Located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is one of many popular tourist destinations in the state.
Of the 4.5 million tourists who travel to northwest Florida annually, 80% of them visit Destin.
The city got its start as a fishing village, and fishing remains a vital part of Destin’s economy and culture. The beaches here have some of the whitest sand in the world, due to being made of quartz crystals from the Appalachians.
But the large influx of tourists presents a hidden danger…
Destin, like so many other cities in Florida, is a breeding ground for bed bugs.
Bed Bugs in Destin, FL
Bed bugs are a problem in cities all across the United States, and Destin is no exception. These little parasites are experts at infiltrating homes, apartments and hotels.
Bed bugs aren’t picky about where they make their nests. They’re right at home in less-than-sanitary conditions, but they also live cozy lives in clean environments.
There are only 2 things a bed bug needs to stay alive…
- Semi-regular source of food
- A good hiding place.
Cities like Destin provide plenty of both, and with an active tourist culture, it’s easy for bed bugs to hitchhike into Destin through luggage.
Can You Actually Sue For Bed Bugs?
Yes, you can take legal action if you or someone you know are victims of a bed bug infestation.
You may also be eligible for financial compensation if your case is settled.
Many people who take bed bug cases to court seek payment for the following:
- Damages related to loss of wages and medical bills.
- Loss of furniture or personal property.
- Damages stemming from fear or anxiety caused by bed bugs.
Please contact us at (855) 733-9217 or submit your case through our website. We will put you in contact with a personal injury lawyer who will guide you through the necessary proceedings.
The consultation is FREE, and there are absolutely NO FEES unless your case is won.
Bed Bugs In Florida 2021
While bed bugs are a problem throughout the US, they are more prevalent in some states than others. Florida is one of these states, as it boasts a large population and attracts millions more tourists annually.
Every year, Orkin Pest Control publishes a list of the Top 50 Worst Cities for Bed Bugs. The 2021 list features 3 Florida cities: Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
What makes Florida so hospitable for bed bugs is its climate.
20% of all bed bug infestations are reported in the Southern United States, including Florida.
While bed bugs can adapt to just about any climate, they absolutely thrive in temperate environments.
Are Hotels Liable for Bed Bugs?
If you stay in a hotel and discover bed bugs in your room, the hotel is 100% liable for any stress or damages you may have to deal with.
Hotel staff are responsible for maintaining every room in the building, including conducting a thorough cleaning before a room is rented out. The presence of bed bugs indicates negligence on the part of the staff.
If you dealt with bed bugs at a hotel and plan to file a lawsuit, consider taking the following steps to support your case:
- Make note of which staff members you report the infestation to (janitorial staff, management, etc.).
- Ask hotel management to investigate any other infestations which may be present.
- If you were bitten by bed bugs, count the number of bites inflicted.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, blood-drinking insects that make their nests in tucked-away areas of a home or building, such as bedding or inside furniture.
They are found on all 6 continents inhabited by humans, and are capable of adapting to almost any sort of climate. The rise of international travel in recent decades has made bed bug populations explode, after they were considered all but extinct in the United States during the 20th century.
A nocturnal species, bed bugs come out at night to feed.
They subsist entirely on human blood, and feedings can last for hours before the bugs have had their fill. The bites they leave behind appear as red-colored welts, which typically itch within a few hours of being bitten.
How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Florida?
The most efficient way of getting rid of bed bugs is calling an exterminator. They are equipped with specialized technology that makes treating infestations relatively easy.
Heat treatments, for example, utilize heat generators that raise the temperature of a room to around 125 F. This temperature is too hot for bed bugs to handle, killing them and their eggs.
If hiring pest control is too expensive (treatments can cost upwards of $5,000), home remedies are also an option. There are a variety of methods one can use to kill bed bugs on their own, ranging from scented objects to steam cleanings.
Click here for a list of bed bug treatment options, including professional and home remedy treatments.
Get Connected With a Destin, FL Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one suffered from a bed bug infestation and can prove negligence on the part of a property owner, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Give us a call at (855) 733-9217, or share the details of your case by submitting a form. We will connect you with an attorney who will fight for your right for financial reimbursement.
Again, the consultation is free and you won’t pay any charges unless your case is won.