I hope other states take the NH lead–residence by residence–guest-house by guest-house if need be, to: a) proactively protect the premises BEFORE any possible infestation occurs, and b) keep up using preventative methods—not necessarily just poisons–to do so.
I’d put money down on a bet that you’ve already taken the time to read our growing work-in-progress FAQ’s on the bed bugs. Our ever growing do’s and don’t s FAQ’s and the info on the pest itself is fascinating, yet those dirty little disease carrying pests still seem to be spreading tenfold over the continent. “The first quick fix idea panicking people choose, should they be unfortunate enough to have found Bed bugs on their premises are likely to be the wrong or a bad idea. But you, Paula, you have:
“GOOD BED BUG KARMA.”
Should I ever have the need to visit your lovley state again, you’ll be the first to know!
Thanks for your positive inspiring note!

WILLOW

I think everyone here is glad to hear of guesthouse owners, hotel managers, and landlords who wish to deal with the problem swiftly.

I think that’s key, and I also believe that courts would consider seriously if you had records of having bee proactive about treating and using preventative measures (especially regular professional inspections). I think inspecting carefully is important.

Landlords and hotel owners can be victims of guests bringing pests in, but you have to train staff to spot signs and you need regular PCO inspections. If you’re doing those things, I don’t think a court will fault you.

You also have to understand that people who pick bed bugs up in a hotel are even bigger victims than you, the hotel owner: they spent a night in your lodgings and may have paid you so they could take the bugs home and create a full infestation. So hotel staff have to act preventatively, hotel guests have to do their part, but no one can pass the blame entirely on another.

And, as I am sure you’re aware, there are hotel owners and landlords who don’t do anything proactive, and in fact ignore problems once they are pointed out. Some of the most publicised lawsuits have exposed hotel managers who knew a room was infested and did nothing, and even rented the room. When a guest complains of 100 bites, and there’s evidence in the room to prove they could not have brought in such a massive infestation (the day before), then one has to wonder if previous guests did not also complain about the same rooms.

With landlords and hotel managers, there’s a big difference between responsible and irresponsible management, and I think you can’t generalize about these things. If you are being responsible and proactive and acting to prevent the problem, you will hold up better in court, should you ever have the misfortune of a bed bug lawsuit.

People want to carry on putting poisons downs to kill them even there is no more sign of them. You don’t know who is going to walk in your house with them.