As summer approaches, many people are eagerly planning their vacations and getaways to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, with the increase in travel during this time of year, there is also a rise in the likelihood of encountering an unwelcome guest during your stay at a hotel—bed bugs.
Tripadvisor recently published their annual Summer Travel Index, which found that despite economic concerns Americans are traveling in high numbers. The report found that 95% of respondents planned to travel at least as much or more than they did in 2023, which is great news for the hospitality industry. Additionally, 26% of Americans plan on spending $5,000 or more on their summer vacations this year, a significant portion of which will be allocated to lodging.
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on guests while they rest. They are experts at hitchhiking and can easily be transported from one location to another through luggage, clothing or even just a person’s belongings. This means that as more people travel to different destinations, the chances of encountering bed bugs in hotels also increase.
With guests coming and going regularly, hotels provide the perfect opportunity for bed bugs to hitch a ride and spread from room to room. Additionally, hotels often have high occupancy rates during the summer months, which can make it easier for bed bugs to find new hosts to feed on.
If you’re a hotel, the best strategy for handling this spike in potential bed bug activity is to prevent an infestation from establishing in the first place. In recent years, pest management professionals have refined their bed bug strategies to focus on prevention. The key to most prevention strategies is the inclusion of an active mattress liner placed on beds and/or box springs. ActiveGuard® is the leading brand of active mattress liner, capable of stopping a female bed bug from laying its eggs. This stops an infestation before it can spread throughout the bed and to other rooms.
In conclusion, as summer travel continues to increase, so does the likelihood of encountering bed bugs in hotels. By staying vigilant and taking preventative measures, you can help protect yourself from an unwanted encounter and enjoy a worry-free vacation.
Click here to learn more about how ActiveGuard mattress liners can protect your hotel from infestations. You will immediately realize they are unrivaled as part of a robust bed bug strategy.