One of the most insidious challenges in the hospitality industry is dealing with bed bugs. These tiny pests can quickly turn a pleasant stay into a horrendous visit for both guests and hotel staff. That’s why it’s crucial to take a proactive approach to bed bug prevention.
To keep these tortuous bugs at bay, working closely with a professional pest control operator is vital for hotel operators. Maintaining open communications with your pest control provider is essential, so they can always provide you with the latest in pest control innovation. If you or your staff notice any potential issues, such as bites on guests or evidence of bugs, you should immediately document and report it directly to your pest control operator so they can act swiftly. To do so, your pest management professional can typically provide training to help your staff recognize potential bed bug problems at an early stage. As a hotelier, you must make sure your staff is well-informed about bed bugs and how to spot the signs of their activity to achieve the fastest response possible to an infestation.
A ”reactive” approach to bed bugs, however, is not enough. The ideal approach is “proactive.” You should schedule routine inspections with your pest control operator to check for any signs of bed bugs. Early detection is crucial in preventing a small issue from becoming a full-blown crisis. In addition to inspections, you should collaborate with your pest management professional to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan tailored to your hotel’s specific needs. This comprehensive approach combines proactive strategies like sanitation, decluttering, monitoring and the requisite treatments to eliminate the pests, or at least quickly and effectively remediate any infestations.
Don’t hesitate to ask your pest control operator about preventive measures that can be implemented to minimize the risk of bed bug infestations. Active mattress liners like ActiveGuard® are the only bed bug-specific tools labeled for prevention by the EPA, outlasting the life span of the bed bug. ActiveGuard also last for two years before requiring replacement, which means they will keep working well after your pest control operator completes their treatment. Active mattress liners allow your staff to focus more on the guest experience and less on managing bed bug infestations.
By working closely with your pest control operator and taking proactive steps to prevent bed bugs, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your guests. Remember, a little prevention can go a long way toward maintaining your hotel’s reputation, keeping your guests happy and managing your bottom line.
Click here to learn more about how ActiveGuard can be seamlessly integrated into your existing prevention protocols. You will learn they are an unparalleled part of an effective bed bug strategy.