I have a 2yr old, a 3yr old, a 5yr old, and am 5 months pregnant, can't work at the moment. I found bed bugs in my beds and furniture, about a month ago. I had to throw out, two couches, my and one of my kids whole be and my other two kids' boxsprings. Because I left the plastic on their mattress, bugs didn't get them. It's very hard for me sitting and laying on the floor, I called my foodstamp worker, have gotten no reply. I don't know what to do!
By Kelon
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Right now as rampant as bed bugs are in the country, I wouldn't want any free furniture. Did you have you residence fumigated by pest control after you got rid of your couch and beds? If not replacing them won't do any good.
Have you been doctor ordered not to work? I know pregnant women who are going to school full time and also work full time. You can get reasonably inexpensive air mattresses. I have three adult grandkids that is all they have for beds because that is what they can afford. They range in age from 17 (in the National Guard) to 25 years.
You can get by without a couch, you can use your kitchen chairs, folding chairs or even those plastic looking patio chairs. Also from a lot of articles that I have read bed bugs can get in your dressers, clothes, etc. Speak to you pastor, he might know of some families that have extra beds, etc. or he might even be willing to take up a special, anonymous offering for you. Sometimes they will do that for a member of the congregation.
However, replacing your items won't do any good if you haven't had your house fumigated by a professional. I have seen them at a couple of my neighbors, and the people that do the fumigating go in wearing hazmat suits, etc.
I agree with Redhatter that you should make sure that your home is bedbug free before getting any more furniture. If you live in a rental property, such as an apartment building, this is likely something that your landlord should pay for, as the bedbugs might have come from other apartments, not yours.
I personally do not think that it is a sensible suggestion that you work, as unless someone else is supplying free childcare or you have a profession such as nursing or you are a lawyer or own your own business, you are not going to make enough at minimum wage or slightly above to pay for the childcare. You might check places on Freecycle or similar places for furniture that people are willing to give away. If you have friends or family, ask them to ask around for pieces that you might get. I have given away sofas in the past, when I bought a new one. It may not be the finest, but it is better than the floor or a folding chair!
Fumigating may not get rid of the bed bugs unless you get it done several times. If you live in an apartment, they may find their way back through the walls from another's apartment. It also wouldn't be healthy for your small children or you, being pregnant.
Look for food grade diatomaceous earth; get a large sack, and spread it throughout your place and your belongings. Leave it for a week or so if you can, then vacuum it up. You will hear of warnings not to breathe it in, but that is for non-food grade, which is a poison (different chemical make-up). Food grade is safe and can even be eaten. It is relatively cheap - about $35.00 for a 50 pound sack - much cheaper than an exterminator, and works much better. It works for bedbugs, fleas, spiders, roaches, etc, and can be taken internally for worms, parasites, arthritis, etc.
For furniture, checkout freecycle, garage sales, a church, even a newspaper add might work. It may not be totally free, but cheap.
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