Pests have many different ways to get inside a building. Sometimes itโs obvious how they got in โ maybe a door or window was left open overnight โ but other times, itโs a lot less clear. Hotels have a lot of foot traffic and a lot of potential weaknesses that could allow pests to sneak in. To protect your guests, your reputation, and your bottom line, itโs vital to work with pest control professionals like the Bug Out team. Below are just a few of the ways that pests can gain access to your hotel and how you can mitigate your risk.
1. Trash Chutes and Dumpsters
Trash chutes provide a passage from the outside that pests could use to enter the building. On top of that, your dumpsters could be a perfect breeding ground for flies and a buffet for raccoons. Itโs important to secure your dumpsters with locking lids to keep pests out and clean trash staging areas โ including the trash chute โ to make them less appealing.
Make sure to keep up with appropriate sanitation in garbage disposal areas, especially during warm weather when many pests are most active.
2. Guests and Luggage
Many pests, especially bed bugs, can hitch a ride with guests when they arrive. Itโs especially common for them to ride along with luggage and settle down in your hotel.
To mitigate this risk, itโs vital to monitor rooms carefully and clean thoroughly between guests. If you suspect a bed bug presence, act immediately to prevent it from spreading; call a bed bug exterminator right away.
3. Employees
Employees can bring bugs into your building too! Bed bugs, German cockroaches, and more can sneak in on employeesโ clothing or bags.
Ensure that employees have a separate area to store their belongings for the day, and monitor these high-traffic areas closely to catch any pest intrusions early. Additionally, set policies around food storage and regular locker clean-outs.
4. Incoming Shipments
Pests such as roaches, rodents, and pantry pests can also hitch a ride on food, linens, and other shipments as they enter the building. Additionally, loading and unloading areas have a lot of traffic and are generally very open. Itโs important to keep these areas secure when not in use.
Make sure to inspect all incoming shipments very carefully before adding them to storage. Also, make sure loading and unloading areas, such as truck docks, are closed tightly when they arenโt being used.
5. Improperly Sealed Doors and Windows
Even when closed, doors and windows could have gaps that let pests into your hotel. Itโs important to keep weather stripping and screens in good shape to prevent pests from entering. Inspect these regularly โ theyโre an important part of your buildingโs pest defenses! Also, avoid propping windows and doors open for extended periods.
6. Floor Drains
Flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects can live in sewer systems and breed in standing water. Itโs important to keep drains clean and flowing smoothly; this will prevent standing water and eliminate pest harborage. If your hotel has a pool, make sure its drains are well-maintained โ and donโt forget about shower drains!
Custom Pest Management Programs for St. Louisโs Hospitality Industry
There are so many ways that pests can make their way into your hotel. You have enough on your plate already as a business owner โ worrying about potential pest infestations shouldnโt add to that. Thatโs why Bug Out builds comprehensive, customized pest control plans for the hospitality industry in and around St. Louis.
Let us help protect your brandโs integrity and bottom line. Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!
