Bed bugs are not always easy to detect. Perhaps you stayed in a Philadelphia hotel and believe you had exposure. In these situations, it can be uncertain what to do or how to prove what occurred.
If you believe you have bed bugs from a Philadelphia hotel stay, it is critical that you know what steps to take both to protect your health and well-being and how to hold the hotel accountable for the losses you incurred. Speak with a Philadelphia premises liability attorney at Kwartler Manus today.
Signs of Bed Bugs at the Hotel
When you arrive at a hotel, no matter the level of style, take the time to check your room. Consider the following steps to help you navigate bed bug infestations.
- Examine the mattress and box spring first. Pull back the bedding and thoroughly inspect the seams, tags, and corners of the mattress where bugs like to hide. A good tip is to run a credit card along the inner seam to see if any evidence is present.
- Look at the headboard and the frame. In some areas, especially if there are cracks or crevices, bed bugs will lurk in these areas.
- Look for any dark spots on carpeting, linens in the room, drapery, or bedding. Look for smaller spots, often rust colored or black. Most commonly, these smear when you wipe them with a wet paper towel. These are the droppings from bed bugs.
- Look for any signs of adult bed bugs themselves. These are small and flat bugs with a reddish-brown color. They are about the size of an apple seed.
- Look around the bed and the surrounding areas. That includes picture frames, curtains, folds in draperies, electrical outlets, and light switches.
If you find any present, level the space immediately and contact hotel management about what you experienced. Doing this right away can prove critical to protecting yourself.
Determine If You Were Bitten
To know if you suffered a bite from a bed bug, you need to consider what the most common signs are. The problem is that you may react differently from others. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the signs of a bed bug bite include:
- Small bite marks on the skin
- Serious allergic reactions – though rare
- No physical signs at all
When a bed bug bites you, it injects a fluid into your skin. This prevents you from feeling the bite occur. That is also why most people do not notice any bite marks right away. You may not notice them for several days.
What makes it even more complex is that most bed bug bites look just like other bug bites, including those from mosquitoes and fleas. They may be slightly swollen and itchy to some people. One of the telltale signs is a line of bites. Unlike other bugs, bed bugs tend to bite in a straight line down the leg or torso. You may see this in the days after the exposure.
Keep in mind that bed bugs can cause other symptoms as well. That includes anxiety, skin irritations, and insomnia. Document any health changes you have.
Evidence at Home
If you do not notice anything and head home, you could learn that you have exposure later. And, unfortunately, this is a very difficult type of exposure. As you unpack your clothing and other belongings, pay close attention to the details. You may see any of the following:
- Live bugs. These small, flat bugs can travel with you. They do not need to feast for long periods and are very hearty, meaning they can survive long trips.
- Fecal spots. The dark reddish brown spots you see are likely fecal matter. This may be in your luggage, on your clothing, or in your shoes.
- Blood stains. You may also notice what looks like blood stains on your clothing and other belongings. This happens if you crush the bed bug.
- Eggs. It is also possible to see tiny, pearl-sized eggs present. These tend to hide in the cracks and crevices of your luggage or other items. They, too, can last for a long time.
- Shed skins. Bed bugs create a pale, yellow-like exoskeleton that sheds over time as the critter grows.
You may also notice a musty smell, especially if there is a heavy infestation present. It is wise to work closely with a professional to remove these materials and care for your property.
How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help You
If you have any type of exposure to bed bugs and you believe they came from a Philadelphia hotel, we encourage you to contact our legal team for guidance. Our Philadelphia premises liability attorney will investigate your case, determine who is at fault, and fight for you to recover fair damages. We will discuss with you all the risks you face, including medical costs, missed time at work, and damage to your property.
At Kwartler Manus, our team works with you to get answers and fights for fair compensation. Do not let the experience of a hotel cause you frustration in your home. Contact us for immediate help at a free consultation.