It’s so easy to fall into a trap of misery and hopelessness. Please don’t let yourself become discouraged. You don’t deserve this, and you did nothing to cause it. Regaining your mental health is vitally important to beating bed bugs. It is the first step in winning the war against them.
1. Realize that this is not your fault. You didn’t get bed bugs because your house is dirty or cluttered. You didn’t get them because of the neighborhood you live in, or the people you associate with, or the things that you do. This is an ancient problem that has exploded because of increased international travel and limited pesticide use. Every state in the US has bedbugs. They can be found in the most expensive hotels and the nicest neighborhoods. They do not discriminate. Bed bugs are in your home because they are attracted to warm bodies, and that’s all. Everyone is a potential victim. Everyone. 2. Know that you are not alone. Every day, more and more people are confronting the same problem you are. There are thousands – maybe millions – of people who are dealing with this. They are feeling the same emotions, dealing with the same indifferent comments from friends, and fighting the same battle as you. I strongly advise you to join an online community, read their stories, get advice, and make friends with people who understand your struggle. Two of the most supportive and responsive groups are below. Access is free, and I urge you to visit them. 3. Understand that bites are annoying and itchy, but not dangerous. According the Harvard School of Public Health, “Despite what you may have heard or read elsewhere, bed bugs are not known to transmit any infectious agents.” Let me say that again: bed bug bites are not dangerous. In fact, mosquito bites can transmit nasty diseases like West Nile virus, but there is no evidence that bed bugs do. Knowing this make dealing with the bites a little easier. 4. Remember that bed bugs can be killed. This problem is not going to go on forever. Bed bugs are not invincible, and they can be killed. There are pesticides that will kill them, and some simple tactics like regular vacuuming and reducing clutter can prevent them from reestablishing a foothold. You CAN take your life and your home back. Others have done it, and so can you. 5. Take vacations from the stress. It’s easy to let these monsters dominate your thoughts and fill your mind with worry. Don’t let them. Make sure you take some time to enjoy the things you like. See a movie. Take your kids to the zoo. Have a drink with friends. Think about something other than bed bugs. Do this often, at least a few times a week. It sounds trite, but just getting away from the problem for a bit will work wonders. This battle will take a while, and it is critical that you recharge your batteries regularly.
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