How do Hotels get rid of Bed Bugs?
How do hotels get rid of bed bugs?
Table of Contents
- How do hotels get rid of bed bugs?
- How to check for bed bugs in a hotel room?
- What are possible treatments for getting rid of bed bugs in hotels rooms?
- How to prevent bed bugs from coming back?
Hotels are under attack by bed bugs, with most hotel chains reporting bed bug cases in many of their properties. Hotels usually get rid of bed bugs by reaching out to certified pest control professionals, which provide several means to control the infestation. These methods may consist of vacuuming, steam or heat treatments, and insecticides. The insecticides are commercial products, which require specialized equipment and training. If you have multiple complaints of bed bugs in different areas of the hotel, we suggest reading this article, as we’ll cover ways to inspect, treat, and how to protect against bed bugs in hotels.
How to check for bed bugs in a hotel room?
- Closet: Dirty laundry typically gets tossed in the closet. Because bed bugs are effective hitchhikers, it’s best to check the corners and joints with your flashlight.
- Bed: This is where bed bugs are most likely to be if they are within a hotel room. Pull back the sheets to inspect the mattress seams and box springs. Small black stains are a typical indicator of their presence.
- Headboard: Use a flashlight to check behind the headboard. This will be the second most likely hiding spot for a bed bug infestation.
- Art Above Bed: There is typically an art piece or mirror above the bed. Bed bugs can be hiding behind it. Your flashlight will come in handy as you check behind the mirror or art piece.
- Seating: All sofas and chairs should be checked. Pull off the cushions and use your flashlight to detect any bedbugs hiding here.
- Outlets: Take a look at the outlets, especially near the bed. Bedbugs can sometimes hide under the plate where it meets the wall.
- Dresser: After inspecting the entire room, inspect all dresser and nightstand drawers. Go the extra mile by pulling them out.
What are possible treatments for getting rid of bed bugs in hotels rooms?
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming all surfaces of a hotel is recommended. However, since bed bugs can survive through a vacuum hose, it is encouraged that the vacuum bag is removed and sealed immediately after each use. Not only will this kill living bed bugs, but also prevent eggs from hatching and escaping back into the hotel. Keep in mind that vacuums can not get all cracks and crevices, and other methods are often needed.
- Steam or heat: Using a penetrating form of heat can be one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs in a hotel room. Heaters reach up to temperatures of 121 degrees and above. At these high temps, bed bugs become lethargic, don’t scurry away, and eventually die. This heated treatment also kills the bed bugs at all stages of their life, including eggs.
- Insecticides: Insecticides are the most common treatment for eliminating bed bugs from hotels. This treatment is performed on every surface bed bugs frequent, including feeding areas, living areas, and places they typically crawl. The insecticides come in sprays, solids, powders, and liquids, depending on the type of insecticide chosen.
How to prevent bed bugs from coming back?
According to The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), the following are suggested guidelines for the hospitality industry to follow to help combat bed bugs. A non-exhaustive list of preventive measure for hotels are highlighted below:
- Don’t allow an infested room to go untreated, the problem won’t go away on its own. Contact a pest control professional as soon as you suspect pests.
- Pay attention to guests complaining of bites or bugs.
- Staff should be trained on the identification, control, and prevention of bed bugs.
- Respond to bed bug issues as soon as possible. Show empathy, remove the infected room from services, and proceed to contact a pest control professional.
- Create a pest control plan for employees to follow in the future to be able to fix a bed bug situation immediately.