Key Takeaways:

    • Seal any small holes, cracks, or openings larger than a dime to stop rodents and pests from getting inside.
    • Create a thorough cleaning schedule that promptly disposes of the crumbs, grease residue, and food spills that pests rely on. 
    • Repair leaking pipes quickly and consistently clean drains to prevent standing water and organic buildup that pests take advantage of.
    • Ensure both indoor and outdoor trash bins are tightly sealed, and placed away from guest entrances when possible.
    • Keep nearby shrubs and tree branches under control to prevent them from touching the building and letting pests inside. 
    • Train all staff members to spot pest infestation warning signs, especially in common “hot spots” such as headboards, floor mats, and storage areas.
    • Reach out to a pest control expert to receive consistent service.
    Unfortunately, pests often find their way into hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging establishments. All it takes is one pest sighting to suddenly receive guest complaints, negative reviews, and long-lasting damage to your business’s reputation. For businesses in the hospitality industry, taking a moment to learn which pests are most likely to cause problems is the first step toward preventing future issues. By staying aware of what to look out for, you can keep minor concerns from developing into larger issues that impact guest satisfaction. Keep an eye out for these ten pests commonly dealt with in hospitality properties:
    1. Rodents (especially mice and rats)
    2. Flies
    3. Bed bugs
    4. Cockroaches
    5. Mosquitoes
    6. Spiders
    7. Ants
    8. Birds
    9. Stinging insects
    10.  Fleas

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    Expert Guidance for Preventing Common Pest Problems in the Hospitality Industry

    Pest control should be a high priority for any hospitality business. Guests expect to be staying in clean and comfortable rooms, so even a small pest sighting can quickly turn into customer dissatisfaction or negative online reviews. Hotels, motels, lodges, and resorts are at constant risk of pest issues because of the frequent movement of people, food, and waste.

    Consider the following strategies to lower the risk of pest activity for your business.

    #1) Rodents

    Hotels entice rats and mice thanks to the perfect environment they provide. With constant foot traffic, easily accessible food sources, and a warm interior, many rodents wander indoors looking for resources.

    Tips to Prevent Rodents in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses:

    • Seal small gaps: Thoroughly inspect your building for cracks, gaps, and other openings, no matter how small. Mice can enter holes as small as ¼ inch, and rats aren’t far behind, fitting into gaps as small as a quarter.
    • Keep dumpster areas tidy: Ensure all waste areas are consistently organized and dumpster lids are secured tight.
    • Clean food spills promptly: Remove any scraps of food, dirty dishes, and spills from your indoor or outdoor dining areas as quickly as possible.
    • Review your professional pest control plan: Sign up for frequent inspections to identify new rodent activity before it becomes a bigger issue, and receive up-to-date exclusion options.

    #2) Flies

    Flies might seem like a small nuisance, but they’re a source of concern for hospitality businesses. Along with irritating guests, they frequently spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces.

    Tips to Prevent Flies in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses:

    • Routinely clean drains: Always remove any organic buildup and use insect-blocking drain covers to prevent flies from emerging.
    • Prevent moisture on the floor: Use fans to dry floors and cracks, and lift floor mats after any water-based cleaning to prevent the damp environments where flies breed.
    • Sanitize trash bins: Frequently empty recycling bins and make sure dumpsters stay clean. Replace garbage bins regularly to reduce residue buildup.
    • Let cleaning tools dry: Mops should be hung on racks after use, so they can dry fully.
    • Inspect problem areas: Garbage disposals, elevator pits, and other spaces that are often overlooked should be cleaned on a regular basis.
    • Prevent unnecessary openings: Keep doors closed when possible and attach weather stripping or protective screens to stop flies from entering.
    • Look out for screen ventilation issues: Make sure all vents stay properly covered to block out potential pest issues.
    • Stay updated on new fly prevention strategies: Contact a pest control expert to learn about new and effective fly treatments.

    #3) Bed Bugs

    Bed bugs are a major concern in the hospitality industry due to the fact that they can spread easily between guest rooms and luggage. Letting an infestation go unchecked creates serious operational disruptions and legal concerns.

    Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Train staff: All employees should learn how to identify bed bugs in important areas such as mattresses, headboards, and upholstered furniture.
    • Keep sheets sealed: Before transporting bedding and linens from rooms, put them inside a sealed bag to prevent pests from getting into the rest of the building.
    • Formalize your procedures: Ensure you have clear policies for handling guest complaints, room transfers, and “out-of-service” timelines while scheduling treatments.
    • Use proper cleaning methods: Vacuum every corner and dispose of the contents immediately after use in a sealed bag. Use professional steam equipment only after receiving the proper training.
    • Partner with bed bug exterminators: Reach out to a professional bed bug control provider who can install monitoring devices and evaluate the success of current treatment efforts.

    #4) Cockroaches

    Cockroaches notoriously cause strong reactions from many guests. American and German cockroaches, which are commonly found in Wisconsin, carry harmful bacteria and diseases and can be difficult to remove.

    This serious risk of contamination makes cockroaches a serious concern for any property, especially hotels and hospitality businesses.

    Tips to Prevent Cockroaches in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Don’t give them food sources: Thoroughly remove grease, crumbs, and spills, especially beneath appliances or in other hidden areas. Store all food in airtight containers, and don’t leave them out during the night.
    • Keep waste organized: Use trash bins with secure lids and empty them as frequently as possible. Keep dumpster areas clean and away from the main building.
    • Eliminate potential moisture issues: Repair any plumbing issues quickly and prevent standing water from forming beneath sinks or inside bathrooms.
    • Seal small gaps: Close up any cracks around doors, windows, and utility pipes with caulk or weather stripping.
    • Inspect packages: Examine anything brought into the building, including deliveries and packages, for pests that may be hiding before bringing them inside.

    #5) Mosquitoes

    Mosquitoes spread rapidly during the summer, especially when they find a source of standing water. Use these simple prevention steps to reduce the amount of mosquito activity around your property.

    Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Prevent stagnant water: Frequently empty containers such as buckets, planters, or equipment pieces that often hold rainwater.
    • Always run water features: Let ponds and fountains circulate consistently to prevent standing water. Consider implementing mosquito-eating fish or approved larvicides into water systems.
    • Clean gutters consistently: Remove built up water from the inside of gutters, which is often caused by clogged drainage systems.
    • Get a professional examination: Pest experts can determine the best mosquito control treatments for your property, especially around pool areas and outdoor patios.

    #6) Spiders

    Spider activity often means there’s another pest issue you might not see, as spiders are always chasing their food sources. To properly eliminate a spider infestation, you must determine which primary infestation is occurring, which could include ants, flies, or cockroaches.

    Tips to Prevent Spiders in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Address other pests: Removing other insects such as ants and flies prevents spiders from finding the food that makes them want to stick around.
    • Change outdoor light bulbs: Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which don’t attract as many insects compared to traditional lighting.
    • Clean every corner: Vacuum near corners, windowsills, and furniture edges to remove potential webs and egg sacs.
    • Keep landscaping maintained: Cut back any trees or shrubs touching your building to reduce their ability to enter.

    #7) Ants

    Ant infestations are common when a property gives them easy access to food or moisture. Hotels and resorts hold a consistent supply of food that ants love to take advantage of.

    Tips to Prevent Ants in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Store food tightly: Keep food contained in sealed, airtight containers and clean food or drink spills immediately.
    • Fix moisture leaks: Repair any leaks and implement ventilation in damp areas where possible.
    • Clean consistently: Clean out any crumbs in or near cabinets, appliances, and kitchens
    • Clear a boundary around the building: Keep all landscaping trimmed and away from walls, and remove any debris near the property.

    #8) Birds

    Birds nesting near hotels can cause disrupting noises, health concerns, and property damage. Whether they’re interrupting your relaxing atmosphere, spreading pathogens, or causing structural damage with their nests, you do not want your hotel to be susceptible to birds..

    Tips to Prevent Birds in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Implement visual deterrents: Put up reflective tape or decorative predators to discourage birds from landing near the property.
    • Manage garbage carefully: Make sure all food scraps and trash are placed in sealed garbage bins that don’t let birds disrupt them.
    • Trim bushes and trees: Reduce potential nesting areas near the building by keeping plants well maintained.
    • Clean up bird droppings: Getting rid of the scent markers birds leave behind discourages more birds from entering the area.
    • Look into physical deterrents: Contact a bird control expert to learn more about the recent advancements in long-term protection.

    #9) Stinging Insects

    Wasps and hornets are more than a small pest, they’re a serious safety concern for guests and staff. Stinging insects are dangerous to many people, especially those with allergies. Taking proactive measures against stinging insects is an important step to keep your business safe.

    Tips to Prevent Stinging Insects in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Inspect the building for nests: Create a schedule for routinely checking eaves, wall voids, and attic areas for new or developing wasp nests.
    • Seal cracks: Close small gaps where insects could build nests inside of the wall.
    • Prevent sugary attractants: Keep garbage bins sealed and clean up sugary spills or crumbs as fast as possible.
    • Remove outdoor attractants: Don’t leave pet food outdoors and prevent water from being left standing.

    #10) Fleas

    Fleas can be difficult to detect and eliminate, especially in popular or large hotels. Thanks to their durability and habit of biting, they’re a common problem for many in the hospitality industry. Once an infestation begins, it can be extremely difficult to get back under control, so prevention is very important. Receiving routine, commercial flea extermination treatments is strongly advised.

    Tips to Prevent Fleas in Hotels and Hospitality Businesses

    • Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum all carpets, upholstery, and cracks, and dispose of vacuum bags as soon as you’re done.
    • Control nearby landscaping: Keep property lawns trimmed and trim plants near entry points regularly.
    • Wash bedding at high heat: Wash all linens or bedding with hot water and dry on high-heat to help eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
    • Deter wildlife and rodents: Seal up potential entry points that would allow flea-carrying animals to be near or inside of the building.

    Looking for Pest Control in the Hospitality Industry?

    Pests are a common issue for hotels, but that doesn’t mean guests will allow them to stick around. Even a single sighting, depending on the pest at hand, is likely to result in negative reviews and potentially permanent damage to your company’s reputation.

    Consistent cleaning and preventative steps may be a good first step, but professional pest control is the best way to get an extra layer of protection. Our experienced technicians will design customized prevention plans for your business and respond quickly if pest issues do occur.

    Reach out today to schedule a pest evaluation for your property to make sure your guests want to keep coming back

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