Bedbug Lawsuits Growing Video

Bedbug Lawsuits Growing Video Transcript

>> I'm thinking to myself i can't believe... I can't believe this. I absolutely can't believe it.

>> Reporter: Susanne igneri's bedbug nightmare started afterer her family stayed at new york's world-famous waldorf-astoria hotel. Her daughter slept on a cot and igneri says woke up covered in bites.

>> The following day i called up the pediatrician, he said "these are bedbug bites."

>> Reporter: Like that he knew?

>> He knew immediately.

>> Reporter: The igneris believe the bedbugs traveled home with them because their house became infested and they had to throw away furniture, clothing and toys. But the igneris weren't embarrassed about having bedbugs, they were furious.

>> Very angry that i thought that I was going to a safe place and i ended up in this situation

>> Reporter: The igneris are suing the hotel for $13,000 of property damage plus pain and suffering.

>> The bedbugs were in the cot. As far as i know when my client went out, that cot went out the door, too.

>> Reporter: The waldorf-astoria tells cbs news that after the igneri family complained they called in an exterminator who inspected the room and found to evidence of bedbugs. Today another family sued the waldorf, also blaming their bedbugs on the hotel.

>> It wrecked havoc on us.

>> Reporter: Bedbugs have put businesses on edge. This moving company in the bronx takes every precaution to kill these critters which could spread among customers. Have you actually had potential clients ask you "so so what are you going to do about bedbugs"?

>> Yes, it's very big deal. I so in between moves the crews heat the trucks to 120 degrees, spray down the dollies and certify their vehicles have been checked by bedbug sniffing dogs.

>> I'm not going to take a chance.

>> Reporter: The problem: The bugs have become resistant to many pesticides. They can live for a year and up to six months without food. That is your blood. Females can lay hundreds of eggs over the course of their lives. In the war on bedbugs, man is outnumbered.

>> It's going to get to warehouses, other trucks, it's going to continue in other industries as well. It's just going to happen. It's logic.

>> Reporter: You're scaring me. In the age of bedbugs, businesses are afraid customers will bite back. Jim axelrod, cbs news, new york.

>> Couric: Ugh.