(WALA) - Bedbugs are not pleasant critters, no matter how you look at them. They can lurk under your sheets, suck your blood and multiply in the dark corners and crevices in your house.
But they're not picky. Exterminators say bedbugs can be found in motels, condos or even fancy hotels.
FOX10 News looks into the problem and how you can stop the bugs from coming home with you.
Exterminators say the bugs were eradicated in the U.S. decades ago because of the use of harsh chemicals and strong pesticides.
But now, many of those products are no longer used and thanks to the increase in international travel, they've come back. You might not realize nasty critters are closer than you think.
They're not a nursery rhyme and they're not imaginary.
"They feed on blood," says Terminix Technical Specialist Michael Paul.
The pesky bugs have homeowner Linda Phillips staying up all night.
"After two days, you don't know if you're up or down, you're just crying and undealable," Phillips said.
Her house has been infested and the bedbugs scurry like mad under her bed sheets.
"This is a pretty active infestation," said a pest control serviceman.
Phillips believes they traveled in her suitcase during a trip.
"I took my luggage and flung it on the bed, which you should never do," she advised.
Local exterminators said bedbugs are a real problem. They've treated hotels and condos from Mobile all the way to Tallahassee.
"A lot of people associate bedbugs with the larger cities but yes, they're here," said Paul. "Bedbugs are tiny insects, they lurk in cracks and crevices and mattresses and box springs."
They feed on the blood of humans and animals. Terminix said they're resilient and quick. The pests can survive temperatures near freezing to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can go several months without feeding.
The Centers for Disease Control said bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, but they can leave their mark.
"They actually pierce the skin to suck the blood," Paul said.
The CDC said if you're bitten, you might not see the effects until weeks later.
"Bedbug bites are often confused for flea bites, ant bites," added Paul.
An adult bedbug is about the size of an apple seed. They're reddish-brown, wingless and flat. The CDC said their size and shape allow them to hide during the day just about anywhere - in your clothes, in your headboards, even in your wall sockets.
Exterminators say chances are, if they're in your home, they traveled with you.
"They can transfer from luggage to luggage, they can transfer from person to person, they can actually travel on your clothing," said Paul.
Experts say while traveling, there are steps you can take to look for these creepy crawlers - check around headboards, mattresses and box springs for dark spots. The spots are actually fecal matter the bugs leave behind after a blood meal.
Also keep an eye out for exoskeletons. These bugs shed as they grow into adults.
To avoid bringing them home with you while you travel, Terminix said don't leave your luggage or briefcase on or near a hotel bed. Keep the luggage off the floor, and don't place your clothes in the drawer.
"I couldn't do anything except get them out of the room," said Phillips.
But if the bugs unfortunately do come home to roost like in Phillips' home, experts suggest calling a trained professional for an inspection.
Treatment might not come cheap. Terminix said depending on the level of infestation, the cost could rise anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars.
These unwelcome guests can be easily brought home but are difficult to get rid of. But don't lose sleep over it. By simply being proactive, you can save yourself from a lot of stress and headache, and go back to having a good night's rest.
If you think you've spotted bedbugs at a hotel or motel in Florida, call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 and call the Alabama Department of Public Health at (334) 206-5300.
The Mobile County Health Department said there has been at least one complaint of bedbugs at a local hotel or motel but a list could not be made available at the time.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation confirms that two Pensacola hotels had reports of bedbugs within the past year:
- One complaint at Howard Johnson at 6919 Pensacola Blvd.
- One complaint at America's Best Value Inn & Suites at 7194 Pensacola Blvd.
Observed Live Bedbugs in Northwest Florida - Reports by County
| County | Prop. Type | Property Name | Property City | Inspection Date |
| Escambia | Motel | Howard Johnson | Pensacola | 4/27/2010 |
| Escambia | Motel | America's Best Value Inn & Suites | Pensacola | 2/19/2010 |
| Bay | Motel | Days Inn | Panama City Beach | 10/25/2010 |
| Bay | Motel | American Quality Lodge | Panama City | 4/16/2010 |
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