In a world where a few bad reviews online can spell the end of a business, pest control is more important than ever for hotels and resorts. Bed bugs are the most talked about problem for the hospitality industry, but there's more to pest control than simply washing the sheets thoroughly. Without an system in place, one instance of a pest infestation can easily get out of control. Here are a few tips for managing pests at hotels and resorts.
Problem bugs
The government of Connecticut reported that 95 percent of people looking for a hotel will avoid an establishment if bed bugs are mentioned in reviews for the property. With stakes too high, it is imperative to stop any pest problems before they happen. The source suggested training housekeeping staff to identify the signs of a bed bug infestation. The sooner you can spot the issue, the sooner you can call a professional pest control company for help. Some hotels even use specially trained dogs to inspect rooms for bed bugs.
Integrated Pest Management
There's no better way to prevent bug infestations than by using an integrated pest management solution. The University of Arkansas noted that a combination of control and prevention methods can drastically reduce bug problems. An IPM means having a system in place that is designed to not only stop infestations as they happen, but to prevent them from occurring at all.
This starts with cleaning. Housekeeping staff members should understand the importance of thorough cleaning. Bedding should be washed with hot water and it should be changed regularly, even if the same guests are staying in the room for an extended period of time. Special attention should be paid to areas of the property with water and food. Leaky pipes and standing water are big attractors of bugs and should be remedied immediately. Kitchen areas should always be kept clean and trash should be removed several times a day. Likewise, trashcans and dumpsters should be kept well away from the building to prevent bugs from entering the building.
The grounds outside the hotel itself should also be monitored for insects. Consider hiring a professional pest control company to spray around the outside of the building, as this will prevent bugs from coming in through tiny cracks in the foundation.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
With the promise of summer also comes the promise of bugs. Homeowners have to stay vigilant, lest they find ants - or worse - rifling through their food.
You might've heard that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. If the worst should happen and the world succumbs to nuclear war, the cockroaches would reign supreme as the one and only organism left on earth. This hardly seems fair - consider how much time humans have spent trying to control cockroach populations. You might've chased one of them out of the bathroom this morning! So, if they really can withstand a nuclear blast, what chance do we have of managing cockroach infestations at home?
