Source of Bed Bugs in a Group Home

by Jill Gomez
(Hartford)

I need some help. My son lives in a group home. Last week my son ended up with bed bug bites all over his body but no one else has them. my son is also a Construction worker who can get them from working outside.

He also takes furniture from different group homes and he can get bedbugs from these furnishings. They are saying he could have gotten them from my house.
I don't have any bed bugs bites and my house was exterminated and the people that did our house said that we didn't have any because they checked all our beds. But the program he is in is saying the only place he goes is to work and my house on Saturday for four hours so now they do not want to let him come home for his visit because they are afraid that we might get them.
I tried telling them that if my son has them that means every one might have them also. The staff can also have them and they can bring them home to there family.
I'm looking for some help with this problem that I'm having.
Please help me.

Response to Your Question

Hi Jill, I understand how challenging and frustrating this situation must be, especially with the blame being placed on your home when you’ve already taken steps to rule out bed bugs. Let me offer some guidance to help address this issue and find a resolution.

Could Your Son Have Brought Bed Bugs?

Based on the information you provided, it’s possible that your son could have picked up bed bugs from his work environment, the furniture he moves, or the group home itself. Here’s why:

• Construction Work: Bed bugs can hide in construction materials or debris, and workers can unknowingly bring them home on their clothing or personal belongings.


• Used Furniture: Transporting furniture from different group homes can easily introduce bed bugs, as they often hide in seams, cracks, and crevices.


• Group Home Setting: If your son has bites but others at the group home do not (yet),
  it doesn’t necessarily mean they are free of bed bugs. Bed bugs can hide in common areas, furniture, or personal belongings and may take time to spread or become noticeable.

What You’ve Done Right

You’ve already taken important steps to rule out your home as the source:

• Having your home inspected and exterminated, with confirmation that no bed bugs were found.


• Monitoring for bites or signs of bed bugs, with no evidence in your house.

This demonstrates that your home is not the likely source of the problem.

What to Communicate to the Group Home

To address their concerns and advocate for your son, consider the following points:

1. Document the Inspection: Provide the group home with a copy of the exterminator’s report showing that no bed bugs were found in your home.


2. Emphasize Other Possible Sources: Highlight that bed bugs could have come from your son’s work environment, the furniture he moves, or even the group home itself. Bed bugs don’t discriminate, and anyone (staff or residents) could unknowingly transport them.


3. Suggest a Group Home Inspection: Recommend that the group home have a professional inspection conducted to rule out an infestation on their premises.


4. Explain Bed Bug Behavior: Share that bed bugs can travel and spread easily. If one person has bites, it doesn’t mean they’re the sole source—others in close contact could also have them but may not show signs immediately.

Next Steps for Your Son

To help prevent further issues, here are some steps you can take with your son:

1. Inspect and Treat Belongings: Inspect his clothing, bags, and any personal items he brings from work or the group home. Wash and dry them on the highest heat setting to kill any potential bed bugs.


2. Protect Against Reinfestation: Use bed bug-proof encasements for his mattress and box spring to trap any bugs that may already be present.


3. Advocate for Safe Practices: Encourage the group home and his workplace to establish preventative measures, such as regular inspections and limiting the use of secondhand furniture unless it’s been inspected and treated.

Regards,
Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook