“Hush hush.” I heard that phrase several times while talking to suppliers of products that help to address bedbug infestations. Hotel, motel, resort and inn operators like to keep bedbug problems quiet and out of the news media, and off of the many websites that allow visitors to comment on their stays. I wouldn’t blame anyone at all for wanting to be silent; the little critters are a potential financial, public relations and legal nightmare. I was told stories about hoteliers having to rip out entire rooms in an attempt to get rid of the pests. I read articles about bedbug victims getting awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in punitive damages. Bedbugs are a problem you need to take seriously. Not “run for the hills” seriously, but seriously.
How often do you do random inspections for bedbugs? Do you hire someone to do it for you? Are your housekeepers trained to look for signs of their presence? Your maintenance staff? If you have had experience with bedbugs, what was your first reaction? To call a pest control company that uses toxic chemicals that you know absolutely nothing about?
The good news I discovered while conducting research for my latest bedbug article is that toxic chemicals are not necessary to prevent and eliminate bedbug problems. Extreme heat, cold, natural oils, enzymes, and mattress and box spring encasements can all be used to safely address a bedbug infestation in a “green” fashion. If you have not yet had to deal with bedbugs, you probably will sometime soon. They are spreading that quickly. Don’t forget that just one female bedbug can lay 500 eggs in its lifetime.
More Advice to Keep in Mind
Please be sure to read my latest article on environmentally responsible bedbug remedies. Here is some additional advice on what to do or not to do in the event of a bedbug infestation.
• Don’t transport items from an infested room to a non-infested location without encasing the items being removed. When working in an environment where there are bedbugs, be absolutely sure none are on your clothes. You may inadvertently take them home with you. Washing clothes in hot water and then drying at a high setting for one to two hours should kill the bedbugs.
• If you encase mattresses and box springs that may have had bedbugs present at one time, keep them encased for at least 18 months. Adult bedbugs can live that long. Don’t panic at first and throw useable mattresses and furniture away—unless the infestation is severe.
• I am sure you would not think about doing it (hopefully!) but don’t use bug bombs or foggers. They do not work for bed bugs and can be toxic.
• Don’t just check for the bugs around the bed area. They have been found in kitchens and bathrooms as well.
• While bedbugs mostly come out at night to feed, they will eagerly dine during the daytime if a food source (your staff or guests) is present.
• Never apply toxic pesticides to the area where you or your guests will sleep.
• When searching for bedbugs, remove all drawers from desks and dressers and, if possible, turn furniture over.
• Caulk and seal all holes where pipes and wires penetrate walls and floor, and fill cracks around baseboards and moldings to further reduce harborages.
• If a vacuum is used, be sure to seal its bag in plastic when finished.
There are many helpful websites available to help you deal with bedbugs. No matter what steps you take, keep the health and safety of your guests, staff and the environment in mind.
IH/M&RS, Greenbuild Coverage
I will be attending the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City through Tuesday, November 11. I will also be attending Greenbuild in Boston from Tuesday, November 18 through Thursday, November 20. Be sure to look for coverage of these events on the Green Lodging News website and in the weekly e-newsletter.
Green Lodging News Welcomes Two New Directory Partners
Green Lodging News welcomes Magnum Energy Solutions LLC (GreenSwitch) and LEDgen Lighting, Inc. as Green Product & Service Directory Partners. GreenSwitch manufactures a wireless in-room energy management system that reduces energy consumption in hospitality guestrooms by 25 percent to 45 percent. The system sets back the HVAC to an energy conserving temperature level when the room is unoccupied. It will also turn off selected lighting and eliminate all vampire power. The system generally has a payback period of less than 18 months. It will be featured in booth 3084 at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. Call (866) 271-3961 for additional information, e-mail josh.felber@magnumenergysolutions.com, or go to www.magnumenergysolutions.com.
Marion, Ind.-based LEDgen Lighting is a full-service distributor, retailer and installer of decorative lighting products featuring energy-efficient LEDs (light emitting diodes). For holiday lighting displays, the company is featuring innovative LED string lights, rope lights, replacement bulbs and accessories. LEDgen LED lighting products feature commercial grade hardware, designer shapes and colors. For additional information, call (800) 788-9627, e-mail jowen@ledgenlighting.com, or go to www.ledgenlighting.com.
Green Lodging News Advertising
If you are a supplier selling green products, be sure to call me at (440) 243-2055 to discuss your advertising plans for the fall and winter. A 2009 media kit is now available by request or by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Green Lodging News Blog
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
