8 Proactive Tips to Stay Ahead of Bed Bug Season

As summer travel season approaches, businesses in hospitality, healthcare and office property management should be on high alert for bed bugs. These tiny pests can quickly become a big problem, potentially damaging your business’s reputation and bottom line. Here are eight proactive tips on how to prevent bed bugs this season and keep your guests, patients and employees safe.

How to Prevent Pests This Bed Bug Season

1. Train Your Staff on What to Look For

Your team is your first line of defense against bed bugs, so it’s important to make sure they know the telltale signs. Teach them to look for:

• Tiny rust-colored spots on bed sheets, mattress tags and seams

• Small, oval-shaped bugs in cracks and crevices

• Shed skins that look like empty bug shells

Remember to encourage your staff to focus on the details during inspection.

2. Declutter and Simplify

Bed bugs love to play hide-and-seek, but you can spoil their fun by eliminating their favorite hiding spots. Keep your spaces organized and tidy. This not only makes it harder for bed bugs to hide but also makes it easier for you to spot them if they do sneak in.

3. Implement a "Lift and Look" Policy

With bed bugs, what you can't see can cripple your business. Train your staff to lift mattress edges during their daily rounds to look for signs of bed bugs. Remember, bed bugs are nocturnal, so they're likely hiding during the day.

4. Search More Than Just Mattresses

Despite their name, bed bugs settle themselves in much more than mattresses. Knowing this will better equip your staff to catch signs of a bed bug problem during inspection. Here are some bed bug hot spots:

• Headboards and bed frames

• Furniture

• Bathrooms

• Electrical outlets

• Couches

• Lounge Chairs

5. Invest in Regular Bed Bug Inspections

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to bed bugs. Schedule biannual inspections and professional bed bug treatment with a pest control professional. At Orkin, we offer comprehensive bed bug inspections, including cutting-edge canine inspections in select regions. They can sniff out bed bugs in hard-to-reach places, giving you peace of mind.

6. Educate Your Guests and Tenants

Knowledge is power in the fight against bed bugs. Provide your guests, patients or tenants with information on bed bug causes, how to spot bed bugs, and what to do if they suspect an issue. Encourage them to report any concerns immediately. Remember, early detection is key to helping prevent a full-blown infestation.

7. Create a Bed Bug Buffer Zone

If you or your staff do find signs of bed bugs, help prevent them from spreading by creating a buffer zone around the affected room or office. Close off the area immediately and don't let anyone enter until an exterminator has given the all-clear.

8. Have a Rapid Response Plan

Despite your best efforts, bed bugs might still make an appearance. That's why it's crucial to have a rapid response plan in place. Partner with a pest control provider like Orkin that offers quick, effective bed bug treatments. For hospitality businesses specifically, our Orkin Bed Bug ProAct® program provides ongoing defense, helping to stop introductions from becoming infestations.

Commercial Bed Bug Control

By following these proactive tips, you'll be well-equipped to stay ahead of bed bugs during the summer travel season. With over 120 years of experience, Orkin is here to help you keep your business safe with our bed bug solutions. Don't let these tiny terrors bug you — call Orkin today for a free inspection and let us help you sleep tight without letting the...