Insects may disrupt your next getaway.

Richard Campbell learned this firsthand during his stay at a cozy hotel in Italy’s picturesque Cinque Terre region.

Awakening at 2 a.m., he felt the dreaded sensation of insect bites on his limbs.

“I spotted some bugs crawling on the headboard and wall,” Campbell recalled. “It was bedbugs!”

If it appears that encounters with insects while traveling are increasing, it’s because they are. The reasons are straightforward: Climate change is aiding the growth of insect populations, and travel rates are higher than ever.

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“With more people traveling, bug encounters are bound to rise,” stated Mike Bentley, the vice president of training and technical services at the National Pest Management Association.

This trend is particularly apparent with bedbug incidents like Campbell’s. Last fall, a bedbug panic swept through Paris. Infestations have also been reported in major cities such as Hong Kong and Seoul, as well as on cruise ships. (Some experts argue that these reports may be overstated and recommend not canceling travel plans because of them.)

Yet, various other insect issues could affect your upcoming travels, and it’s vital to know your rights if insects bother you on vacation.

What Should You Do if Bugs Disturb Your Vacation?

Campbell, who operates an adventure touring business, is accustomed to challenging travel experiences. However, he was uncertain how the hotel owner would react the following morning after informing them about the bug issue.

“They were shocked when they saw me and the bedbugs,” he shared. “Almost immediately, the innkeeper began berating her husband. Apparently, she’d mentioned that she disliked the previous group of travelers – and here was the result. It felt like a scene out of ‘Seinfeld’ with George Costanza’s parents arguing.”

The owners promptly took action to remedy the situation. They transferred Campbell to a different room, cleaned his clothes, provided him with medication for his bites, and fumigated the infected room all in the same day.

They even refunded his payment for the room and handed him 40 euros (around $43.70) as compensation for his troubles.

“They asked me not to post a negative review online as it could harm their business,” he mentioned.

He complied, but many others don’t. One can find numerous accounts of travelers’ misfortunes on platforms like the Bedbug Report.

Most vacationers have a meltdown at the sight of insects. They often overreact, demanding refunds along with apologies from management. Some receive the compensation they seek, while others do not. However, nothing can quite drive a person to distraction like finding creepy crawlers in their bed at night.

What Type of Insect Issues Might You Face While Traveling?

Bedbugs are not the only bugs you might encounter on your travels. Here are several other insects that travelers often deal with:

• Ants: Ants have always been a nuisance, but with increased tourism, their presence is becoming more noticeable as travelers inadvertently leave crumbs behind in their accommodations. There have been rising reports of ant problems in rentals and hotels that lack frequent cleaning.
• Bees: If you are hiking, you may come across bees. While typically non-aggressive, some bees, like Africanized honeybees, can be very territorial and defensive of their nests. “If you step on a nest, they will swarm to protect it,” cautioned Jeff Weinstein, a paramedic and medical operations manager for Global Rescue. “It’s crucial to retreat quickly to avoid a potentially severe allergic reaction.”
• Mosquitoes: Ever-present around woodlands and rivers, these pests thrive in warmer, wetter climates. “Mosquitoes pose serious health risks, transmitting diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever,” stated Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transport service. They are also known carriers of malaria and dengue fever.
• Roaches: Commonly found in vacation rentals, roaches can turn a dream getaway into a nightmare.

This list is far from exhaustive. I’ll spare you the details of my own spider encounters, including one massive tarantula that surprised me in a rental kitchen in Sedona, Arizona. As soon as I turned on the lights, it scurried away.

The main takeaway is that Traveling can come with its share of nuisances, including bugs. What are your rights in such situations? Let me explain.

What should you know about your rights if you spot an insect while traveling?

According to Keith Robinson, Vice President for pest control at expense management firm Fine Tune US, hotels often relocate guests to different rooms if they discover bedbugs.

“They might even offer you an upgraded room for your inconvenience or refund part of your stay,” he stated.

However, there are no strict guidelines for dealing with other insect issues.

For example, if you’re staying in a vacation rental through Airbnb or Vrbo and find a significant ant problem, you might successfully negotiate either a full or partial refund. Through my consumer advocacy work, I’ve seen refunds negotiated for clients. Still, specific policies or regulations for insect issues in rental properties are generally missing.

The best approach for asserting your consumer rights is to negotiate. While there may not be express rules about refunds for a rental infested with bedbugs, there could be repercussions for management. A gentle reminder of your experience through online reviews may prompt a manager or host to address the issue. If they are doubtful, showing them your photos of the insects can support your claim.

In the end, it’s best to steer clear of insects whenever possible.

Effective strategies for bug-free travel

Experts suggest that certain locations have more bugs than others.

“To minimize your chances of encountering insects, avoid beaches, lakes, or any water-related destinations,” indicated Dini Miller, an urban pest control expert from Virginia who also teaches at Virginia Tech.

This means if you have a strong dislike for insects, it may be wise to forgo an airboat tour in the Everglades or a Caribbean vacation during the rainy season. While insects can be found just about anywhere, you can make informed choices to mitigate your risk.

• Conduct a thorough inspection. “Check the area where you’re staying,” advised Eric Braun, Technical Services Manager at Terminix. “If you see any signs of insect activity, notify the front desk and request a room change.” Pro tip: Snap a few pictures of the insects you see before requesting a transfer to provide evidence.
• Maintain a tidy rental. In a vacation rental, keep things clean, especially the kitchen. During a recent summer trip to Santiago, Chile, I noticed that the moment I left food out on the counter, ants invaded. Solution: Keep surfaces clear of food.
• Avoid bringing pests home. Be aware that insects can easily hitch a ride back with you. “When I return home, I usually leave my luggage outside,” said frequent traveler Kathy Lopez from Prescott, Arizona. “I unpack my clothes, put them in a bag, throw them in the washer, and wash and dry them before putting them away. I also spray down my suitcase with Lysol before storing it.”

While you’re likely to come across a bug or two during your travels, don’t panic. Remember, you have rights even if they aren’t formally documented.

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping resolve consumer issues. He also publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site focused on customer service. If you need assistance with a consumer problem, you can contact him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.