No one likes encountering insects in the room where you’re sleeping, and no hotel manager or owner wants to hear that guests have had their stay tarnished by a close encounter with tiny invaders. The threat of insects is a constant concern when running a hotel, motel, resort or casino. Neglecting pest control measures can hurt the establishment’s reputation and even leave it open to legal action.
By taking the right precautions, you can minimize the chances of bugs harming your business.
Keep rooms clean and dry
“Ensure housekeeping employees are always careful about routine cleaning.”
One of the most important ways a hotel staff can keep insects out is by ensuring housekeeping employees are always careful about routine cleaning. Vacuuming bits of food from the floor and taking out the trash can go a long way to prevent insects from congregating on the property. On the other hand, neglecting regular sanitation can be an invitation to flies or ants.
If cockroaches put in an appearance, they can quickly ruin the evening for a guest. That makes it especially vital to prevent these hardy creatures from taking up residence. Roaches prefer a moist environment, so housekeeping staff must be careful to keep rooms dry and always remove damp towels.
Conduct regular checks
In addition to keeping the rooms tidy, staff should be trained to watch out for signs of infestation. They may be able to catch a problem early by inspecting under the carpeting, in ceiling fixtures and in cracks in the wall, where bugs can hide. The sooner management is aware of a problem, the sooner it can take action and head off bigger issues down the line.
Bedbugs have become an increasingly urgent concern for hospitality businesses over recent years. In a 2015 survey of pest control professionals conducted by National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, 64 percent of respondents said they were seeing more infestations, and 74 percent said they had spotted bedbugs in hotels or motels. It’s imperative for staff to stay on the lookout by:
- Checking for rust-colored stains on mattresses, sheets and seat cushions.
- Removing headboards and inspecting behind them on a regular basis.
- Quarantining any room that shows signs of infestation right away.
Watch out for the kitchen
One part of the hotel that needs special attention to avoid pest problems is the kitchen, where bugs may be attracted to discarded food or dwell in sink drains. Orkin noted that incoming packages often carry bugs with them, so it’s wise to comb over them. Follow strict procedures for sanitation and storage, including the following:
- Keep all food securely sealed in its containers, and store dry items away from walls to keep bugs out.
- Maintain a careful rotation of foods in storage to ensure you have fresh, pest-free items on hand.
- Leave no room behind appliances for bugs to hide.
- Take out the trash frequently.
- Clean floors, drains and grease traps.
Attentive cleaning practices are one way to fend off insects in hotels.Protect yourself against liability
An infestation like bedbugs in a guest room is one of the many ways a hotel can find itself subject to liability claims. It’s important to protect the business by purchasing an insurance policy that covers the unique risks associated with the hospitality industry. That’s why McGowan Program Administrators offer a Hotel Umbrella Program with limits of up to $100 MM.
McGowan uses the “Power of the Pen” to develop a policy that fits the exact needs of your establishment. That means you can maintain peace of mind even if a guest slips and has an accident, your computer system is compromised or you encounter some tiny, unwanted visitors.
