If you run a hotel, you know what a challenge it can be to ensure success. The hospitality industry, after all, is a fickle one and requires constant attention. Your job is made even harder when bugs are introduced into the chaos. Bed bugs are the most common. With recent studies showing that eight out of 10 hotels have been faced with an infestation of bed bugs, you can see how dire this situation can be.
However, there are many other bugs that can be spotted in hotels, from cockroaches to flies. Take a look at the bugs you’re most likely to encounter in a hotel. If you are dealing with any of these, call a Phoenix exterminator right away. Controlling an infestation is not only expensive, it can damage your reputation if people find out.
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs get into hotels in the first place by guests, laundry carts, and employees. They’re most commonly found in guest rooms, but bars, lounges, and dining areas are not immune to their presence. No matter where you spot them, they result in severe health implications for your guests and staff.
Bed bugs like to invade these spaces the most:
- Cracks in furniture
- Mattresses
- Bedding
- Box springs and dust ruffles
- Carpet
- Clutter beside beds
- Wallpaper
- Behind the headboard
2. Fleas
As they feed on animal hosts, including humans, fleas can cause irritating bites. Carried into hotels on guests and their pets, fleas lay eggs on animal fur or feathers. They can also lay them on people’s clothing and in their sleeping areas. As a hotel owner, you should do the following to reduce the risk of disease from bacteria, parasites, and viruses:
- Identify the pest.
- Determine the infestation source.
- Contact a pest control company in Phoenix.
- Control the problem.
- Treat infested areas.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches gather where there is moisture and heat (i.e., kitchens and pool rooms). They also like to hide in break rooms and locker rooms, as well as in personnel belongings. They come out at night to feed on decaying matter and food scraps. They get into hotels by hitching a ride on luggage or through small cracks in the building. They multiply quickly and carry viruses and microorganisms that could cause serious diseases.
4. Flies
Flies flock to wet organic material, such as grease traps, drains, garbage disposals, and areas of poor sanitation. They enter through small cracks and openings, drawn to food and garbage. Here’s how you can remove flies:
- Remove organic debris.
- Clean beverage dispenser trays regularly.
- Use fans to dry floors in kitchens.
- Keep doors closed when not using them.
- Properly seal doors.
- Use screens on doors.
- Keep dumpsters clean.
5. Spiders
Spiders are drawn to cluttered, dark, undisturbed areas of basements, guest rooms, and crawl spaces. While most are harmless, they shouldn’t be bothering guests. To get rid of them, you can:
- Remove all standing water.
- Vacuum spider webs in corners.
- Fix windows and screens.
6. Termites
Termites are the most destructive and expensive pests to allow into your hotel. You often don’t even know they are there until your building’s structural integrity has been compromised. Prevent termites by:
- Inspecting your hotel regularly.
- Repairing leaks.
- Removing wood that touches the ground.
7. Ants
Ants invade hotels any time of the year, attracted by trash, crumbs, and sugar. Fire or carpenter ants are particularly destructive, causing expensive property damage very quickly. They may not pose a direct health risk to occupants, but they can contaminate food sources.
Signs of an infestation include:
- Small piles of dirt or sand.
- Food crumbs or debris in a line.
- Wood shavings.
- Soft rustling sounds inside walls.
- Damp or rotting wood.
Contact Frontino Pest Co.
If you have come across any of these common bugs in your hotel, don’t waste time in calling our Phoenix exterminators. Contact us for a free quote and inspection at 602-338-9223.