Bedbugs have become a frighteningly common problem in hotels and other well-traveled areas across the United States. Cities from New York to Los Angeles are reporting infestations, and even five-star hotels have suffered. These insects can burrow into clothing and luggage, which helps spread them from hotel to hotel. However, this can also spread bedbugs to your own home.

Frustratingly, many hotels are not aware of a bedbug infestation until a guest wakes up the next morning with itchy, red bedbug bites across his or her body. Unfortunately, if you have been bitten, it probably means that the insects have burrowed into your luggage as well. Thus, if you have been traveling and have experienced bedbugs, or if a place you visited has reported bedbug sightings, you should take bedbug prevention steps as soon as you return home.

Although hardy, these creatures typically cannot withstand water or temperature extremes. When you get home, first place all of your belongings in seal-able plastic bags. You should not place any possibly infected items over carpet as these insects like to burrow in carpet weave. If you are concerned about the bugs escaping, you can spread a ring of water around your bagged belongings.

Next, you can do a visual check for the bugs. They prefer to hide in cracks and crevices, such as where the seams of an item come together. Remember, they are very tiny and can be colorless before feeding, so if you have any doubts of their existence, you may want to wash everything regardless of visual evidence.

When washing clothes, wash them in the hottest water possible and then dry them on the highest setting that the items can handle. If your suitcase, backpack, briefcase, or other non-washable items may have bedbugs, you can try freezing them in a sealed bag for a few days. The ideal temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit or less for at least five days. You can also hand wash some items, using hot water and a scrubbing brush to dig deep into the folds and creases.

If you are a victim of bedbugs from a hotel or other place of lodging, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help you during this difficult time. To discuss your case, contact a Milwaukee premises liability lawyer from Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C., today.

Author SIG

James Witherspoon

Rate this Article:

Add your comment: