Pest control is essential for every sector, and in the accommodation industry, it is especially important. Few things cause havoc like the sight of a rat or cockroach at a hotel. Even the highest-rated hotel is at risk of pests. The problem with pests in accommodation venues is that they can affect all aspects of your guests’ stay. Pests in hotel kitchens pose a risk of contaminating food. Pests found in bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms can be extremely problematic, too. To ensure that your establishment keeps guests safe against pests (and your reputation safe against bad reviews), pest control is vital.
Pest Control for Hotels & Guesthouses
Things that accommodation venues should know about pest control include the following:
Biggest challenges
Your guests pay to stay at an establishment that is clean, welcoming and safe. With that in mind, no guest expects to have to deal with pests during their stay. Some guests may be staying for a longer holiday, while others may be renting a bed and breakfast for one or two nights. Pests pose a risk of food contamination if infestations are left to develop in kitchens. If found in bedrooms, they pose a health risk – especially in the case of pests such as bed bugs. Pests can also do great harm to reputation. Just a single bad review can have a devastating impact on future bookings. If more than one guest has problems, there is also a risk of your accommodation venue going viral on social media for all the wrong reasons.
Common pests
As hotels and guesthouses have kitchens, shared restrooms, private rooms, dining rooms, communal areas, swimming pools, and many other areas, there are many potential pests that may be found. The most common pests include rodents, cockroaches, flies, ants and bed bugs. Rats, mice, roaches and flies are most dangerous in kitchens, while bed bugs and other pests pose a health risk in bedrooms.
Recommended strategies
Start with an inspection of the affected rooms and relevant areas such as kitchens, stores and waste areas. Tell the pest-control team about guest occupancy and access restrictions so treatment and any preparation can be planned around the property. Follow-up inspections help check for continuing activity; staff should also know how to report sightings, protect food and reduce access to water and shelter.
As an experienced specialist with extensive expertise, Enviro-Safe offers a fully integrated approach made to suit your needs. Contact us to learn more about our pest control solutions for accommodation venues.
