Home Publisher's Point of View Put Nature to Work for You, When Possible, When Dealing with Bedbugs

Put Nature to Work for You, When Possible, When Dealing with Bedbugs

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Two columns ago I mentioned that I would soon be writing an article on eco-friendly alternatives to pesticides used on bedbugs. I posted that article this past week. Be sure to read it. Probably the biggest lesson I learned during research for my article was that if you really want to know the truth about bedbugs and bedbug treatments, talk to an entomologist. Paul Curtis, a Board Certified Entomologist and Manager, Technical Services, Terminix International, was very helpful as I was writing my article. (Paul has written for Green Lodging News in the past. See article.)

About six and one-half years ago I welcomed a new company into the Green Lodging News Product & Service Directory—a company that supplied an all-natural spray to kill and repel bedbugs. Several years later the Federal Trade Commission questioned the claims of the company and filed suit against it, saying it did not have sound science to back up its promises that its product kills or repels bedbugs, or that by using the product one can create a barrier against the pests. Another lesson learned: Be skeptical of claims that seem to be good to be true. Buy from companies whose products have been scientifically tested by third parties that have solid reputations.

Knowing what to do when you encounter bedbugs or a full-blown infestation is important. According to The Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, “There is no single tool or activity that, used alone, will eliminate bedbugs, including pesticides.” That is certainly true. In my article I write about detection products, mattress encasements, spray-on products, and heat, steam and freezing treatments. They all should be considered when dealing with bedbugs.

Assume Bedbugs May Be Elsewhere in Your Property

“Bedbugs are very good hitchhikers,” Terminix’s Curtis told me. That is why you have to assume that they are in adjacent rooms to the problem room and possibly even above and below the problem room. “They follow plumbing, electric lines, cable,” Curtis said. Bedbugs can be elusive and can live up to a year without eating so you really have to come back again and again to treat a problem area. And, it would not hurt at all to take a preventive approach to bedbugs—using mattress encasements, spray-on products, etc.

There is most definitely a connection between sustainability and how you deal with bedbugs. Keeping toxins out of your hotel is of course important. By encasing your mattresses and box springs you keep them out of the landfill. An encased mattress and box spring leaves no place for bedbugs to hide.

It is most definitely worth taking bedbugs seriously. Infestations are not decreasing at all. Protect your reputation. You never know how much business an online review can chase away. Most importantly, keep the health of your guests and staff top of mind while prioritizing safe, eco-friendly approaches to bedbugs whenever possible.

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