Daily Archives: June 14, 2020

I just got off the phone with an Environmental Health Department investigator. I called the Health Department for the area. I spoke with the gentleman who actually inspects the Wilderness At the Smokies. There has been one report of bed bugs a number of years ago in their Stone Hill lodge building. Upon inspection, no evidence was found. After speaking with the family who reported they were uncertain it was indeed a bed bug. The last inspection was May 2014.

I want to add that when a complaint comes in the actual room is inspected plus both rooms on either side. A few random rooms will also be checked. Other than that, two surprise inspections are done each year.

Now, he said the whole building (River Lodge) connected to the waterpark is considered "condos" or "condo hotels" and they have no jurisdiction in those types of buildings. He has had a number of calls, but since they do not inspect these buildings he cannot confirm or deny these reports.

I did ask if any hotel or resort is required to report any sightings or complaints and they are not, nor are they obligated to tell a person when they ask. The extermination company that does any treatments is also not obligated to tell anyone.

He did also say that most times bed bugs will be found in the bed, under the sheets, between the mattresses, etc. Go inside the room, check the seams of the mattress for black dots or markings. Especially check around the head board. Pull it away from the wall. They can often be spotted hanging out between the wall and boards. It is not often that a room will be so infested that you will see one crawling on the curtains or walking across the walls. Not that it doesn't happen, but a number of these sightings may in fact be other bugs.

Needless to say I still feel quite uncomfortable about our upcoming stay and need to decide what to do. Is anybody itching yet? I am.

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Any local reports on Bed Bugs here? - Pigeon Forge Forum ...