5 Steps to Address Bed Bugs in Guest Rooms

By Standard Textile
​This article was originally published on Standard Textile's website.

Several recent, high profile news articles have brought bed bugs to the forefront of many traveler’s minds. And while travelers fear these tiny terrors, no one loses more sleep at night over bed bugs than hoteliers. This begs the question – what can hotels do to fight back against bed bugs?

The Never-Ending Problem

While it might seem like bed bugs are making a resurgence, the truth is bed bugs have always been a problem for hotels of all sizes and tiers. In fact, a nationwide survey showed a staggering 90% of properties report having treated for bed bugs in the past. 82% say they’ve treated within the past year alone.

The True Costs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs aren’t just a problem. They are a significant expense. Research shows that a property will spend over $6,000 per incident – this equates to more than 50 nights of revenue for the average hotel room. What this figure doesn’t account for is the cost of litigation. Statistics show that nearly half of hotels have faced litigation due to bed bugs. These costs average over $17,000 per incident.

Beyond dollars and cents, perhaps one of the greatest costs of bed bugs is the negative word of mouth and loss of reputation that follows. News of bed bugs travel fast, and properties may struggle with lost customers and declining occupancy rates in the wake of an infestation.

Can you Prevent Bed Bugs in Hotels?

The sad answer is no – no matter how many precautions a property takes, there is simply no way to prevent bed bugs from entering a property. However, with the proper procedures, properties can catch bed bugs quickly and prevent large scale infestations. There are also ways to protect your investments (like pillows and mattresses) to avoid costly replacements.

How to Limit the Damage Done by Bed Bugs

​Instead of hoping to avoid bed bugs, properties should consider how to minimize the cost and damage caused when bed bugs are found. Here are 5 steps you can take to fight back against bed bugs:

1) Staff Training

​Your housekeepers and laundry staff are the front line of the battle against bed bugs. Make sure they know the warning signs and report any suspicions immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely it can be controlled with minimal damage.

2) Proper Cleaning

Ensure all linen and textile items are laundered properly at high temperatures. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for items such as curtains and upholstery to ensure they aren’t harboring pests. Finally, vacuum thoroughly after each guest using a HEPA filter to capture potential eggs or nymphs.

3) Building Maintenance

​Even the smallest crack can become a bed bug super highway. Ensure all cracks and crevices throughout the building are properly sealed to prevent spread. Repair peeling wallpaper, loose electrical outlets, and other potential hiding spots.

4) Inspections

Pest inspections are often completed on a monthly or quarterly basis by your pest control company. This is helpful, however, more frequent inspections can help you detect pests before they’ve had a chance to spread. Completing a weekly inspection of all rooms can be a powerful pest control tool. Consult with your pest control company to create a proper inspection checklist.

5) Protect your Mattresses and Pillows

One of the costliest casualties of a bed bug incident is often the mattress(es) in a room. Replacing these items can cost properties thousands of dollars. By protecting your mattresses and pillows, not only are you avoiding this replacement cost, but you are also eliminating yet another popular hiding spot for bed bugs and other pests.

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