What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs After a Florida Hotel Stay
Stumbling across bed bugs in your hotel room during a Florida vacation can be more than just a frustrating surprise. Whether you're in town for the holidays or squeezing in a winter break getaway, nobody expects to deal with itchy bites or bug-filled mattresses. Still, it happens. Knowing what to do next can make a big difference in how you handle the situation.
You may be wondering whether you have any options or what steps you should take before leaving. Some hotel guests even end up looking into a bed bug lawsuit if the situation calls for it. This guide can help you move forward with confidence, one step at a time.
What Bed Bugs Look Like and Where They Hide
At first glance, it may not be easy to tell the difference between bed bugs and other marks or insects. But if you know what to look for, spotting them can become a bit easier. Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped bugs, usually brown or reddish after feeding. They're about the size of an apple seed when full-grown.
Some common signs that bed bugs might be hiding in your hotel room include:
• Clusters of itchy red bites, often in a row or zigzag pattern
• Tiny rust-colored spots on sheets or mattresses (usually fecal matter or crushed bugs)
• Shedded skins or small white eggs near seams, corners, or crevices
They like to squeeze into tight places where the light doesn’t reach. You might find them:
• Along the seams of the mattress or box spring
• Behind the headboard or picture frames near the bed
• Inside nightstand drawers or around the baseboards
Don't jump to conclusions if you see crumbs or lint. Bed bugs don’t fly and they don’t come and go like ants or mosquitoes. Confirming what you’re seeing can prevent confusion that might delay proper reporting.
What to Do Right After You Discover Bed Bugs
Once you spot any signs of bed bugs, it’s best not to wait or give the bugs more time to hide or spread. A quick response may help keep the issue from following you home.
Start by notifying hotel staff calmly and clearly. If possible, ask to speak to a manager and explain what you found. Be direct but polite. It helps to be specific about what you saw and where.
Next, take good photos and video. Try to document everything such as:
• Visible bugs, skins, or spots
• Bites on your skin (snap them as early as possible)
• The room layout, bed, and any furniture close to problem areas
• Your luggage and the space around it
Try not to unpack any further or place your things on floors or fabric surfaces. If you’ve already unpacked, seal your clothes and items in plastic bags if available. That may help reduce the risk of bugs hitching a ride when you leave.
What Not to Do That Could Make the Problem Worse
In the middle of the stress, it’s easy to do something that makes things even messier. There are a few habits best avoided once bugs are found.
• Don’t carry bedding, clothes, or luggage straight into a car or house. Doing so can help bugs spread. Keep your items contained and separated if you're leaving.
• Skip at-home DIY treatments. These may be tempting, but they’re often not effective and can cause added strain. Relying on professionals removes guesswork.
• Don’t ignore the bites. If they swell, become painful, or they don’t go away, consider checking in with a healthcare provider. Keeping notes and photos of symptoms can be helpful for down the line.
The goal is to stay calm and act with purpose, not panic. Taking a few small precautions now might save much bigger headaches later on.
When a Bed Bug Encounter Could Lead to a Lawsuit
There are moments when a hotel guest might wonder whether they should speak to someone about what happened. If bed bugs caused harm or loss during a stay, some choose to explore the idea of a bed bug lawsuit. We are a national law firm based in Weston, Florida, that focuses on representing people injured by bed bug infestations in hotels and other properties in Florida and nationwide.
While every case is different, property owners may be responsible if they knew about the infestation and didn’t take reasonable action. Hotels are expected to keep rooms safe and clean for guests, and when that doesn’t happen, some look into their options. Many claims are resolved without ever filing a lawsuit, through negotiations with hotel owners, property managers, and their insurance carriers.
Keeping records can be useful. If you think the hotel handled things poorly or if the incident caused damage beyond just a bit of discomfort, it helps to have documentation. If you decide to talk with a lawyer, we offer a free Claim Strategy Session and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees or costs unless there is a recovery for your claim. This can include:
• Photos of bugs, bedding, bites, luggage, or belongings
• Medical records if you seek care for bites or symptoms
• A report filed with hotel staff or management
Some people look into damages related to personal items, medical care, lost sleep, or emotional distress. Again, the most important thing is to gather your facts and know you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Staying Calm and Taking Smart Next Steps
Finding bed bugs during a trip is never on the itinerary, but how you respond can make a big difference. Acting quickly and calmly protects your well-being, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Letting others help you sort through what happened might be the best step forward. If you're not sure what to do next, you're not alone. There are people who can listen, help you understand what happened, and walk with you from there.
If your Florida hotel stay was disrupted by bed bugs, you don't have to face the aftermath on your own. Taking a clear path forward can feel easier with guidance. Learn how your experience may connect to a bed bug lawsuit and what steps might come next. Bed Bugs Law is here to help you sort out the details and understand your options.