Shoppers Warn of Bedbugs at Rocky River Savers as Reports Date Back to January
- D Heckman
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — A Rocky River shopper’s alarming encounter with bedbugs at the Savers Thrift Store on Center Ridge Road has sparked a wave of public backlash, with customers calling for greater accountability and safety measures at secondhand retailers.
On Saturday, July 12, Jamie Lynn Natole told Cleveland 13 News she found both an adult and a juvenile bedbug on shirts she picked up; one even crawled on her while she tried it on. “I found a bedbug crawling on it in a younger stage… I had bedbugs crawling ON ME,” Natole said, describing the incident as “traumatic.”
Natole reported seeing bugs on her shopping cart, purse, and bag. She said she contacted Savers’ corporate office and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health but initially received no response. Concerned that other shoppers might unknowingly bring bedbugs into their homes, facing extermination costs ranging from $500 to over $3,000, she shared her experience on social media.
Savers Responds — But Questions Remain
After repeated requests for comment, a Savers spokesperson issued the following statement:
“Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily closed our store, which we have since reopened, to investigate a potential pest concern. A licensed third-party pest control company conducted a thorough inspection and found no evidence of any issue on our sales floor. The health and safety of our customers, team members, and communities is our top priority.”
However, when Cleveland 13 News asked who the spokesperson was, which pest control company conducted the inspection, and when the store was closed, Savers did not respond.
Community Outrage on Social Media
A Reddit thread discussing the incident went viral, with users expressing anger and concern:
u/tekkitan: “They should really close down until they have it taken care of, instead of potentially spreading them to customers...” (226 upvotes)
u/whimsyboy: “Posting on behalf of someone who works at that location: do not go back!!!! Apparently a lot of employees got bed bugs LAST YEAR and management never did anything about it.” (127 upvotes)
u/jamiestarlynn: “The district manager called me yesterday and said they’re going to treat. I asked her when. She didn’t know. You’re telling me you’re the district manager of a store with a reported BED BUG infestation and you DON’T know when the exterminator is coming?!” (26 upvotes)
u/DudeBroManFella: “I was literally going to go there later today to snag a new pair of work pants. Thank you for the heads up.” (49 upvotes)
Some users even alleged that management has ignored past employee complaints about bedbugs, while others vowed never to shop there again.
Bedbugs: A Growing Issue
Bedbugs are resurging nationwide, with infestations increasingly reported in public spaces, from apartments to libraries and public transit. The EPA and CDC classify them as a “pest of significant public health importance.” In 2023, Paris experienced a citywide bedbug outbreak that triggered global headlines and public panic.
“Bedbugs aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause stress, insomnia, and significant financial strain,” said a Summit County Public Health spokesperson. “Even the fear of infestation can disrupt lives.”
Safety Tips for Thrift Shoppers
Experts recommend:
Inspect seams and pockets for stains or eggs.
Quarantine purchases in sealed bags until they can be treated.
Wash and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid uncleanable items such as used mattresses or upholstered furniture.
The Bigger Picture
Natole said she no longer feels safe shopping secondhand. “I used to love thrift shopping, but now I feel like it’s just not worth the risk,” she said. Others online echoed the sentiment, calling on Savers to implement stricter pest control protocols and more transparent communication.
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