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The Kitchen Table

The "ick factor" in a waiting room

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

6 years ago

I had to go to an imaging center this morning for a ct scan. While sitting in the waiting room, drinking my two large cups of terrible pink stuff, I noticed a little critter on the wall next to me.

I leaned over to look closer, even took my phone out to magnify it. What can I say....I minored in Entomology in college, and almost switched majors!

Anyway, guess what it was? A bed bug! It was a youngster, only about 2mm, but perfectly identifiable even at that stage.

I didn't get a chance to take the picture, darn it, but I am going to report it. Eeek!

Featured Answer

lucillle

6 years ago

While I think the world in general uses too many insecticides, I am hoping that someone will invent a bedbug specific insecticide. There are so many trials and tribulations in everyday life, and one way to cheerfully approach the day and its challenges is by getting a good night's sleep.

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Comments (10)

marilyn_c
6 years ago
Oh, my! I heard they were in our local court house. I am not afraid of much but those critters strike fear in my heart. So hard they are to get rid of, I have heard.
lgmd_gaz
6 years ago
Bed bugs happen. No matter how much one wishes they didn't. My daughter, a nurse at the local hospital was just yesterday telling me about what all had to be done when one was discovered on a new patients clothing. And if that patient came from an infested home, how many will visit that patient who live in the same home?
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FlamingO in AR
6 years ago
They are finding them in movie theaters, too. Ick is right.
nicole___
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Someone on Nextdoor posted a warning they were found in the pages of library books, here in my small community. :0( I've never been inside THAT branch....good thing it seems.
Elmer J Fudd
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Well, there's nothing like sitting in a waiting room, an exam room, etc, of any kind to allow time to study walls, ceilings, and floors. Not to take away from the ick factor but I'd guess those same bugs are in plenty of other places you visit regularly but it's when you don't have or spend the time to closely look around as when waiting.
cynic
6 years ago
People carry them around with them. I wonder how many hotels are infested? Stores? Barber shops/beauty salons? Buses, cabs/Uber and of course offices. I'd guess many more than you want to think. And they're very willing to go home with you.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I’m in and out of medical clinics all day long for work and believe me, you REALLY have no idea as to who’s been sitting in those chairs before you and/or the last time they were even cleaned; if ever. I don’t need to go often, but when I have to see my own primary care doctor, I stand and wait for my turn.

After several years on the job, I’m still surprised to see just how many people could care less about their hygene even when they go to see their doctor. Many don’t even bother to put clean clothes on much less fix their hair or shower. I just don’t get it, but it’s extremely gross. Even though the doctors and clinicians I know are too professional to say (to their credit) I can’t help but imagine that they probably feel the same way.
OutsidePlaying
6 years ago
Oh my, I didn’t expect you to come out with info about a bedbug in a waiting room! I know you must have heard about bedbugs in the local Social Security office recently. You just never know. And we thought we just had to worry about cold and flu germs from other people.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Original Author
6 years ago
lukk, I honestly do not associate bedbugs with the 'unwashed'. Nor does science.

Pubic places of any kind are prime candidates for an infestation such as bedbugs, roaches, silverfish, etc. Gosh...head lice are the annual scourge in schools all across the country.

I did find the appropriate place to report my experience and they were very grateful. The complex has been under constant observation for vermin and takes reports like mine very seriously.

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