Hotel Pest Problems Exposed
THE TOP 3 MOST COMMON PEST PROBLEMS
Running any business in the hospitality industry is a full-time operation. A more challenging task is to keep habitual pest issues at bay โ even the most clean and common hotels are susceptible to pest infestations. The following are most frequently found in hotels and here is how to spot early signs of potential pest problems, how to avoid and protect yourself as an owner and keep safe as a guest or employee.
Bed Bugs
A frequent turnover of travelling guests will cause an increased risk of bed bug infestations. Their appearance is like that of a tiny seed, flat as a paper sheet and visible to the naked eye. These little nasties can lay up to 12 eggs a day, which means earlier detection is crucial, before major spreading occurs.
Bed bugs latch onto almost anything and everything, such as luggage, furniture, bedding and mattresses which gives them their well-earned name โthe hitchhikers,โ as they travel from one destination to the next. If bedbugs accompany a guest into a hotel room, they often do not leave with them. A new host is found, and the ultimate spread of the travelling bedbug saga continues, which can lead to endless problems if not sorted out swiftly and professionally.
Tips for the traveler:
It would be wiser to use a flashlight during your own room inspection upon arrival. Bed bugs tend to hide in darker areas, under and in between the mattress folds, inside the bedding and fitted sheets, tiny spaces and creases between the headboard and mattress, as well as the slits and cracks in the bedside tables, drawers, and closets.
It would be wiser to avoid unpacking your bag by not laying down your clothing directly in the cupboards and drawers. Instead, place your bags onto the luggage racks and smaller tables, away from the floor. All clothing precautions would make a potential bed bug infestation less risky.
Tips for staff:
It would be ideal to spot, detect and solve any pest invasion issue before it becomes a problem. Therefore, it is imperative for housekeeping staff to be observant, especially during the daily linen change. Look out for any traces of brown marks or skin shedding on and between the sheets. These tell tail signs, together with nighttime bites would be indicators of a critter room invasion.
Furthermore, it is critical to incorporate daily preventative measures by checking the area around the bed, as well as other hiding places such as cracks in walls, tables, and chairs.
Spiders
They are often spotted in darker areas of the room, undisturbed. It is a hair-raising affair, when seeing a spider lurking in the corner and an almost guaranteed unpleasant stay when all you are consumed with is watching where those eight legs are creeping to.
Tips for the traveler:
The best possible advice is to check out the hotel prior to your stay. This is not always possible, but viewing any visible spider webs on or around the premises, may be somewhat of an indication that the same clusters may be found inside too.
Tips for the staff:
All staff members should be aware of any visible spider webs anywhere on the property. Spiders follow their prey and thus will ultimately lead to an increase in another pest activity too.
Implement daily tasks, to keep areas clear of any spider webs by vacuuming, getting rid of all standing water supply, affixing all windows and screens and by removing any signs of webbing. The only and most effective way to eliminate spiders are by means of assistance from a professional pest control service.
Rodents
A rodent infestation can not only cause a high level of destruction but can also be extremely dangerous to our health as rats and mice spread various diseases. In most instances, rodents gain access to hotels and other hospitality industries through kitchen supplies. Once the infestation has targeted your pantry, it is crucial to let the professionals handle it from here onwards.
Tips for the traveler
No matter how often or not you frequent a hotel, the best place to stay would be one without a rodent problem. Do your own research if need be and check different sites for hotel reviews and feedback comments prior to your stay.
Once you have arrived, you can conduct your own pest control inspection to ensure that your stay is free from any disturbing and noisy pests. Be on the lookout for any traces of droppings, urine stains, nest gatherings, chewed objects and nasty odors.
Tips for the staff
It is of utmost importance for housekeeping and all other departments to spot the early signs of a rodent infestation. Rodents leave evidence behind which is obvious to detect if you know what to look out for. Droppings, urine stains, and smudge marks around the room or hallways can be noted โ especially during the night when they are active and about. Possible holes that are chewed trough walls and floors may lead to other opening points that may give them easier access.
Signs of chewed packaging and paper shreds as well as nesting materials may also be found.
Not only are the visible signs something to consider, but a musky and stenchy smell would make the evidence impossible to ignore.
What can be done?
Yes, it is important to maintain your premises to prevent pests from entering, to train staff on what signs to look out for and implementing all hygiene measures. The key factor is to ensure your business makes use of a professional and reputable pest control company. Sydneys Best Pest Control specializes in areas where pests are a danger to human health and safety. We take pride in ensuring Sydney, as a travel destination owns up to her reputation in the Hospitality Industry. We aim to maintain the highest level of safety to our clients all year round.
Contact us today to assist in any questions and free quotations for your hotel and any other accommodation premises on 1300 760ย 045. One of our professional pest technicians can solve your pest problems for you effectively.
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