Bedbug worrying.

Lately I have been convinced I have bedbugs. Each time I stop worrying, it's like I find new evidence. For instance, the other day I found a kind of group of black specks on the side of my bedsheets even though I'd only put a fresh sheet on a couple of days ago, and the specks seemed to wipe off with water and smeared black if anything. I also have noticed tiny red specks on my arms (kinda like freckles, look like cherry angiomas) but not necessarily any itchy bites or anything, but I've convinced myself that they're bites because not everyone reacts to the bites. My problem is, I'm planning on going to a friend's house over the weekend, and she's offered for me to stay the night in a spare room instead of being picked up late, and I desperately want to say yes because it means I wouldn't have to worry about getting a lift home really late, but I'm worried it would be irresponsible of me. I don't want to give anyone bedbugs. I know it's bad to ask for reassurance and I desperately have been trying not to, but I've been spiralling lately and I just need opinions on whether it would be irresponsible to sleep over. I'm too scared to check around my bed more than I already have, I just don't know what to do. I've been doing so badly lately because of this.

777Q

Date posted: 17h

To be honest I understand. Not trying to enable or reassure OCD though . I have had bedbugs and over several months of treatments and diligence they are gone .I found myself over checking things during that time . With that said they are extremely stressful to have and it is a very concerning situation. Feel free to share any follow up questions or concerns here .

oneday.x

Date posted: 17h

Thanks for replying :) I'm sorry to hear about what you've been dealing with, I'm glad that you got through it though. I guess my main concern is whether it would be responsible to stay at my friend's house or not, I'm scared of giving them to anyone else if I were to have them.

777Q

Date posted: 17h

@oneday.x You are being thoughtful and considerate. They are highly spreadable.If it was me I would try to verify your situation further first before committing to your outing . For example get strong flashlight check all baseboards , check bed turn box spring and mattress over , look for all stages of them to include eggs . Keep rubbing alcohol squirt bottle handy . I can add more suggestions feel free to ask .

oneday.x

Date posted: 17h

@777Q Thank you for the advice I appreciate it, I guess I'm just scared of looking properly because I'm terrified of finding them, just the thought makes me panic and it makes me just want to stay ignorant instead, which I know isn't good but I guess that's just me trying to cope :( because I don't think I would cope if I found them, I desperately want to look just so I know but I also just don't want to know at all

777Q

Date posted: 16h

@oneday.x Not good at all , need to stay on top of it . But don’t ruminate or overthink or over worry. There are small bedbug traps available, personally I was unsuccessful with using them the bedbugs were smart enough to run around the traps and not get stuck in them . Personally I would change all bedding again wash and try in hot temperatures and put clean bedding down again and carefully monitor and take pictures of your bites and whatever you see new on the bedding. Feel free to reach out further here I have much more information from my experiences.

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