Running a hotel means juggling countless responsibilities, and pest problems are often high on that list. Knowing which pests are most likely to cause trouble in your building can help you take targeted steps to deal with them. And no, it’s not just about bed bugs, any creature looking for warmth and food might make your hotel a welcoming home.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the most frequent hotel pests and smart prevention strategies to help protect your guests, staff, and reputation. If any of these pests are a nuisance to your hotel, consider looking into our customized pest control plans. Alongside professional solutions, use the following tips to prevent future infestations.
1. German Cockroach
You’ll usually spot German cockroaches in places with consistent warmth and moisture, such as kitchens, break rooms, and locker areas. Sometimes, they even hitch rides in employee bags or hide among shipments. Other roach types may pop up around pools or indoor gardens.
How to Deter German Cockroaches
- Examine incoming supplies carefully, especially food and linens, to catch any hidden pests. Unpack items from cardboard quickly to eliminate cozy hiding spots.
- Swap out cardboard storage for transparent plastic bins. These are easier to clean and let you check contents without opening them.
- Assign a designated zone for employee belongings to help keep any stowaway cockroaches from spreading.
- Use caulk or sealant to close up pipe openings and wall gaps that could serve as entryways.
- Seal cracks in prep areas to limit shelter options. If sealing isn’t feasible, keep those zones visible for quick inspections.
- Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Damp areas are a magnet for roaches, so keeping spaces dry makes a big difference.
2. Small Flies
Tiny flies, like phorid, fruit, and drain flies, show up anywhere wet organic matter accumulates. Troublesome areas often include garbage or dumpsters, floor drains, food waste zones, and even cracked tile or sticky bar trays.
How to Deter Small Flies
- Stick to a regular drain-cleaning routine to remove slimy buildup.
- Install drain caps that allow water flow but block flies from emerging.
- Improve airflow in kitchens to dry damp floors quickly. Use fans when possible.
- Mop floors thoroughly and store clean mops on wall racks, not on the floor.
- Dump and clean recycling bins often to prevent fermentation buildup.
- Scrub underneath prep counters and around hard-to-reach floor edges.
- Deep clean garbage disposals and remove gunk from any filters or screens.
- Schedule routine elevator pit inspections, as they can collect debris that attracts flies.
- Regularly wash out dumpster carts, especially if bags leak during transport.
- Don’t forget drink dispensers, beer taps, soda machines, and drip trays need frequent cleaning.
- Conveyor belts and food trays also need attention, even if they’re tricky to reach.
3. Filth Flies
Common house flies and bottle flies typically sneak in from the outdoors and are drawn in by odors from trash or food. Open doors, unscreened vents, and overflowing dumpsters are all major attractions.
How to Deter Filth Flies
- Keep doors closed whenever possible and install door sweeps or weather stripping for a tighter seal.
- If ventilation is necessary, fit doors with screened panels.
- Make sure dumpster pads are washed down regularly and work with your waste hauler on cleaning schedules.
- Ensure that vents have proper screens in place to block insects from entering.
- Use indoor light traps to catch any flies that make it inside.
4. Rodents
Rodents are opportunistic feeders and can show up inside or outside the hotel. Mice gravitate toward quiet, warm spaces like drop ceilings, while rats may prefer lower-level areas or attics depending on the species.
How to Deter Rodents
- Mice can slip through gaps as small as a pencil width, so thoroughly inspect and seal cracks or holes around the building.
- Keep dumpster areas neat and ensure trash containers are always covered.
- Clean up outdoor dining areas quickly. Leftover food and dirty dishes invite rodents and even nuisance birds.
5. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can arrive with guests, staff, or even on carts carrying laundry. While bedrooms are the most common spot to find them, they’ve also been found in dining lounges and communal spaces.
How to Deter Bed Bugs
- Have a pest control professional confirm bed bug sightings before taking action.
- Train your team to recognize signs of bed bugs and follow specific protocols when one is reported.
- During room inspections, check behind headboards, around mattresses, and under dust ruffles. Be sure to inspect couches and nightstands too.
- If infested items are found, bag or wrap them tightly before moving to prevent spreading the bugs.
- If discarding mattresses, mark them clearly or damage them to prevent reuse. Alternatively, use protective encasements to trap bugs inside.
- Establish a clear protocol for guest complaints, including whether to switch rooms, how long to quarantine the affected room, and more. Make sure staff are trained on these steps.
- When designing or renovating rooms, minimize cracks and avoid overly ornate furniture that can create hiding spots.
- Use vacuums or steam cleaners during treatment, and properly dispose of vacuum contents. Steam treatments require training but can be effective.
- Place detection monitors to track pest activity and measure control success.
Struggling With Hotel Pest Problems? Let Bug Out Take Care of It
Trying to handle pest control in-house can be overwhelming, not to mention the damage a single pest sighting can do to your reputation.
To ease this stress, Bug Out delivers hotel-specific pest management services tailored to your building’s unique needs. After a comprehensive inspection, our specialists design a customized plan to clear out pests and prevent them from returning.
Reach out to us today to schedule a service quote and keep your hotel pest-free.
