Picture this situation – you book a dream vacation at a rental property, you count down the days until you depart, and you arrive in what appears to be the most perfect destination only to find some unwanted guests: bed bugs. This is a situation that is more common for tourists to deal with than you may think, and it can be enough to ruin your entire holiday – not to mention the fact that you also risk bringing the infestation home with you thanks to stowaways in your luggage.
Because you can never be too careful, it’s best to know the steps to take should you encounter a bed bug infestation in a rental property. Let’s take a look.
Cover Your Back – Steer Clear of Release Forms
If you’ve ever been asked to fill out a release form of some sort at a rental property, you probably didn’t think too much about it. What can be scary is that the form releases the property owner from all liability or negligence. Thinking of it in terms of bed bugs, it means any damage to your belongings or medical expenses you may incur will be your responsibility to pay, not the property owner’s.
Spot a Bed Bug? Assume There Is an Infestation
When you arrive at your rental property, inspect the bed(s). If you spot even a single bed bug, assume there is a larger problem and contact the rental property owner immediately. Document any traces of bed bugs with photos and make a record of who you called and when. This information may be necessary later.
Keep Luggage Well Protected – Don’t Bring the Infestation Home
One thing that will likely make your skin crawl is the thought of bringing the infestation home with you. Should those pesky bugs make their way into your luggage, they can easily make their way back out as you unpack. A bed bug infestation in your home can be extremely costly and time-consuming to remedy. They multiply incredibly fast, and you’ll likely need professional pest removers/exterminators to take care of the problem.
The best tips to use when it comes to luggage are as follows:
- Place luggage on metal luggage racks, off the floor
- Do not place your luggage rack near wooden furniture or a wall
- Place luggage on a table if there is no luggage rack
- Use a luggage cover or wrap
- Always close the luggage when not in use
- Always pack your clothing, toiletries and shoes in reusable and sealable plastic bags
What If You Get Bed Bug Bites?
Sometimes, by the time you discover the infestation, it’s too late and you already have several bed bug bites. This can be enough to leave you uncomfortable, itchy, and in pain and put a serious damper on your holiday, including a visit to an urgent clinic for a personal injury.
This is where we can help as we’ll fight for any compensation you’re owed and prepare you for the steps that follow. You have a right to proper sanitization in your accommodations, and the property owner could be guilty of negligence.
Visit the offices of William J. Luse at 917 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Alternatively, you can call now for a free consultation at (843) 839-4795. We won’t rest until you’re happy.
