UNION CITY, Ga. — A Union City mother told Channel 2 Action News that she came home to find her daughter covered in bedbugs.
The family lives at an extended stay motel and Schlendia Robinson told Channel 2’s Nicole Carr she can’t afford to move.
A manager at the motel told Carr he's aware of this case but believes the woman or her guests may have brought the critters in.
Robinson and other residents said they're being blamed for a mattress issue that existed before they checked in.
“If I could stay somewhere else I would. I don't want to be here,” Robinson told Carr.
Robinson moved her five children into the Union City Extended Stay motel last month after the family lost its home due to financial issues.
“I work two full-time jobs to be able to stay here,” Robinson said.
When she saw the marks all over her 3-year-old daughter, she thought they may have come from playing outside.
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Last week, Robinson said, when she pulled the covers and mattress pads back on her daughter’s bed, she found the bugs.
“And that's when they were out all over my daughter's face," Robinson told Carr.
The Robinsons and other residents told Carr they've been transferred to other rooms.
Carr found several old mattresses being aired out but the hotel management is refusing to take responsibility for the bugs.
“Did they suggest that you all brought them as well?” Carr asked another resident.
“Oh yes! I was informed that I brought them in, but I said, 'Wait a minute. I'm too clean-natured. I don't do bugs, so why would you say that?’" the resident told Carr.
Carr spoke with a manager who wouldn't rule out the possibility of the guests bringing the bugs in.
He said legitimate complaints get residents moved to new rooms while they perform pest control, but there's no offer of reimbursement and he said he's unaware of past outbreaks.
Residents have forwarded complaints to the Fulton County Health Department, but records were not immediately available.
People who say they don't have many residential options are now looking for a quick solution to the bedbug problem.
“My daughter is swollen. She's been scratching. She hasn't been able to sleep comfortable. I need to understand what's happening. How could you guys allow this to happen?” Robinson said.
Urgent care medical records confirm that Robinson’s daughter is dealing with a bedbug issue.
A friend set up a GoFundMe page if you would like to help.
If you're afraid you might have a bedbug issue, the Fulton County Health Department has some ways to help get rid of them.