Bed bugs are small, feed on blood, and are becoming a troublesome issue in some parts of the country. To stay ahead of the issue, the Department of Health and Environmental Control partnered with the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association for a training seminar targeting the tourism industry. The focus was on highlighting where bed bugs come from and effective ways to get rid of them.
Like thousands of other visitors to the Grand Strand, Jim and Shirley McDaniel come back year after year. Staying in a hotel is par for the course, and for the first time, the possible threat of bed bugs was on their minds. Luckily, their room was pest free.
"No itching, no nothing on the sheets, no little spots or anything. And there's all kinds of bug spray smells in the hotel, so I'm happy," said Shirley McDaniel.
Tourism and health officials hope all visitors have an experience like the McDaniels. There is not an infestation of the bugs here, but according to those who attended the seminar, there have been at least a couple of cases.
"I know we've all lived by the old adage sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite, never even thinking it would actually come to fruition, and that has taken the full circle, and we're dealing with it now," said Vicki Blair with DHEC.
Bed bugs can live up to a year and a half without feeding on blood. Getting rid of them can cost thousands of dollars, and if left untreated they can spread easily. One common misconception is that they only infect places that aren't clean.
"Most people think of soft goods. They think that that's there main issue, but they can get into pipes in the spring and lay eggs in there," added Blair.
"It's a situation where people just need to be aware both here in the industry and also visitors about what to look for and how to protect themselves while traveling," said Stephen Greene with the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association.
Wednesday's seminar focused on being proactive and encouraging those in the industry to do regular inspections. Experts say it's also up to travelers like the McDaniels to be on the look out as well.
Bed bugs do not transmit diseases from person to person.
DHEC does not do hotel inspections but if someone complains they will make contact with the property manager.
