We're a little ticked over here

That's according to the entomologist, anyway.  I had a call back this morning to say that the bug samples I'd brought in were black legged ticks - the kind that can transmit Lyme disease, but it's not super common.  They must have made their way in through the window and hung out in the cracks there.   I just need to vacuum and spray the area and they should all be gone (and we had been vacuuming already)!  Hoorah!

The entomologist did advise still taking precautions, however - putting down some bedbug traps and spraying Iz's room, as she wasn't convinced that her spots weren't from bedbugs.  In talking to S's co-workers and various other people, we've discovered that its fairly common for bedbugs to be found in some of these older homes, especially in the lower end areas (which we're sort of in right now).  Most of them had either experienced bedbugs personally or had lived through it via their college-aged students off in dorms or renting.  

I'm at least pleased to have an answer that's sort of conclusive, if not completely.  Over the past week, living as though I don't have them aside from my very squirmy bedmate, I've convinced myself that all may be well.  I couldn't sanely face the alternative as my cold morphed into a new flu and I've been quite under the weather.   I'll be happy to have the bed to myself, as S is away in Grassy Narrows and Kenora until Saturday night.  I'll try Iz back in her room and will hope for the best.  Thanks for your well-wishes to all of us through this crazy time!