5 easy steps to inspect for bed bugs in your hotel

Early detection of these small unwanted guests is critical to avoiding major problems. Bed bugs have made a comeback in the U.S. in the last decade from being transported across the country with travelers' belongings without being noticed. This has allowed these pests to enter all types of properties: transportation vehicles and hubs, hotels, colleges and universities, movie theaters and libraries, retail stores, and even offices. Nowhere is safe; however, hotels remain a primary concern in the fight against bed bugs.

One common misconception is that the presence of bed bugs represents a lack of cleanliness – but that is not the case. Bed bugs can live anywhere there is a food source, and since they feed on blood, hotels make a perfect spot for them to take up residence.

Once introduced to a hotel, bed bugs can quickly infest mattresses, sofas, bed frames, and under carpet. They can also travel easily from room to room and quickly reproduce. They hide in cracks and crevices, including behind headboards, during the day and come out at night to feed on unsuspecting guests.

What hotels can do to prevent and control bed bugs 

Early detection through regular inspection is the best way to catch a bed bug problem before it blooms into a full-blown infestation. While treatments like low-impact heat treatments are available, they can still take rooms out of commission and affect your profits.

Housekeeping staff should perform daily inspections for bed bugs as they clean rooms and change linens. You can download our Bed Bug Defense White Paper for critical insights to help you and your staff learn more about bed bugs' characteristics, behaviors, and habits.

It’s essential to schedule routine bed bug inspections with a pest control professional to catch issues that your staff may not have during their daily inspections. At Rentokil, our technicians will inspect your property and come up with a tailored solution to eliminate any bed bugs. If you suspect a bed bug problem, call Rentokil to have someone perform an inspection immediately. Please note the room number and the specific location of the pest.

The infographic below illustrates five easy steps for your staff to perform a bed bug inspection. Devoting a few extra minutes to this practice will help you quickly identify any issues and continue providing your guests with an optimal experience.

Click here to download the infographic