Regarding "You May Not Be Alone" [July 16]: bed-bugs may carry no serious disease as you state in your story, but they certainly cause itching for weeks and months.
I had them for about three months, causing itching everywhere and leaving scars on my chest, back, and upper arms. They may be harmless, but they are no fun and drive you crazy.
Patricia S. Smith
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Having experienced the havoc bedbugs create, I can attest to the fact that this problem is not "blown completely out of proportion." Entomologist Richard Pollack's remarks regarding people calling him up, hysterical about bedbug bites, are insensitive. When the most sacred place in your house is over run by bugs, who wouldn't be upset? Pest consultant George Rambo's statement about not falling prey "to stories that are more alarming than factual" is also a slap in the face to anyone who has experienced bedbugs. I'd gladly sacrifice any "stories" for knowing I could go to bed at night and wake up not looking like I had the plague.
Loralei Leigh
Ridgewood, N.J.
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