I have a possible bed bug issue regarding a friend of mine. Here's the background:
A friend of mine recently moved into a new apartment. A few days ago he told me that he was waking up with bites on his face and arms. After some searching he discovered dark splotches on his box spring (from what he told me, it doesn't sound like he saw any actual bugs). The problem is, he panicked, and immediately threw out the mattress, box spring, and blankets. He called an exterminator "just to be safe" (as he put it), and then moved to his couch to sleep. I think he believed that he would solve the problem this way. In any case, after a day or so, the bites returned. It sounds like he's having an allergic reaction because the bites are swelling and they are causing him trouble breathing. To me, sounds like bedbugs. The pest control prof. is due in tomorrow.
Here is the issue. A few months ago we planned a party for this upcoming weekend, and he was invited. He is coming from about an hour and a half away, so we offered for him to crash on our couch afterwards so he can drive home the next morning. I'm nervous about him coming. I've been mulling things over. Part of me wants to tell him not to come. It would crush him, and I know he'd be upset as he has been looking forward to this party for months. He doesn't seem concerned about the possibility of spreading them. There's also the chance that he doesn't even have bed bugs. I plan on following up with him after the pest control prof. leaves tomorrow.
The other option I've been thinking about (if he indeed has bed bugs), is allowing him to come but under several parameters: he can't bring in any items into our place (especially bags, backpacks, etc.), he places shoes in a plastic zip loc upon entering (we'll hang his coat in a separate closet), and he makes sure the clothes he wears are washed and dried and fresh.
I'd appreciate any help/thoughts on the matter. If he comes with just the clothes on his back, is an infestation possible? I think what concerns me is that he doesn't seem very educated on bed bugs and how big of a problem they are, and that he would inadvertently bring them to my place b/c he doesn't follow the proper precautions. Like I said, I'll talk to him tomorrow once he confirms whether or not he has them and go from there.
Thanks again! Sorry if this comes off like a long rant! I really just want to make sure my place stays bed bug free for me and my gf's sake. But I also want to make sure I'm not over-reacting and treating my friend like a leper.