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Bed bugs may be unwanted hotel guests

On Behalf of | Jan 3, 2023 | Personal Injury

Bed bugs are small and reddish-brown insects that feed on human and animal blood, usually when they sleep. According to some studies, bed bugs are not transmitters of disease.

But beg bugs cause harm and may constitute grounds a for a personal injury action. Welts from bed bug bites cause itching. If brought in by luggage or furniture, bed bugs can cause an infestation in your home.

At the hotel

There are ways to avoid bed bug problems. When you go to a new hotel room, immediately put your luggage in the bathroom or on a rack. Both are places where bed bugs don’t usually hide. Then, inspect the bedding and furniture. Inspect the bed sheets and blankets and look at the mattress and box spring seams for bugs. Also, look closely at the head of the bed. You can also lift the mattress and check below it with a flashlight, if available.

Look for casing that bugs leave behind during molting known as exoskeletons. Dark, rust-colored spots are a significant tell-tale sign. Upholstered furniture may be checked. Quickly look over the couch and any recliner at the seams and head and neck area. Notify the hotel staff immediately if there are any signs of bed bugs. Request another room. Try to obtain a new room in another part of the hotel.

Luggage

 After this inspection, place your suitcases on a luggage rack or a hard surface for your entire stay. Keep the luggage zipped. You can also store your luggage in large plastic trash bags. Do not spread your belongings throughout the room. Bed bugs sometimes get into personal items.

At home

 If you are concerned that bedbugs were passengers in your luggage or items when you return home, tumble your travel clothes in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills bed bugs. Washing is ineffective. Suffering a bed bug bite or infestation may be grounds for compensation. Attorneys can obtain evidence and pursue your rights in a lawsuit.