Hotel Pest Control

Ask any traveler what their number one pest fear is when staying in a hotel and they will most likely answer “bed bugs”. This is a very common and real concern for both travelers and hotel owners. Hotel Pest Control is a process that involves cooperation between the hotel ownership, staff, and pest control professional.

Common Pests in Hotels

• Bed Bugs
• Roaches
• Rodents
• Nuisance pests like flies and ants

Bed Bugs in Hotels

The average hotel has hundreds, if not thousands, of travelers that come and go every year. By simple probability alone, a hotel is bound to have a bed bug introduced into their facility at some point. How the hotel reacts to that introduction is what makes the difference.

Hotel Bed Bug Training

The first step in any hotel bed bug program is training. Hotel staff need to be trained to look for evidence of bed bug activity in the rooms. This is especially important for the housekeeping staff. The housekeeping staff is the first line of defense against bed bug infestations. As they are changing linens and bedding, the housekeeping staff should be looking for evidence of bed bugs.

We offer extensive training to our hotel clients because we believe that first detection and identification is critical. Our training is included in our pest service plans.

If you want to know more about bed bug signs and evidence, you can check out our bed bug page here.

Hotel Bed Bug Protocol

Once evidence of bed bugs have been confirmed in the hotel, a bed bug protocol should be followed. This hotel bed bug protocol will vary by hotel and by pest control company. Here is a sample of a bed bug process once evidence has been found.

• Isolate the infested room so the infestation is not spread room to room.
• Housekeeping should remove the bedding and linen and place in a sealed plastic trash bag.
• Housekeeping should keep the bedding and linen separate from other bedding in the hotel. This infested bedding should be washed and dried on HIGH heat by itself.
• The pest control company should be notified so that a bed bug treatment can be scheduled.
• The pest control company should treat the infested room as well as the rooms on either side of the infested room. The room across the hall as well as the room above and below the infested room should also be checked and treated if necessary.
• The pest control company should inspect any common area, laundry room, and elevator and treat if necessary.
• Depending on the preference of the pest control company, they may treat the hotel bed bugs with chemical, heat, or a combination of both.
• You can find out more about our bed bug treatment process here.
• Room should not be occupied until the bed bug issue has been resolved. This may take a few follow-up visits to exterminate the hotel bed bugs.
• A tracking and record sheet should be kept to track bed bug treatments in rooms.

Hotel Bed Bug Treatments

Depending on the size of the hotel and frequency of bed bug issues will determine the type of bed bug treatment used. Some hotels opt to purchase very expensive heat treatment equipment so that they can begin bed bug treatments immediately. Other hotels hire pest control companies to treat and inspect for bed bugs. Both of these options are great.

Some hotels, however, try to treat the bed bug issue themselves. This often results in the use of sprays and “bombs” which do not resolve the bed bug problem. In fact, oftentimes the bed bug problem becomes much, much worse. This results in the bed bugs being found in multiple rooms on multiple floors. The monetary loss due to not renting the rooms combined with a bad reputation often causes these hotel owners tens of thousands of dollars.

Where to look for bed bugs in hotels

When I stay at hotels I always check the bed for bed bug activity BEFORE I unpack and get settled. The first thing I do is place my suitcase in the tub and inspect the bed, bedding, and headboard. If I see live or dead bed bugs, or bed bug excrement, I’m out of there.

You can learn more about where bed bugs like to hang out by clicking here.

Want to prevent taking bed bugs home? Check out this article here.

Does this hotel have bed bugs?

With so many people coming and going out of a hotel every year, they are bound to have a bed bug introduced at some point. The difference between a few rooms having bed bugs over the course of years versus the entire hotel having bed bugs is huge. There are a few registries that you can check out to see if your hotel has bed bugs. Remember, that a bed bug can be gotten anywhere, it’s how the hotel responds that counts.

• Bed Bug Registry
• Bed Bug Registry

Roaches in Hotels

Another pest commonly found in hotels are cockroaches. These pests are synonymous with moisture, filth, and poor hygiene. With such a bad reputation, it is easy to see why hotels do not want a roach infestation.

Most of the roach issues we find in hotels are found in 3 areas:

• Kitchen
• Basement
• Pool Area

In all three of these areas, there is moisture and warmth present. Roaches are carriers of many diseases and should be treated by a pest control professional. Bug “bombs” and fogs usually scatter the roaches and make the infestation much worse.

To learn more about roaches and roach treatments, check out our roach page here.

Hotel Rodent Control

Rodents and mice in hotels usually hang out in the same areas as the roaches. Basements, kitchens, common areas, and utility rooms are prime areas to inspect for rodent infestations. Just like roaches, rodent activity is a sign to the visitor that this hotel is not clean. Rodents are known to carry disease and they can contaminate food with their droppings and urine.

Rodent Control in Hotels

When dealing with rodents in hotels, the health and safety of the public is of top priority. Placement of rodent bait or other control devices MUST be placed out of reach and view of the guests staying in the hotel. Always follow the directions labeled on the rodent bait before applying. A professional pest control company should handle your rodent issues as part of their normal service plan.

You can find out more about rodent control here.

Hotel Pest Service Plans

Hotel Pest Control service plans are critical in identifying and preventing insect and pest infestations. Our hotel service plans include inspecting and treating a certain number of rooms every month. If no issues are present, rooms are inspected or treated on a preventative basis. By the end of the year, every room should be inspected whether it had a pest issue or not. A detailed tracking and inspection sheet should be maintained on site.

With so many people coming and going out of hotels every year, introduction of pests is inevitable. Preventing infestations is what the goal should be for any hotel pest control plan. Training, Communication, Treatment, and Tracking are the keys to an effective hotel pest control program.

Hotel Pest Control Chester County

We offer hotel pest control and exterminating services in Chester County. Hotel pest control should NOT be considered DIY work. Our experienced and professional pest technicians will protect your brand by keeping your hotel pest free.

If you own or manage a hotel in Chester County, give Prudential Pest Solutions a call.

Additional Articles Related to Hotel Pest Control

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• FAQ
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• Natural Pest Control
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• Restaurant Pest Control

Restaurant Pest Control

Restaurants and bars are often required to have pest control services. This is because the local, state, or federal government require restaurants to have pest control services.

Consumers that eat at restaurants trust that the establishment will serve them safe, delicious food. In this post, we will discuss the major pests that infest eating establishments and commercial kitchens.

Common Pests that Infest Restaurants

• Roaches
• Rodents
• Flies
• Stored Product Pests
• Nuisance Pests: Spiders/Ants

Roaches in Restaurants

When most people think about a pest infestation in a restaurant, they think of roaches. Roaches are associated with filth, bad housekeeping, and dirty establishments. Depending on the species of roach in the restaurant, this may be the case.

Cockroaches are associated with dirty, or unclean places because that is where they survive and thrive. Roaches will feed on any organic material including food scraps, other insects, and even dead roaches! They are known to carry and harbor many diseases and can cause allergic reactions.

When I inspect a restaurant for roach activity, I will pay particular attention to certain areas. Roaches prefer areas of warmth, food availability, and moisture. Restaurant kitchens with their shiny stainless steel appliances and countertops can appear very clean and tidy. Inspecting underneath the cabinets, appliances, and countertops can reveal a different story.

Roach Inspections in Restaurants

Inspection for roaches in a restaurant should focus on warm, moisture prone areas. These areas include under, and behind appliances, dish washing equipment, under counters, under the ovens/fryers/grills, basement, utility closets, and trash areas. Visually seeing live or dead roaches is a good indication that there is a roach problem. Most of the time if the restaurant has called in for pest inspection, it means they are already experiencing a roach infestation.

Cockroaches can be introduced into an establishment through many different means. The sewer system and drains can allow roaches, especially the American Cockroach to enter the building. Roaches can also be introduced by the food distributor. Cockroaches love to hang out and hitch rides inside of cardboard boxes. Most of the food that is delivered to the restaurants comes in cardboard boxes, and the deliveries can occur a few times a week.

Roach Treatments in Restaurants

Treatment for cockroaches in restaurants can be a challenge. The challenge in treatment comes from the level of cooperation that occurs between the restaurant and the pest control company. As a pest control company we can use sprays, baits, and dusts to treat for roaches. If the restaurant eliminates the moisture issues and thoroughly cleans up at the end of every night, the cockroach treatments can be very effective. Treatments should focus on where the roaches are found and should always be conducted in accordance to the label.

Follow-up treatments are almost always required to eliminate a cockroach infestation. It is almost always a good idea to have a pest control service plan so that small issues do not become infestations. Service plans will also treat and prevent many of the other insect infestations found in restaurants.

Rodents in Restaurants

After roaches, rodent infestations are the second most common pest found in restaurants. Rodents, like roaches, are in the restaurant because there is one or all of the following: food, moisture, harborage. Rodents and their droppings carry many diseases which are harmful to humans. They can also physically damage equipment, pantry items, and even the building itself!

Rodent Inspections for Restaurants

Rodents, mice specifically, only need about the size of a nickel to enter a structure. If the restaurant is connected to other buildings, then the rodents can probably come and go between all of the buildings. Finding out where the rodents are entering the structure can greatly increase the chances of eradicating the issue. Check out our video on interior and exterior rodent inspections to see where are the common entrances.

Treating for rodents in restaurants can be difficult if cooperation does not exist between the restaurant and pest control professional. In the best case scenario, the restaurant is cleaned nightly, moisture prone areas are eliminated, and the structure is sealed from the outside. Since rodents can chew through some pretty strong substances, simply caulking a gap is not going to be enough to seal them out. Proper door seals on the bottom of exterior doors often go a long way in keeping rodents out.

Rodent Treatments in Restaurants

When treating for rodents, there are many different options to choose from. Baiting, exclusion, and mechanical capture are the 3 most common methods. Exclusion is the best, long term approach to rodent control in restaurants. It involves sealing up the exterior perimeter of the restaurant to physically prevent rodents from entering. Depending on the restaurant and its location, rodent exclusion is not always possible. For these circumstances, the other 2 rodent treatment methods can be used.

When using rodent baits, it is VERY important to read the label in the bait and follow it exactly. Rodent bait can be very effective if applied in a smart way. Bait should be placed out of reach of restaurant employees and clients. Since rodent bait is poison, it should never be applied above or near any food prep areas. In food prep areas where bait cannot be applied, mechanical capture is the best method.

Mechanical capture includes snap traps and multiple catch stations. Snap traps are baited and when the mouse contacts the trap, the mouse is captured under a swinging bar. Multiple catch stations allow multiple mice to enter the station through the use of a spring loaded ramp. Once inside of the station, the rodents cannot escape. The downside of using mechanical traps is that they require more servicing since you will not want dead mice causing odor issues after a few weeks.

Flies in Restaurants

Flies, like roaches and rodents, are carriers of disease in restaurants. They will land on food, food prep areas, and other surfaces, potentially carrying and transmitting disease pathogens. There are multiple species of fly that are attracted to restaurants. In this section we will discuss small fruit and drain flies, and larger flies.

Small Flies in Restaurants

Small flies in restaurants can be found near drains, trash areas, sinks, dish washing equipment, soda stations, and liquor areas. Depending on the species of fly, you will find them more heavily in certain areas. Drains, sinks, beer tap drains, soda drains, should be rinsed every night and hot water should be dumped down the drain. If there is organic material in the drain trap, flies will breed and accumulate there. In this case, a properly labeled chemical designed for drain cleaning can be applied to remove the organic material. Liquor bottles with easy pour spouts should be covered nightly to prevent flies from entering the bottle.

Drain Foaming and Treatments

Treating the floor drains and sink drains with a foam can effectively resolve fly and disease issues. Our foam utilizes a disinfectant, insecticide, and cleaner to remove organic material and kill any disease and pests.

You can learn more about our drain foaming treatments here.

Large Flies in Restaurants

Large flies present many of the same problems as small flies. Often I will see fly capture strips hung throughout the kitchen area. These strips are unsightly, and in many areas are not allowed for a food inspection. Large flies can originate from outside, or from decaying organic matter found inside of the restaurant. If the restaurant has a rodent issue, a dead mouse in a basement can provide plenty of resources for large flies to populate.

Large flies can be treated by applying an approved insecticide to areas where they land and frequent. Obviously read the label on the chemical and only apply it where the label states. Fly lights can also be effective against large flies in restaurants. The fly lights attract the flies using a light and then either trap them on a glue board or electrocute them using the light. Make sure to change the glue board behind the fly light monthly to maintain effectiveness.

Stored Product Pests in Restaurants

Stored product pests can be found in restaurants. These pests include grain beetles, flour beetles, and others. These pests are usually brought into the restaurant through a contaminated food delivery. Unlike roaches, these pests will be mixed in with the flour or grain. Once identified, the contaminated food should discarded, the area should be treated, and the supplier should be notified.

Nuisance Pests in Restaurants

Although not directly linked to food borne illness, nuisance insects can give the impression of a dirty establishment. The most common nuisance pests I see in restaurants include ants and spiders. Depending the species of ant, they may be attracted to food, moisture, or both. Treatment should focus on identifying and eliminating the nest. Spiders are predatory pests and are present because there are insects around. Eliminating other pests and treating for spiders will eliminate the issue.

Restaurant Pest Control Service Plans

All pest control companies offer service plans for restaurants. These plans allow a regularly scheduled inspection and treatment of the restaurant to prevent infestations. As we saw above, pests can be introduced into a restaurant in many ways. Unless you intend to put your restaurant into a bubble and strip search all employees and clients, insects can be brought into the restaurant. What a pest control service plan does is prevent infestation after the insect has be introduced. Depend on many factors, restaurants can be serviced weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

Restaurant Shut Down Horror Story

I once serviced a restaurant that we shut down due to multiple health concerns. They were infested with rodents and roaches. The restaurant had to hire a professional cleaning company to come in a essentially power wash the inside of the kitchen because it was that nasty. Roaches and rodents were EVERYWHERE!

We successfully treated the roaches using a spray with a insect growth regulator. The rodents were treated with a rodent bait. After a few days we were able to get control of the pest issues. All the while, the restaurant was shut down because it was waiting to be re-inspected. Most of their stored food was contaminated and had to be thrown away.

Moral of the story

Had this restaurant owner had a pest control service plan, they could have avoided this entire ordeal. The owner lost all of their restaurant revenue for 4 days, paid us to treat, and paid a company to clean. The amount of money the owner lost directly was in the tens of thousands of dollars! A pest control service plan is cheap compared to the lost money of being shut down or the lost customers that being shut down caused. Restaurant pest control is extremely important to your business and to your clients.

Chester County Restaurants

Prudential Pest Solutions offers restaurant pest control services. We are experts in treating and preventing pests that impact restaurants and bars. Our restaurant pest control is designed to protect your brand so you can focus on many outstanding food. If you have restaurant in Chester County, we would love to sit down and show you how our services can make your pests disappear!

Restaurant pest control should be preventative in nature. Let us protect your name, brand, and business from pests!

Give us a call or send us a message and we can get you pest free today!

Other Pest Resources and Articles Related to Restaurant Pest Control

• Drain Foaming in Kitchens and Restaurants
• Commercial Kitchen Pest Control
• Rodents
• Commercial Pest Control
• Chester County Pest Control
• Natural Pest Control
• Spotted Lantern Fly Treatments