When your guests arrive, they expect to have an enjoyable stay in a comfortable, safe, and pest-free environment. As someone who oversees a hotel, or the maintenance of a hotel, it is your responsibility to see that this is the case. Our biggest suggestion? Be proactive. The worst way to deal with pests is to do nothing until an infestation arises. This blog will discuss the importance of hotel pest control.
Even 5-Star Hotels Need Pest Control
Pest control is a necessity for your hotel for multiple reasons:
- Keep your employees and guests safe
- Protect your assets from damage
- Prevent your reputation from being tarnished
First, keep your employees and guests safe–pests aren’t just frightening, they can also cause illness.
It’s no secret that pests like cockroaches and rodents carry all sorts of bacteria and diseases. If these begin to spread to your employees and lodgers, you could have a real problem on your hands. Keeping the people in your hotel safe should be your top priority. And keeping pests out in the first place is an important part of doing just that.
Second, protect your hotel and everything inside of it from the damage a pest invasion can do.
Pests can cause damage that will not only cost you time, but also money. A bed bug infestation could result in throwing out sheets, pillows and mattresses. If mice get in your basement and start chewing through wires, imagine the electrical repairs you’ll have to get done. If termites get in your walls—well, you know how that goes.
Lastly, pest control can protect your reputation from pests looking to tarnish it.
Guests who experience pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents and more won’t just tell you about it—they will tell their friends, too. They might even post a review online, diverting potential guests from staying at your hotel in the future. If you can squander pest problems before they start, you’re one step closer to giving guests the 5-star experience they deserve.
Pest Don’t Need Reservations
Commercialized areas like hotels see a lot of foot traffic. When outside doors are constantly opening and closing, pests have no trouble sneaking in. Pests could also hitchhike in on unsuspecting guests, delivery boxes, luggage and more. And once they’ve checked in, they won’t be checking out any time soon. Be aware of these pests who frequent hotel rooms, bathrooms, lobbys, restaurants, bars, gyms and other facilities.
Bed bugs
These pests are one of the biggest threats the hospitality industry faces. Bed bugs are difficult to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Check out our guide to help you thoroughly check for bed bugs.
Cockroaches
While “roach motel” may sound funny, it’s definitely not how you want guests to remember their stay at your hotel. Cockroaches will seek out the darkest nook and cranny to hide in, making them impossible to find if you don’t know where to look. What’s worse is they will multiply, and they’ll do it quickly. If you start noticing roaches, chances are there’s more where they came from so contact a specialist immediately.
Rodents
Rats and mice can cause quite the uproar at your hotel, especially if one scurries across the lobby while guests are checking in. Aside from frightening lodgers, mice and rats can quickly chew their way through your hotel, leaving you with lots of damage and a hefty repair bill. By taking some preventative measures, you can protect your hotel from rodent invasion.
Termites
Termite damage can be serious, but it doesn’t have to be. By knowing how to find and spot termite damage, you can prevent serious harm to your building in the future.
Mosquitoes
Pests like mosquitoes pose a huge threat to hotels, especially if the hotel has a fountain or an outdoor area that needs to be watered frequently. As we head into spring, the threat of mosquitoes will be more prevalent, making it necessary for hotels to utilize proper mosquito control. Mosquito bites can mimic those of bed bugs, so educate yourself on the difference in the bites so you know what you might be up against. Pests like these can sometimes be difficult to spot, and even more difficult to remove. If you begin to notice pests around your lobby, dining area and lounges, or begin receiving complaints from guests, you should consult a specialist immediately.
Pest Eviction 101
If you want the pests in your hotel to be gone and stay gone, there are two important things you should do.
Train your staff to recognize potential pest problems or infestations.
The more your staff knows, the easier it will be for them to handle pest situations quickly and efficiently. We hope that your guests never experience issues with pests in your hotel, but in the event that they do, your staff needs to know how to diffuse the situation. By controlling the situation calmly and quickly, your staff will be able to restore confidence to your guests. Training your staff will also allow them to spot potential infestations. Pests like cockroaches and bed bugs will breed and infest your hotel quickly, so be prepared. If staff members can spot and eliminate these pests before it’s too late, they will save you the nightmare of having your lobby crawling with roaches. Or worse—your guests’ bed crawling with bed bugs.
Implement a commercial pest control plan.
If your hotel doesn’t have a commercial pest control plan, it should. One way or another, pests will always find their way inside. By staying educated, alert and aware, you can prevent and control pest problems. You and your employees need to know what to look for, and where to look for it. However, implementing a pest control plan might be something you haven’t considered before, and you might not know where to start. That’s where we come in. For 26 years we have been diagnosing, treating and eradicating pest problems. We’ll treat your hotel like it’s our own, while stopping pest issues before they even start. If you’re ready to implement a commercial pest control plan, we’re ready to help. Schedule an appointment with us today!
