Bed bugs are silent hitchhikers. They can hop on your luggage and take a ride from the airport to your destination. Bed bugs do not cause structural damage. However, these annoying pests feed on human blood, which can result in allergic reactions in some cases.
Managing a bed bug infestation is crucial in hospitality industries as it can lead to poor guest reviews and negatively impact your business. If you suspect a bed bug activity in your hotel, Avata pest control service can inspect your property thoroughly and help you get rid of the problem.
Meanwhile, read this blog to learn more about some helpful tips for managing a bed bug infestation.
Tips to effectively manage bed bug infestation in your Florida hotel business
Educate staff on bed bugs.
Staff awareness and training is very important in preventing a bed bug infestation. If your staff is educated and trained, they can help detect an early infestation through regular inspections and cleanings. The cleaning crew is most likely to detect an infestation.
However, other staff members should also know the protocol if a guest finds a bed bug. Early signs of a bed bug infestation include spots on mattresses, blood stains on sheets, etc. These pests can hide inside tiny crevices and cracks and go unnoticed.
Therefore, vacuuming, especially in the corners, and cleaning regularly can help you eliminate any potential problems. Also, the laundry crew should wash bed sheets in high-temperature water to kill any bed bug eggs or nymphs.
Know how to identify a bed bug.
Bed bugs are tiny insects with flat, oval bodies and generally brown in color. Detecting a bed bug infestation early is crucial to start a treatment plan. Bed bugs often release a musty odor from their scent glands. Their excrement appears as dark spots on walls or bedding.
Therefore, regular inspection and cleaning can help you detect an infestation and call a professional exterminator before the problems worsen.
As they are small-bodied, they can squeeze in the tiniest gaps and hide from your eyes. Their common hiding place is the seams of mattresses and box springs. However, other places where bed bugs can hide include behind electrical outlets, inside bed frames, and joints of furniture.
Invest in bed bug-resistant bed supplies.
One of the most effective ways to manage bed bug problems in your hotel is investing in bug-resistant bed supplies. These bed supplies are made of materials that are hard for bed bugs to penetrate. To create a barrier against these pests, consider investing in bedding encasements and protective pillows.
These encasements are made of hard materials like polypropylene or polyester and are used to cover the whole mattress. This protective layering prevents bed bugs from accessing the fabric and hiding in the seams.
By incorporating synthetic materials like leather, metal, plastic, and hardwood on your hotel bedding, you can create an environment that is less attractive to bed bugs.
Have an action plan.
Having a clear bed bug action plan is very important to deal with an infestation. By following a proper procedure, you and your staff can help prevent the spread of bed bugs in other areas of your property.
The staff must inform the management about a bed bug issue, no matter how big or small, as soon as they first notice it. Make sure to relocate guests to the unaffected rooms where no bed bug signs have been yet noticed.
Document every sign of bed bug infestation, including where the bed bugs were observed, how they got there, any stains or spots on the wall or bedding, etc. Calling a pest control service is crucial to starting an immediate treatment plan and preventing further spread.
Do Not let the bed bugs bite your guests!
You have worked hard to create your hospitality business in Florida. You would not want your reputation to be damaged due to bugs. Get pest control today!
