Traveling

This has nothing to do with roadfood but more with the road. Myself, daughter, and grandson traveled south on I75 from Detroit, Mi. to Naples, Fl. and stopped in a motel in Lienor, Tenn. In the morning when we continued our trip my grandson complained about itching from bites. We stopped in Ga. at a pharmacy and were told that the bites were bedbugs. He got some cortisone and we continued to Naples where we put all of our clothes through the dryer and the suitcases in the oven for an hour. We have ben in Fl. for 3 weeks and no bites but his mother still doesn't want me to bring any of his clothes home to Mi. Are we safe to bring them home or should we throw them away? In Michigan getting rid of bedbugs requires sealing the house and heating it to 130 degrees. To the tune of $1300.00. Is there a safe way to check for bedbugs in a motel? I have heared that they will attach to your suitcases and go home with you then infest your house. We are headed North in another week but I am afraid to stop for the night the way.

Which hotel/motel in Lenoir City , TN.  Please advise and I will report them
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Sarge, I would think that if you pick a hotel in advance you could call the local Chamber of Commerce or Health Department to see if any complaints have been filed.
 
I happened to read an online article about bedbugs last week and apparently now it's suggested that not only should no luggage, clothes, or shoes be left on the floor but placing them in the bathtub or on the bathroom counter minimizes the risk of infestation even more.
 
Brad

Personally I'd ditch everything, less costly than getting your house infected.

It was the Days Inn. I already called and complained to them (Days Inn)

I contacted the Day's Inn in Lenoir City.  The manager was not there but I talked to his brother, Bob Patel.  He was a bit arrogant and claimed that the guest had a dog or pet in the room.  He also claimed that they had treated the room.  Obviously he was very defensive.
 
I suggest you notify the health department of that county which is Loudon county.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

In addition, I just got a call back from the manager's brother.  He was a bit sincere this time and indicated that he had room 310 treated and it cost them $450.00.  To me that sounds a bit cheap as I was advised by Orkin who treats my house that it cost considerably more than that and perhaps up to $2000 as they have to heat treat them room with more than just chemicals.  I do not know.
 
I admit that the guy was sincere and invited me to visit his motel which I will not do.
 
I still suggest that the poster contacts the health department of Loudon county to verify his claim.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I would throw the clothes out.
What kind of interior do you have in the car. They might get out and lay eggs. Pick them up again on your way home. Anywhere you have been, since the initial infestation.
If you get them in your home, have been advised by exterminators that it is cheaper to throw everything out and I mean gut the place. carpets and all, than pay them. But they will gladly come and charge you.
Me would take the chance and spend the nite somewhere. Naples to Mi in one day can be done. But if your body is not use that travel
makes for a dangerous drive. I use to drive from Port Everglades, Fl ( Lauderdale Airport) to Holland ,Mi all the time. Leave about 3:30PM
and be in Holland, MI at around 10:00 AM.

Thank you for the response and interest in this incident. I did have a dog with us,  told them at registration, and paid extra. I can guarantee that my dog was cleaner than their carpet. She also sleeps with me every night and no bites. We are leaving for Mi. this Fri. and expect o stop at least once. I will only take the clothes that are needed for the next day into any room for now on. We have been in Naples for 4 weeks now and have no more bites. I hope that either we weren't infested or that the dryer and oven killed any that may have gotten on us or our clothes. Thanks again.

Dirtiest Hotel across the Nation by travelers votes.
Grand Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN