I probably have bedbugs in my apartment. Three red bumps appeared on my back and neck about a week ago (which are unlikely to be mosquito bites since those areas are covered when I’m outside). I thought nothing of it until yesterday, when talking to some neighbors, I learned that the unit directly above the one next to mine has a fairly serious bedbug infestation. So I’m now assuming that I have bedbugs as well.
The building manager has been notified about the infestation, but I’m fairly certain that nothing effective will be done based on my past experiences with this manager and property owner. So my only option is to move.
The problem: While my first instinct is to evacuate ASAP before the situation becomes serious, I don’t have a lot of free time right now to search for a new apartment. I’m extremely busy at work until the end of the year, and on top of that I’m just starting time-consuming physical therapy for a medical issue which should probably not be put off.
If necessary, I will put everything else on the back burner to find a new place ASAP, but ideally I’d like to wait until January when I’ll have more free time.
My question to anyone who’s had experience with bedbugs:
How quickly does the infestation build? How long is the interval between seeing the first bites and the point when you can no longer relax in your own bed and your life becomes a living hell of perpetual itchiness and exhaustion? Am I a fool for even considering putting off this move for two months?
Any tips for slowing the progression? I’ve read about mattress covers, diatomaceous earth, and such but I’d still appreciate hearing personal experiences.
Thanks