Bed bugs are a constant worry for travelers around the county. News about infestations is “clickbait” as media outlets are aware of the public’s anxiety about these pests and thirst for stories about them. The unfortunate reality is that stories about bed bugs generate clicks and revenue at a far higher rate than positive stories about the hospitality industry. There are even dedicated TikTok accounts with millions of views highlighting the risk of getting bed bugs during hotel stays and the lasting horror they cause to the afflicted parties. Whether it is via print, social, digital or video content, unwelcome news about bed bugs spreads quickly.
The problem grows exponentially when this content extends beyond simple reports of bed bugs and expands to stories covering legal action taken by affected guests. The stakes become higher. The spotlight becomes hotter. Although a defendant—the hospitality establishment—is deemed innocent until proven guilty, the court of public opinion is much less forgiving. It is nearly impossible to erase words that have etched into the mind and public record.
As the proprietor of an establishment, nothing can destroy your business faster than the words, “Will the defendant please rise?”
Vacation destinations across the country, from Myrtle Beach to Las Vegas, are currently threatened by bed bug lawsuits. These types of stories are damaging, whether to a stand-alone establishment or a member of a larger brand. A national brand can be tarnished by a suit at simply one single location. In some cases, an entire city can incur reputational damage. Myrtle Beach harbored fears of exactly that. South Carolina Attorney Trevor Eddy has represented plaintiffs in more than 50 bed bug cases in Horry County, SC, home of Myrtle Beach. He even concludes, “It’s bad for business. Horry County itself should want to clear up this problem because we don’t want Myrtle Beach to get a reputation that it’s earning as a bed bug capital.”
Eddy pinpoints the hospitality industry’s precise problem: Many hotels ignore bed bug reports and complaints until lawsuits are filed. “Then,” says Eddy, “they fight tooth and nail.” This guarantees continued coverage.
This is precisely the wrong approach.
The best way to protect yourself from lawsuits is to avoid reacting to bed bug infestations and instead, investing in preventing them. Talk to your pest control provider about installing active mattress liners like ActiveGuard®, the leading liner used by their industry nationwide. This prevention strategy will lead to fewer “bed bug-guest” interactions and emphasize your commitment to their protection. This is the easiest way to avoid bed bug lawsuits and their fallout.
Click here to learn more about how ActiveGuard can protect your hotel from lawsuit-inducing bed bug infestations. You will immediately realize they are unrivaled as part of a robust bed bug strategy.