It can be quite a challenge to run a successful business in the hospitality industry, especially in a hotel. Adding bugs into the mix makes this task even harder. Studies show that eight out of 10 hotels have handled an infestation of bed bugs, one of the most common pests in these environments, in the past year. And that’s just one type of pest found in hotels.

From cockroaches to flies, here’s a look at the seven most common bugs in hotels. If you spot any of these in your business, call your trusted Phoenix exterminator right away. On top of the monetary costs, you could risk your reputation if word gets out about any pest infestations.

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are transferred into hotels by guests, employees and laundry carts. They most commonly gather in guest rooms, but they can also be found in bars, lounges, and dining areas. No matter where they are found, they create health implications for your guests and staff.

Bed bugs typically infest these spaces:

• Mattresses
• Bedding
• Carpet
• Wallpaper
• Cracks in furniture
• Box springs and dust ruffles
• Behind the headboard
• Clutter beside beds

While common, bed bugs are also the trickiest to spot. You can check for these critters by:

1. Pulling back bed sheets and blankets and checking the mattress and box spring seams.
2. Looking for dark, rust-colored spots on sheets.
3. Checking upholstered furniture.
4. Inspecting luggage racks for cracks and crevices.
5. Checking along the seams and edging of the mattress and box spring.
6. Looking between the wall and headboard with a flashlight.
7. Searching furniture near the bed and behind wall hangings.
8. Inspecting the crevices of the nightstand, including drawers, joints, and screw holes.

Although no hotel owner wants to find out they have a bed bug infestation, these pests are not a reflection on the cleanliness of your establishment. They often spread from person to person as they travel. Fortunately, they don’t spread disease, but they can cause allergic reactions. Train your staff to recognize and respond to bed bug sightings to prevent further infestations.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches congregate in areas that have moisture and heat, such as kitchens and pool rooms. You may also find them in break rooms, in personnel belongings, and in locker rooms. They venture out at night to feed on food scraps and decaying matter. They enter hotels through luggage or small cracks in your building, and have the ability to quickly multiply. Because they carry viruses and microorganisms that lead to serious diseases, it’s important to know how to spot signs of infestations, such as droppings that look like coffee grounds.

3. Flies

Flies are found in areas with wet organic material, such as drains, grease traps, garbage disposals, and areas with poor sanitation. They get in through small cracks and openings, often gathering near food and garbage. Remove them by:

• Getting rid of organic debris.
• Using fans to dry floors in kitchens.
• Cleaning beverage dispenser trays regularly.
• Keeping doors closed when not using them.
• Keeping dumpsters clean.
• Properly sealing doors.
• Using screens on doors.

4. Fleas

Fleas can cause irritating bites as they feed on animal hosts, including humans. They are brought into hotels on guests and their pets. They lay eggs on animal fur or feathers, or people’s clothing and sleeping areas. It may be hard to keep them out of your hotel, but you can do your part to:

• Identify the pest.
• Determine the source of infection.
• Carefully control the problem.
• Treat the infested areas.

Letting this infestation get out of control can introduce the risk of diseases from bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

5. Spiders

These pests like to hide in cluttered, dark, and undisturbed areas of guest rooms, crawl spaces, and basements. Most spiders are harmless but you don’t want them bothering guests. You can:

• Vacuum spider webs in corners.
• Remove all standing water supplies.
• Affix windows and screens.

6. Ants

Ants invade hotels through all seasons, and are attracted by crumbs, sugar and trash. Destructive species such as fire or carpenter ants can cause expensive property damage in a short amount of time. Ants also nest quickly, so getting rid of them can be challenging. Signs of an infestation include:

• Food crumbs or debris in a line.
• Small piles of dirt or sand.
• Wood shavings.
• Damp or rotting wood.
• Soft rustling sounds from the inside of your walls.

While ants do not pose a direct health risk, they may contaminate food sources.

7. Termites

Of all pests, termites can cause the most expensive damage to your hotel because their presence is often not known until it is too late. Because they chew through wood, they can compromise your building’s structural integrity. Prevent termites by:

• Repairing leaks.
• Removing wood that is touching the ground.
• Inspecting your hotel regularly.

Do you have any of these common bugs in your hotel? Don’t waste any time. Call our Phoenix exterminators right away. Contact us for a free quote and inspection at 602-338-9223.

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