Traveling with Pets Can Bring Memories — and also Unwanted Pests

Though their name is misleading, bed bugs don’t just stick to bedding. Dark corners, warm fabrics, and just about any human or animal-occupied space can be a bed bug paradise. Furthermore, in a recent article from CBS News, we learn that these resilient pests don’t even stick to the ground—they were found boarded business class on a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight, purchased through Delta Airlines SkyMiles program. Having feelings of “bugs crawling on her and that she was being bitten”, Virginian Lisandra Garcia alerted a flight attendant, in fear that her family of four was being feasted upon. They were travelling from Atlanta to Amsterdam and were only met with demands to “keep their voices down” and to “not tell anyone about the infestation,” or else they would miss their connecting flight to Serbia. But after they found bugs on their clothing and even bugs on an airline napkin—on top of being threatened—a $200,000 lawsuit was filed against Delta and KLM. The flight attendants allegedly gave the family plastic bags to carry their personal belongings. “Afterwards, the family claims they learned that the flight attendants had filed a grievance with KLM because of the infestation.” The ignorance of the issue at such a professional level shows just how invasive and detrimental a bed bug infestation can be. After landing the next day, the lawsuit claims that the four were left with harsh welts, lesions, and rashes, which are shown in these supporting photos from the article. "To this day, Mrs. Garcia has scars on her lower back where she was bitten." In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson from Delta stated that the allegations relate to flights not operated by Delta Air Lines. KLM has been contacted but has not yet made a statement. Had the airline acted appropriately and taken the necessary precautions of treating the plane for pests, a lawsuit would have been avoided, a family would have flown injury and turmoil-free, and the company name would have skipped the harsh tainting. After travelling, it is always smart to inspect your body, luggage, car, and pets for signs of bed bugs, and when you find something unwanted, call the pest control pros at SOS. They specialize in safe, non-toxic, and effective thermal heat treatment, able to treat your entire house—including inside your walls—in a matter of a few hours. With a 90-day pest-free guarantee, SOS Pest Control is your saving grace when bed bugs choose you for their in-flight snack. If you are a commercial business owner, SOS has also treated and defended countless businesses from the same fate as Delta and KLM. Bed bugs can and will invade your commercial space, whether it be a warehouse, a storage unit, a doctor’s office, or a hair salon. But SOS arrives promptly and discreetly in unmarked vehicles so you can save your company’s name. Serving any area within an hour of their headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, call SOS Pest Control at 816-237-5342 for a free inspection and peace of mind. Don’t let pests invade your space and tank your business!