How Do Hotels Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Managers and owners of hotels may have to deal with bed bug infestations, with a plan of action in place for getting rid of them. Responsible hotel management will make sure that bed bugs aren’t an issue by performing regular inspections and other steps in a complete plan.

Here are steps a hotel can take to eliminate bed bugs.

Inspection of Hotel Rooms

The first step hotels should take in removing bed bugs is inspecting the rooms to determine how severe the infestation is. Look through bedsheets, box springs, and nearby furniture and flooring.

Some of the key signs of bed bugs include:

• Fecal spots – Fecal spots could be bed bug waste, and appear as thin black streaks on bedsheets and upholstered furniture.
• Shed skins – These are left behind as bed bugs molt, showing that they are growing into adults, similar to other insects and arachnids. (They will usually appear as gold-colored shells).
• Blood spots – These are dark red and are found where bed bugs have been crushed or have engaged in a recent feeding.
• Bed bug eggs – Eggs are milky white and around the size of a grain of rice.
• Live bed bugs – You can see bed bugs with the naked eye. They typically appear dark red and brown, growing to the size of around 5 millimeters, with six legs, short antennae, and a segmented abdomen that has tiny hairs.

Preparing the Room

Hotel staff should then prepare the room for treatment by reducing clutter to eliminate possible hiding spaces and to assist in speeding up the heating process. Items such as books, clothing, drawer contents, and electronics should always be sealed in bags and stored out of the treated room. Staff should also remove couch cushions and lean the mattress against a nearby wall.

All dresser drawers and closets should be opened to facilitate heating throughout, followed by pre-heating the room to 90 degrees or higher, sealing all windows to trap the heat.

Treating the Room

Heater units are placed around the bed and other areas in the room, with time to allow them to heat up. Heaters should be on the high setting until the room reaches approximately 106 degrees.

Fans are also used in heavily infested areas to circulate the heat and bring these areas to 130 degrees for 2 to 4 hours, which is the temperature at which bed bugs cannot survive.

After this is completed, hotels should apply a spray to prevent any potential future infestations.

Failure to take these steps can result in severe infestations, for which bite victims may be able to receive compensation.

Do Hotels Commonly Spray for Bed Bugs?

Many hotels have established pest control protocols and preventive measures to minimize the risk of bed bug infestations. These measures often include regular inspections, thorough cleaning practices, and staff training to identify and respond to potential bed bug issues. Some hotels also work with professional pest control services to conduct routine inspections and, if necessary, treat an existing infestation.

The frequency of bed bug treatments in hotels can vary. It depends on several factors such as  the location of the hotel, the level of diligence in prevention, and the prevalence of bed bugs in the area.

In any case, it’s a good practice for travelers to conduct thorough inspections for bed bugs when staying in hotels.

Being vigilant and taking preventive measures, such as keeping your luggage off the floor and using luggage encasements, can help reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home after a hotel stay.

What Else Can Hotels Do to Prevent Bed Bugs?

Hotels take various measures to prevent bed bug infestations and ensure the comfort and safety of their guests.

Here are some common practices and strategies that hotels employ:

1. Education and Training: Hotel staff, including housekeepers and front desk personnel, are often trained to recognize the signs of bed bugs and report any suspicions promptly. This training helps in early detection and containment.
2. Mattress and Furniture Encasements: Hotels could use protective encasements on mattresses and box springs, which can help prevent bed bugs from establishing themselves in these areas. Encasements make it more challenging for bed bugs to hide and breed.

3. Regular Cleaning and Laundering: Hotels should maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Bed linens and towels should be frequently laundered, and rooms thoroughly cleaned between guests, reducing the likelihood of bed bug infestations going unnoticed. 

4. Seam and Crack Sealing: Hotel maintenance teams could seal seams, cracks, and crevices in furniture and walls, making it harder for bed bugs to hide and lay eggs.

5. Use of Bed Bug Traps: Some hotels use bed bug monitors or traps in rooms to detect any early signs of infestation. These devices can capture wandering bed bugs before they become a more significant problem.

While these preventive measures are common in the hotel industry, it’s still a good idea for travelers to be proactive in their own efforts to avoid bed bugs.