A bed bug incident is no simple “road bump” for a hotel’s operations. This type of issue cannot be effectively delegated away or resolved by simply paying an outside consultant. Worst of all, if you do not address the issue correctly then it may linger indefinitely, popping up in other parts of your hotel when least expected. The only way to relieve yourself of this burden is to have a streamlined bed bug prevention plan in place before any incidents occur. Implementing bed bug prevention means you can avoid constant crisis management scenarios and continue to do what you do best—manage and operate your property.
You may find yourself wondering “Why does this burden linger more than any of my other operational issues?” The main reason is traditional treatment methods, reacting to a reported bed bug incident, are unable to address the core issue underlying bed bug infestations—a few bed bugs being introduced by hitchhiking on unsuspecting guests checking into your hotel. Now, there are preventive tools such as active mattress liners that can stop those hitchhiking bugs from reproducing. This consistent 24/7 protection against bed bug infestations addresses the biggest hurdle in securing effective bed bug prevention in hospitality.
ActiveGuard™ Mattress Liners are the leaders in their class as they provide protection for a full 24 months after installation. They do not require any maintenance or repair if inadvertently ripped (they keep on working), which allows your staff to continue their workday uninterrupted. ActiveGuard can be the centerpiece of your bed bug prevention plan, working to protect the bed and, more importantly, guests with complete discretion. The liner appears as just another piece of bedding removing the likelihood of your guest jumping to any conclusions regarding the room’s bed bug status.
Your bed bug prevention plan should also include training your staff in identifying a bed bug as well as implementing a clear bed bug documentation and reporting procedure. Bed bug training is straightforward, often being conducted by your contracted pest management professional. The objective is your staff needs to be able to identify an actual bed bug and evidence of activity (e.g., fecal droppings, cast skins, blood droplets on linens). After this training, create a reporting system with an emphasis on documentation that is easy to understand and institute and does not impact the operating efficiencies of your staff. Being prepared for a bed bug incident doesn’t mean you should forget about your pest control provider—they serve an important role. Periodic inspections of your hotel for signs of bed bug activity will keep you one step ahead of this insidious pest.
Bed bug infestations are a massive financial and reputational burden on hotels affecting both staff and management. Implementing a successful and proven prevention plan will relieve you of the burden of bed bugs and allow you to better serve your guests.
Click here to learn more about how bed bug prevention starts with ActiveGuard