There have been many reports in the news about the bed bug invasion in the USA and the BBC recently reported that experts fear they could be heading our way.  If the stories are to be believed, bed bugs could soon be sweeping the UK.  This comes as distressing news for the hospitality industry as bed bug activity brings bad publicity, loss of reputation and customer confidence; all of which can have a huge impact on profitability on the ‘bottom line’, no matter how large or small your business.

Hoteliers know that reputation is everything and, with sites such as Trip Advisor being used widely across the world, all it takes is one bad review from a disgruntled customer to start changing public opinion of your establishment.

For the last 16 years, bed bugs have been on the increase in the UK causing hotels to reduce room availability.  These pest problems not only cause considerable loss in revenue but increase customer complaints and, in some cases, can even result in compensation and litigation when guests have to seek medical help. When the problem reaches severe levels, Environmental Health Officers have to check the hotel and file reports, often resulting in negative publicity.

On 16th November, a Parisian radio station announced several of the city’s hotels had been infested. It said one even threw out all of its carpets and furniture after guests complained. With the pests moving closer towards Britain, hoteliers need to be on guard for the tell tale signs of an infestation.

Bed bugs like the ideal bed room temperature to be above 22 degrees centigrade, just like humans. They can develop from egg to adult in just 3 weeks, with the ability to lay 2 or 3 eggs a day for several weeks. They can generally be found in and around the bed, in cracks and crevices in skirting boards, door frames and wallpaper and even in televisions and radios. Once a hotel becomes ‘home’ to bed bugs, they can spread like wildfire, travelling in suitcases, furniture and even in vacuum cleaners. Failure to control the infestation will ultimately result in destroyed furniture as well as fixtures and fittings.

Cannon Pest Control has a team of British Pest Control Association qualified professionals who are able to provide a fast response and recommend the optimum solution. The team carry out a thorough initial inspection and implement a monitoring programme coupled with the provision of targeted treatments to the affected areas, especially hidden harbourages.

Cannon offers pesticide treatments but also non–toxic and green solutions, helping you demonstrate that you care for the environment as well as your clients. Post-treatment monitoring identifies any specific areas of infestation where resistance to particular insecticidal products requires further alternative treatments.

The team at Cannon Pest Control can offer support with a customer friendly approach. Cannon has years of experience and expertise in the hotel industry, providing a comprehensive and cost effective preventative solutions for all other potential pest issues.