Thousands of bed bugs are preying on hotel guests across Hampton Roads.

Health officials say they're seeing a spike in the number of cases. However, these bed bugs are not the result of a cleanliness issue. They can be brought in by people checking in, and can be taken out by people checking out.

The nasty bugs are hard to get rid of, and hard to deal with when you’ve been bitten.

"If I'm getting bit up like this, making me sick, I'm sure other people are too,” said Laquita Grimes.

Until a week ago Grimes worked as a housekeeper at a Newport News motel. but she says she quit after being bitten by bed bugs.   

Two trips to the hospital and three different medications later, Grimes is still marked by the nasty bites.

"I started getting all of this on my chest and itching real bad and I went to the hospital and they could see the little holes in my chest where I had been bit,” said Grimes.

The motel where Grimes works tells 13News they have sprayed and that the problem is now under control, but the management admits bed bugs are a problem reputable hotels and motels across the country are dealing with now more than ever.

The Health Department and city code enforcement have seen more bed bugs complaints in the last two years than ever before.

Motel managers say the bugs are hard to get rid of and as quickly as you get rid of them, a guest can bring them right back.