Hotels earn a bad reputation as silent carriers of bed bugs. It can feel impossible for travelers to actually relax in their rooms when they're constantly fretting about these small pests that can quickly jump from the comforter to a piece of luggage. Hotel owners may see a competitor's bed bug outbreak as a chance to steal customers, but some resorts are taking a different approach: They're working together. Sometimes working with your competitors is the best way to combat a problem, as West Hawaii learned when trying to deal with fire ants.
West Hawaii is home to lush resorts and golf courses - but fire ants can terrorize guests, frustrate hotel owners and create a negative impression in a sector that relies heavily on tourism. Hotels would deal with infestations on their own - but as one resident noted, if your neighbor has fire ants, you soon will to.
In order to cope, residents and 33 representatives from hotels and resorts banded together to increase awareness and education about fire ants.
"This is the first time we've had a major interest from hotels and resorts, and this is one of the largest landscaper groups we've worked with so far," Michelle Montgomery, research specialist with Hawaii Ant Lab, told West Hawaii Today. This all-inclusive approach has helped stop fire ants from spreading, ultimately creating a more positive experience for hotel owners and customers alike.
What can hotel and resort owners in a cooler climate learn from West Hawaii? Teamwork and education are both essential to keep pests away - especially during peak tourism seasons.
Hotel owners can work alongside landscapers and service staff to learn how different pests spread and the best precautions to take. For instance, to assure customers that the risk of exposure to bed bugs is low, hotels can wash sheets in hot water, as the high temperature kills them.
In addition, owners can bring in a pest management company like Abell. We can alert you to other pests - like rodents or flies - that could negatively impact the image of the resort and provide recommendations on how to keep them at bay. These preventative measures can put you and your customers at ease.
Bed bugs don't have to ruin your summer season. To learn how Abell Pest Control can help your business keep bugs away, call today to speak to one of our specialists.
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:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
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:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
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:
