BED BUG HORRIA

by PHYLLIS COOK
(BUCHANAN, GA)

I GOT BITTEN ALL OVER BY BED BUGS WHILE STAYING @ BELMONT INN IN METROPOLIS, IL FOR WEDDING. I BROUGHT THEM HOME IN ALL MY LUGGAGE AND CLOTHING. I HAVE CLEANED, CLEANED AND CLEANED AND STILL GETTING BITTEN BY THEM. I THREW AWAY MY LUGGAGE, CLOTHS AND LOTS OF ITEMS WHEN I FOUND OUT WHAT THE BITES WERE FROM. I WENT TO HOSPITAL AND IT WAS CONFIRMED IT WAS BED BUGS FOR SURE. THEY HAVE MADE SORES ON MY BODY AND SEVERE ITCHING. THEY ARE HORRIBLE. I KEEP MY HOUSE VERY , VERY CLEAN AND HAVE MEVER EVER HAD ANY KIND OF BUG IN MY HOME EXCEPT A FLY. I WILL CHASE A FLY FOR EVER TO KILL HIM. THIS IS A NIGHTMARE WITH IN IT'S SELF. I FEEL SOMETHING CRAWLING ON ME DAY AND NIGHT. I KEEP TAKING A BATH ALL DAY AND EVEN DURUNG THE NIGHT IN HOPES TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT ON ME. NEVER SLEEP IN A MOTEL AGAIN!!!!!!

Editor Comment: Avoiding Bed Bugs When Staying in a Motel

Dear Phyllis,

Thank you for sharing your bed bug motel horror story. Unfortunately, bed bugs can be found anywhere there are travelers, even in an expensive hotel!

To avoid bed bugs when staying in a motel, here are some tips:

Check reviews before booking: Look for reviews that mention bed bugs or cleanliness issues. If you see multiple reviews that mention bed bugs, consider booking elsewhere.

Inspect the room: Before settling in, inspect the room thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs. Look for small brown or reddish dots on the sheets, mattress seams, and headboard. Also, check for live bed bugs or their shed skins.

Keep luggage off the floor: Place your luggage on a luggage rack or a hard surface, rather than on the floor or bed. This can help prevent bed bugs from getting into your belongings.

Store clothes in sealed plastic bags and zipped suitcases: if hanging clothes, when you're not wearing your clothes, keep them in sealed plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from getting into them.

Be vigilant during your stay: Keep an eye out for any signs of bed bugs during your stay. If you notice any, immediately report it to the front desk and request to change rooms.

Wash your clothes after your stay: When you return home, wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs. If you can, and if you suspect bed bugs, remove and bag them in the garage before entering the home.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of encountering bed bugs during your stay in a motel.

Bed bugs are very hard to exterminate. Even professionals often require 3 treatments.

I'm sure with some thorough treatment you will get rid of these pests.

Best,

Jeff
Editor
Bed Bugs Handbook