As a popular tourist destination, Florida attracts visitors from across the country and worldwide. With travelers flying or driving in from various locations, there’s an increased chance of bed bugs entering Florida hotels. When traveling anywhere in the world, you want to ensure you don’t pick up bed bugs in a hotel and take them back home with you or damage your skin and health. Today, we will share the top ways to identify, avoid, and deal with bed bugs during your next Florida hotel stay.
Understanding Bed Bugs – What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that usually live on bedding or furniture. They are parasitic insects that feed on blood, and this feeding usually takes place at night. This nighttime routine is why hotel guests often notice bites in the morning, which can trigger skin rashes and allergic symptoms. Bed bugs are usually about the size of an apple seed, appearing brown when unfed but reddish-brown after a feeding. You can identify them by their smell, which is musty but sweet. You’ll typically find bed bugs on mattresses, bed frames, and other pieces of furniture, but you may also identify a bed bug infestation from bites and spots of blood on your bedding.
While bed bugs are hard to see, adult bed bugs can be seen by humans. One common myth about bed bugs is that they are attracted to dirt, but in fact, they are attracted to blood, carbon dioxide, and warmth. Although bed bugs prefer coming out at night in the dark, the light won’t stop them from biting you. Bed bugs can’t fly, but you may be surprised to learn they can crawl about a meter each minute and easily travel around hotel rooms.
Why Are Bed Bugs a Concern in Hotels?
Bed bugs are a considerable concern for hotel owners and guests. These little bugs are expert hitchhikers who arrive at Florida hotels in suitcases and luggage. Due to the high turnover rates in Florida hotels, there is a greater risk of infestation. Once a hotel experiences a bed bug infestation in one room, the infestation can quickly spread between rooms. This spread can impact a hotel’s reputation and quickly lead to a loss of business.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation in Hotels
When staying at a Florida hotel, there are certain things to look for regarding a potential bed bug infestation. Physical signs include minor blood stains or black spots on sheets and mattresses. You may also notice live bugs or shed skins from bugs living in the bed or furniture. You can often see a musty odor inside, a clear sign of an infestation in heavily infested rooms. When checking a hotel room for bed bugs, make sure you also look at the mattress seams, headboards, furniture crevices, and luggage racks, as bed bugs are small enough to hide in such places.
Prevention Tips for Travelers
Preventing bed bugs starts as early as when you book your hotel. Check online reviews for reports of bed bugs, or consider using a bed bug registry website to see which hotels have recent reports of infestations. Upon arriving at a Florida hotel, inspect the room thoroughly before unpacking your belongings to avoid picking up bed bugs if they are present in the room. Always keep your luggage elevated and away from the bed while you stay there. During the stay, avoid placing clothes or personal items on furniture where bed bugs could be present. If you notice any signs of a bed bug infestation, immediately report this to hotel management so they can take the following steps and move you out of that room.
What to Do If You Encounter Bed Bugs
When you encounter bed bugs, first, you should report the issue and inform the hotel staff politely and respectfully. If this is impossible, request a new room or a refund for your stay. After encountering bed bugs, you must wash and dry your clothes at a high temperature. Vacuum and inspect your luggage thoroughly in case any bugs have made their way into your suitcases and bags to avoid taking them home with you.
What Hotels in Florida Are Doing About Bed Bugs
While hotel guests should always be vigilant for bed bugs, certain practices are in place to help avoid bed bug infestations in Florida. Hotels are requesting a safe and clean environment to sleep in; if they fail to meet these standards, you can apply for compensation. Pest control practices are in place in hotels throughout the state, and hotels work with pest control professionals when issues occur. Reputable hotels regularly check to prevent infestations and ensure their guests remain safe and healthy. If you notice problems during a stay, contact the Florida Department of Health in the hotel’s county.
Eliminating Bed Bugs in Clothing and Linens
High heat is one of the best tools to kill off bed bugs. When an infestation occurs, washing and drying clothes and linens at high temperatures (above 120°F) kills bed bugs and their eggs. The heat from dryers is particularly crucial and provides a final step in killing off the bugs. While washing items in cold water may remove some bed bugs, it is less effective than high heat for complete elimination. Once your laundry is complete, we recommend sealing laundered items in airtight bags after washing to prevent re-infestation. You should also sort items near the infested area to avoid spreading bugs before you move these items or pack them away.
At Nexa Laundry, we support Florida hotel owners and facility managers with their laundry needs. If you experience a bed bug infestation, we can help you clean your linens at high temperatures to kill off the bugs and reduce the chances of ongoing issues within your hotel. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer at Next Laundry.