Bed Bugs In Hotel Rooms: What You Should Be Looking For

It’s no secret bed bugs are a threat to the hospitality industry. Ongoing guest turnover means it’s not usually a matter of if an infestation will happen, but when. And bed bugs aren’t the only critters attracted to hotels and motels — cockroaches, ants and even rodents can find their way inside your property if left unchecked.

With that in mind, it’s important to know how to check a hotel for pests. Once your maintenance and housekeeping staff know where to look, they can identify signs of pest activity and alert you to any issues.

Here are a few simple tips to help prevent pest problems in guest rooms:

• Ask housekeeping staff to keep an eye out for conditions that may attract pests – such as spilled food and drinks left uncleaned by guests, loose-fitting window screens or window screens with holes, and cracks and crevices that have not been sealed – and report them to maintenance immediately.

• Remove headboards and inspect behind them for bed bugs every six to 12 months.

• Train housekeeping staff to inspect for tiny, rust-colored stains indicative of bed bugs on mattress tags and seams, and under seat cushions during regular room cleanings.

• Quarantine bed bug-infested room(s) and any adjoining rooms immediately for treatment.