Submitted by "the russian" on 01/02/2009

UPDATE - I got the courage to come forward with the problem about a week after I figured out what the hell was going on... the super was actually concerned and said I should've said something immediately because this has been a problem in several units this year. Apparently, my neighbour has had them for over a year and no one bothered to tell me. Anyway, coincidentally they were going to spray another unit a day later so I got sprayed too. I don't think I noticed a difference. I'm still sleeping with my body covered from head to toe. A couple of weeks later, a second spraying was done and I'm happy to report that it's much better now. BUT, I've had to wash everything I own and store them in plastic bags. I've been vacuuming obsessively virtually every day. It's insane. For a while there, they would crawl on me as I sat on the couch. I've seen a total of three in two weeks which is much better than spotting loads of them crawling all over in the middle of the night. Let's hope 2009 is bug free.

Submitted by "Anonymous" on 12/31/2008

About 3 weeks ago I started to notice bites in my legs and finally one night I woke up around 5 am to find a bed bug in my sheets I informed the super immedialy and pest control came about 4 days later, However almost two week ago from the time my apartment was sprayed I still get bites, I have notified the super again but I don't know when the will come and sprey my apartment again Its a nightmare.I don't know waht to do anymore I have washed all my clothes and I keep everything in plastic bags but nothing seems to work.

Submitted by "bugged" on 11/28/2008

Here's some advice for all tenants.
You should check the reports from other cities and also Bed bug blogger.com
This problem is huge and spreading exponentially in every major city. One spraying will not likely take care of it. The bugs will just run to the surrounding apartments. Plus, they have developed an immunity to the chemicals.
You and your landlord must work together and openly. All surrounding apartments should be checked, sprayed. There is a nest of sorts or nests somewhere. All baseboards must be chaulked, all holes closed, incluing vents, door sweeps installed, mattress encasement covers bought, all clothes laundered at high temps. Double-sided tape should be put at all entries to the unit, around the mattress and foundation, which should be encased in an anti-bedbug encasement. Double-sided tape should go all around the foundation and mattress outside the encasement and around all bed legs at the bottom. No bedding should touch walls or floors.
You also need to to report it to the City Health Department and insist that an Inspector come and inspect the apt. and document it.
Take pics of infestation and effects. Collect any bugs you see for identification and keep them. You may need them later.
If you have bites see a doctor asap and get a letter from him/her stating you have bed bug bites.
Buy Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) and spread it along the wall seals, caulk or seal all plumbing and heating openings. They often travel from one apt. to another this way. Bed bugs can lay up to 400 eggs. They can live for a year without feeding on blood. That is their only food. They are not there because of garbage or a lack of cleanliness. They need blood to survive. They are attracted by the CO2 and body heat you put out.
Use white sheets to be able to see them. And basically, make your apartment a sealed apartment.
Your landlord should hold a meeting with all tenants to start planning this battle. They hould be pro-active.
Openness is the only way to deal with it - and legislation requiring landlords to disclose any infestation reported in the previous two years.
And while many feel isolation you should know you ae not alone in this battle.
Good luck!

Submitted by "the russian" on 11/28/2008

Nov 23 2008 -- it's official, this building has bed bugs. It's awful. It started with dark spots on the sheets. I thought that was mould. Nope. Those spots are bed bug droppings - digested blood.
I used to wonder why people keep throwing away furniture.