Bed bugs more than an irritation

01 September, 2008

The risk of bed bug infestations can be much more than an irritation to the hospitality industry in Australia.

“Warmer temperatures in spring and summer will see a rise in the possibility of bed bug infestations in tourist and business accommodation, and your guests are your biggest culprits when it comes to spreading them around,” says Peter Lamond, Field Biologist with Rentokil Pest Control.

Bed bugs are easily and generally carried in people’s luggage or clothing, so no matter how clean your rooms and bedding are, constant vigilance is the only way of keeping a lid on them, according to Mr Lamond.

With the huge numbers of travellers moving from place to place, the risk of bed bug infestation now is worse than ever.

“A major problem is the lack of knowledge by hotel staff on how to identify bed bugs or recognise the signs that they are present. And once a major infestation occurs it is a significant cost to remove them, not only in the treatment, but in loss of bookings and possible loss of reputation,” said Mr Lamond.

Rentokil Pest Control can provide advice about identifying and managing bed bugs, as well as training to help hotel staff spot the early signs of bed bugs – where to find them and what to look for.

Bed bugs can be readily found in all parts of beds and bedding including:

• mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets; but also they can be found in:
• bed bases and headboards;
• any timber crevices such as skirtings;
• and even inside power points.

Live insects are not always the first warning as they are fast moving and nocturnal by nature.  Signs of their presence include:

• small bloodmarks on sheets or mattresses
• faecal pellets
• a distinctive smell

“Of course, there are also complaints from guests who have been bitten by bed bugs and even possible litigation if the problem is serious,” said Mr Lamond.

Bed bugs are bloodsuckers. During the day they hide and at night they emerge to feed on their ‘host’.  A female can lay 200-500 eggs in her life, which take between seven and 30 days to hatch.  Adults can live up to a year and survive several months without a ‘feed’.

“Even the best run and cleanliness-conscious facility can be infested by any unsuspecting guest, so thorough, regular inspections by housekeeping staff and others are most important,” said Mr. Lamond.

“Once a major infestation occurs, any proper treatment will close down that room for up to two weeks – so imagine the cost to your business if several rooms are infested?”

Released for Rentokil Pest Control - for further information:

Eva Suminska, Marketing & Communications Manager, ph (02) 8719 6138