Help - Bed Bug Trauma

Hi folks, I am wondering if I can get some advice from you regarding a potential bed bug situation. This past week I have gotten bites that I suspect are bed bug bites, because they appear shortly after I wake up. I rent an apartment from an individual rather a management company. By way of background: - I have traveled a LOT this year for work. - My first experience with bed bugs was in the... [more]

Hi folks, I am wondering if I can get some advice from you regarding a potential bed bug situation. This past week I have gotten bites that I suspect are bed bug bites, because they appear shortly after I wake up. I rent an apartment from an individual rather a management company. By way of background: - I have traveled a LOT this year for work. - My first experience with bed bugs was in the summer. I was bitten at a (nice!) hotel, but I recognized it at that time and took severe steps to avoid bringing them home: I tossed my luggage, bagged all my clothes and shipped them to the office, and the clothes went from the bags to either the laundry or the dry cleaners. I bought supposedly bed bug proof mattress covers and encased the mattress and bedsprings. - I got similar looking bug bites at an apartment rental over Labor Day weekend. All I had on the trip was a duffle bag and I threw the bag in the bathtub and washed it and all its contents. - I have traveled extensively since then but have not been bitten. - I’ve also been diligent to avoid picking them up from hotels. I avoid putting my suitcase or clothing on beds in hotels. When I travel I carry huge Ziploc bags (2-XL) for my clothes, and from there the washables go straight from the bags to the washer. - I have not had any similar bites until this week (3 occasions). I have searched for a hiding place for bed bugs but could not find any bugs or their traces (e.g., blood on sheets). - In the past couple of weeks, the apartment below mine started renovations and I am wondering whether the construction could have dislodged the critters into my apartment. Before I approach my landlord, I would like to know what my potential liability or responsibility is for getting the apartment tested and treated. Any other advice or recommendations for practically dealing with the situation would also be appreciated. Thanks. [less]