going to have someone fumigate every nook and cranny in our apartment? What the hell am I supposed to do?

I can't even deal with this. I'm supposed to be making cupcakes right now for my coworker's anniversary but all I can do is cry.

Comments

Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[goddamnelf.livejournal.com]

What other things have you considered that might be the reason for her break outs? Have you tried a different washing powder/liquid, or a different type of sheets? I imagine you have checked these things out, but just hoping it does not come down to total defogging of your apartment.

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Well, she has been going to the doctor about this for several weeks, because she was getting these welts. She originally thought it was spider bites (these are big welts) and I think she had one or two when we went to New Orleans but I don't remember when it started. I just know that the first time she went to the doctor she said, "I think I have all of these bug bites" and the doctor said no, it was just an allergic reaction to something. So she gave her a bunch of creams and told her to take Benadryl and Claritin and everything. And the creams helped the first welts to go away but she just keeps getting more, which shouldn't really happen if she's using all of the creams/medicines.

We haven't changed /anything/ that contacts skin - shampoo, soap, toothpaste, laundry stuff, sheets/blankets, clothing. Nothing.

I have some small bug bites also (not big welts like Jen, and not in the same amounts, but perhaps I am just not allergic?) that I had written off as like mosquito bites or whatever but now I am nervous.

I am never going to sleep again.

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[goddamnelf.livejournal.com]

I had heard that if you pull down your sheets and leave the bed open to the air, bed bug activity, if it present, diminishs. They seem to like warm, moist areas like under the covers. Good luck, with everything though. And tell the BIL to stuff a hand full of bed bugs up his butt!

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Everything I've read says that bed bugs can actually live for MONTHS without even any people/beds around! They need blood to live but they can go without for several months while they wait for someone else to move in. This is why just moving out and leaving the apartment empty for several months won't even do the trick.

Bed bugs seem to be sneaky little buggers. Yuck!

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[thatpatti.livejournal.com]

my friend's aughter got caught in a bed bug infestation in a hotel over the weekend. here's the picture she posted:

http://static.flickr.com/31/151591263_702877e57b.jpg

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the picture! That's not what Jen looks like because she is apparently having allergic reactions to whatever is biting her (big BIG welts). I have a few bumps that look like that but not on my face. AIE! Poor kid!

(And does she know if she brought the bed bugs home with her? We're wondering if they were in our hotel in New Orleans.)

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[32flavorsnthen.livejournal.com]

I watched a 20/20 on bed bugs and they were saying that the most common way for them to get in peoples houses is hopping a ride in a suitcase after people stay in a hotel room. I am now ridiculously paranoid about hotel rooms. I think that is probably the most likely explanation for where they came from. That sucks though. I feel sooo bad for you. My family had a lice infestation a few years ago and every time I closed my eyes all I could thing about was bugs!

Re: Don't let the bed bugs bite...

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I can tell you right now, I am not really in any hurry to go on another vacation. The exterminator and Jen's doctor thinks we got them from new Orleans, same thing, the suitcase. I suppose we should just throw out all of our suitcases.