we got a call from management saying they were doing a precautionary check for 'bugs' I cleaned the entire downstairs really well thinking it was for roaches which we do not have either. And he goes up stairs and then tells me the inspection was for bed bugs and some of my neighbors have them. For those of you that have knowledge about this (i refuse to google this I am just going to get more freaked out) We're going to get them aren't we? The exterminator that came did say they can travel. ummm gross. Our bed was purchased new, we have not brought any clothing or furniture into the house recently or had any guests. We live in a town home. any advice appreciated as to how to prevent them or anything. TIA!
If you are bug free right now you can take precautions. There are matress covers that prevent them there. Vacuum often, don't put stuff down in the hall, even a suitcase.
I don't want to upset you with this info but bed bugs will hide in the walls, electric outlits, seams of wallpaper during the day. So make sure all of those things are sealed up.
Check the seams of you mattresses, where the cording is look for dark brown (dried blood stains). Bed bugs are very small and actually almost clear until they feed then they will get bigger and black.
Good luck I hope you don't get them.
View this so you know what you are dealling with and can prepare accordingly:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00966
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/b...
I would look into the mattress covers for the beds. Good luck!
Don't know how likely or not it is that you'll get them, but buy vinyl mattress protectors and cover the beds NOW. Vacuum often. You can see these bugs if you look closely. Don't freak, if you research, you'll know what to look for. I got them when I lived with my parents. I went to a friends' house and stayed with her a couple days, came back home and about a week later I was getting bitten all over. Luckily my little 1 year old daughter was not getting bitten! It took weeks for us to figure out what was wrong with me. We pitched the mattress and cleaned the house from top to bottom. Not a problem over there since, and this was 5 years ago. I seriously think we got lucky and there were literally 2 bedbugs and pitching the mattress solved the problem. Good luck, hope you don't end up with them, they're horrible!
I've read articles in the past few months about the increasing prevalence of bed bugs. You have some good advice here. Those bugs are sneaky opportunists that will make use of anything to travel or to live in. They could be bad-guy characters in a sci-fi or mystery movie. Have you had your inspection? Has your landlord done any more sealing and caulking for your home?
I agree: Googling can sometimes tell you more than you wanted to know. However, I just found a site that isn't as likely to give you the creeps:
Run the vacuum often. Be sure to get under the bed, behind the bed, around the corners of the furniture, etc.
