The Highway to Infestation: How Business Travelers Are Turning I-75 Hotels in Genesee County into Bed Bug Superhighways

In 2025, a troubling pattern has emerged along Interstate 75 through Genesee County, Michigan. Business travelers, unknowingly carrying bed bugs in their luggage from city to city, are creating what pest control experts call “bed bug corridors” – concentrated pathways of infestation that follow major travel routes. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the Flint and Grand Blanc areas, where hotels are ideally located just off I-75 close to downtown Grand Blanc and serve as convenient stopping points for corporate travelers.

The Perfect Storm: Business Travel Meets Bed Bug Biology

The resurgence of bed bugs in 2025 has been directly linked to increased travel activity. The pest’s activity is up in Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania, driven by travel. As travel, social gatherings and public activity resumed, so did the opportunities for bed bugs to spread. Business travelers, who make up 63 percent of hotel guests, are particularly vulnerable to this cycle of infestation due to their frequent hotel stays and predictable travel patterns.

What makes business travelers especially problematic for bed bug spread is their routine behavior. Bed bugs are primarily hitchhiking insects as opposed to foraging ones, meaning that they get carried around on people’s clothes and belongings. Someone with an active infestation in their home can easily bring bed bugs to their hotel, but they can also be picked up during travel. The I-75 corridor through Genesee County has become a prime example of this phenomenon, with multiple hotels reporting increased bed bug activity.

The Genesee County Hotspots

Recent reports from the area paint a concerning picture. During a recent stay in Room 304 at Homewood Suites in Brighton, travelers came into contact with bed bugs, highlighting how even well-known hotel chains are not immune to infestations. The concentration of hotels along the I-75 corridor, including Baymont by Wyndham Flint Southwest – Located near I-75 in the bustling business center of Flint Township and other major chains, creates multiple opportunities for bed bugs to establish footholds.

The problem is exacerbated by the area’s business-friendly infrastructure. Major businesses include Laird Engineering, CNX Motion, SpudSoftware, General Motors and Ascension Genesys Regional Hospital, drawing a steady stream of business travelers who may unknowingly transport bed bugs between locations.

The Hidden Danger: Why Hotels Can’t Stop the Spread

Industry experts emphasize that from a probability standpoint, all hotels will deal with bed bugs at some point in time. There’s literally nothing a hotel can do to stop them from being carried in. This reality makes the I-75 corridor particularly vulnerable, as the constant flow of travelers creates an endless cycle of potential introduction and reintroduction.

The challenge is compounded by bed bugs’ resilience. What makes bed bugs especially challenging is their growing resistance to certain treatments. Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests in the world, making them extremely difficult to control if brought into a home or hotel.

Protecting Yourself: Essential Prevention Strategies

For business travelers using I-75 hotels in Genesee County, vigilance is crucial. Experts recommend following the S.L.E.E.P. protocol: Search the room for signs of infestation, looking for bed bugs, which are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are brown and about the size of an apple seed. Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around furniture and a sweet, musty smell. Lift sheets, curtains and cushions to check for bed bugs or signs of bed bugs. Elevate your luggage onto racks and keep it away from the bed or other furniture.

When inspecting hotel rooms, pay special attention to headboards. Most hotel headboards hang directly on the wall. Start your inspection here before even looking at the bed itself. Bed bugs, their exoskeletons, and the telltale black stains they leave behind are often found around the edges of or in the crevices of headboards.

Post-Travel Protection

The journey home requires equal caution. Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and again when you return home. Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home. This heat treatment is one of the most effective ways to eliminate any hitchhiking bed bugs.

For travelers who discover bed bugs during their stay, keep as much of your clothing and luggage off the beds as possible. Storing suitcases in the bathroom might sound odd, but it’s an effective method of prevention.

Professional Intervention: When DIY Isn’t Enough

If you suspect you’ve brought bed bugs home from your I-75 business trip, professional bed bug control Genesee County services become essential. Avoid DIY sprays and limit movement between rooms. Wait for professional treatment to contain the infestation.

The bed bug corridor phenomenon along I-75 through Genesee County represents a growing challenge that requires both individual vigilance and professional intervention. As business travel continues to increase, understanding these patterns and taking appropriate precautions becomes crucial for protecting both travelers and their homes from unwanted hitchhikers.

By staying informed about inspection techniques, prevention strategies, and professional treatment options, business travelers can navigate the I-75 corridor safely while helping to break the cycle of bed bug transmission that has made this route a superhighway for these persistent pests.