Most common pests in hospitality properties

Hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments are a "home away from home" for both business and leisure travelers. Even the most minor pest problems at these properties can swiftly lead to unhappy customers and negative online reviews that take away from your brand's reputation.

For hospitality operators, knowing what pests are trending each month can help you anticipate and get ahead of potential problems, so we are sharing the top 10 common pests found in hospitality properties.

What are the top 10 pest issues for hospitality properties?

Managing pest issues in your hospitality facility is crucial for guest satisfaction and online reviews. Here at Rentokil, we understand the challenges you face.  While occasional invaders, like millipedes or ladybugs, might pop up, the top 10 pest concerns for hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities tend to be the following:

1. Rodents (Mice and rats)
2. Large flies
3. Bed bugs
4. Small flies
5. Cockroaches
6. Mosquitoes
7. Spiders
8. Ants
9. Birds
10. Stinging pests

Year-round pest pressure from the same culprits

Unlike some pests that come and go with the seasons, hospitality properties face consistent pressure from a core group of unwanted pests. While there is some minor seasonal variation, the same five pest categories typically dominate throughout the year: rodents, bed bugs, large flies, small flies, and cockroaches. Hotels can often attract these pests due to the availability of food and shelter, or they can hitch a ride in luggage, making them a persistent problem that requires year-round pest preventative measures.

Rodents, rodents, and more rodents

Rodents like rats and mice can pose a year-round problem for hospitality properties. They tend to be most active during the fall and winter months when temperatures drop. These pests can squeeze through small openings, contaminate food with droppings and urine, and even cause electrical fires by chewing on wires.

Rodents can also transmit diseases and damage equipment and the structure of your facility, resulting in costly repairs and potential loss of business. So, hospitality properties must have effective rodent control measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of guests.

What are the highest months for bed bug activity in hotels?

There isn't a single "bed bug season" in hotels. These blood-sucking hitchhikers can infest a property any time of year. However, some periods do see a potential increase in bed bug activity. Travel tends to rise during summer months, with school breaks, vacations, and conferences. This increased guest turnover can create more opportunities for bed bugs to be brought in on luggage or clothing. Warmer weather can also slightly increase bed bug activity levels, though they remain active year-round to feed and reproduce.

This is why a proactive approach to bed bug control is crucial throughout the year. Regular inspections, staff training, and implementing a thorough bed bug monitoring program are essential for protecting your hospitality property and guests from these unwelcome visitors.

Put a focus on small flies

While large flies are a prominent concern due to their known health hazards, small flies – a category of pests that includes what most people call fruit flies, gnats, phorid flies, and other tiny nuisance flies – are a top common pest in every month of the year. Small flies are attracted to decaying organic matter or moisture around drains, creating an unpleasant experience for guests.

Small fly issues can especially persist in bars, kitchens, and bathrooms. Having a dedicated program to address drain line concerns is recommended. These programs can include drain cleaning, grease trap cleaning, and more.

The hidden dangers of cockroaches

Cockroaches are unwelcome guests in any establishment, but for hotels and hospitality properties, they pose a significant risk to reputation and guest satisfaction. These resilient insects not only disgust guests but can also trigger allergies and asthma. Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments and can easily find harborage in kitchens, laundry rooms, and even guest bathrooms. They scurry for food and water at night, potentially contaminating food preparation areas with bacteria. Cockroaches are resilient pests capable of surviving extreme conditions, so cockroach control is crucial to protect your business. 

Tips for preventing pests

Protecting your facility and customers from pest issues is essential for any business, especially in the hospitality industry. Here are some steps that you can take to help prevent pests in your hospitality business:

1. Inspect your property regularly for signs of pest activity. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and other indicators that pests may be present.
2. Keep your property clean and tidy. Crumbs, spills, and other debris can attract pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Regularly clean up food and drink spills and dispose of garbage promptly.
3. Seal up any entry points to your property. Pests can enter through even small cracks and gaps, so seal up any openings in walls, floors, and ceilings.
4. Store food and supplies properly. Keep food in sealed containers and store it off the floor. 
5. Train your staff to spot pest activity. Ensure employees at your property know how to spot and report signs of pest activity.
6. Work with a professional pest control company. Regularly scheduled pest control treatments can help keep pests at bay and ensure your property is protected from pests.

Protect your hotel year-round

Don't wait for a pest sighting to take action. A proactive approach with a year-round pest management program can help protect your hospitality property, reputation, and guests' satisfaction.

Need help? At Rentokil, our pest management experts can help you design a comprehensive pest control strategy customized to your property's unique pest pressures and needs. Our experienced technicians can identify potential problems, implement preventative measures, and provide practical solutions to help keep you and your business protected from unwanted pests. To learn more about our pest management services, contact us today.