Summer travelers beware. You may encounter bed bugs or unknowingly give them a free ride. An East Bay family needed help from the Responds team to resolve an expensive insect problem that derailed their trip. In addition to expert advice, our team found her Orkin Pest Control list of locations where exterminators see the most bed bugs.
Nathan Gaither's recent trip may leave you with a sore head, arms, and legs.
“I went to Kentucky. I went to school there, and my best friend from high school from Pleasanton actually got married there,” Gaither said.
His photo album includes friends, family, and bedbugs from Airbnb.
“All I had to do was pull back the cover and check the lines on the mattress,” Gaither recalls. “They were everywhere. It's easy to see.”
The Gaithers learned the hard way that their bed bug population was rebounding.
“The risks are even greater,” said Ben Hottel, an entomologist at Orkin.
Hottel said bed bugs are hitchhikers, and the coronavirus has slowed them down.
“When everything shut down, people traveled less and bed bug numbers dropped significantly,” the hotel explained.
But now people are traveling. That means bed bug numbers are on the rise again.
“The numbers are increasing,” Hottel said.
Hotels suggest that everyone check for bed bugs during their vacation. Inspect the bed and box spring immediately.
“Look around for cracks and crevices around them. That's usually where they hide,” Hottel said.
Next, pay attention to the headboard.
“Tap the headboard a little and see if it pops out the back,” Hottel suggested.
Is everything clear? rest assured.
But just be safe. Keep your suitcase away from your bed.
“Don't leave it open on the bed, because that's where the bed bugs are,” the hotel said.
When I get home, I start the washer and dryer.
Hottel said six-legged souvenirs that try to enter homes will die from high fever.
Hotel said it's a strong incentive to do laundry when you get home.
So where are you most likely to encounter bed bugs? Orkin recently compiled a list of America's 50 Worst Cities for Bed Bugs.
Chicago, New York and Philadelphia are at the top. San Francisco ranks 41st.
“This is just based on what we've seen in the business,” Hottel said.
Louisville, where the Gaithers encountered bed bugs, ranked 49th, just behind San Francisco.
So what happened after the Geyser family found these demons? His family went to the hotel in a huff.
“Of course, what they're paying at that point is top dollar. They don't really have a choice. They needed a place to sleep,” Gaither said.
Last minute reservations cost an additional $1,200. Gaither expected Airbnb to cover the bill. But no.
“Airbnb kind of shut us out,” Gaither said.
“I was paying for my stay at the Marriott all out of pocket,” he added.
“I didn't feel it was fair because, of course, when you book accommodation through Airbnb, you expect a clean and safe stay,” Gaither continued.
Frustrated, he contacted the NBC Bay Area Responds team.
“I love NBC Bay Area and I watch your show 'NBC Responds,'” Gaither said.
I contacted Airbnb.
“All of a sudden, the whole tone switched from them,” Gaither said.
Airbnb did not provide details.
But Gaither said her emergency hotel costs were covered and her Airbnb reservation was refunded.
“That was a lot of change, almost $2,000. It was a lot,” Gaither said.
“Thank you for helping us. All's well that ends well,” he added.
Orkin said hotels, especially large chain hotels, generally employ pest control routines to prevent bed bug infestations.
What about vacation rentals and mom friends? Before you spend money booking them, ask them what they do about bed bugs. So what if we find out?
