How Much Does Hotel Pest Control Cost?
Last Updated: January 21, 2022
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For a hotel to thrive and generate new or repeating business, it must offer clean, comfortable accommodations and services. This is why a pest problem in a hotel must be resolved immediately. Otherwise, your hotel may take a massive hit to its reputation.
Effects of Pests on Hotels #
Pest are a major worry for hotel owners, as they cause myriad issues that can put you out of business. Between conference halls, guest rooms, laundry rooms, pools, and on-site restaurants, there are multiple places pests can make their home and disturb guests. It is incredibly important that you act on a pest problem as soon as you notice it; a single bug in the lobby can quickly become a colony spread throughout the building.
Beyond the damage to your property, pests carry diseases and germs that can be spread throughout the hotel and (if they bite) can lead to secondary infections due to scratching. This means unhappy guests that will likely not return and might even tell others about the pest-riddled hotel they stayed at, which has massive consequences for your business.
Common Hotel Pests #
While just about any type of pest can invade a hotel, there are some that are more prevalent in this particular environment, such as:
- Bed bugs: Difficult to locate and eradicate, bed bugs are cause for serious concern for hotels. They enter buildings attached to people's clothes and luggage, easily spreading in close quarters and shared spaces. Bed bugs feed on human blood and live in carpets, furniture, mattresses, and even the cracks of headboards. To truly end a bed bug problem, all bedding, including box springs, headboards, and mattresses, must be replaced to prevent the spread of the insects.
- Cockroaches: Difficult to control because cockroaches breed quickly, which means a roach problem needs to be addressed right away. These insects are attracted to humid, warm areas that give them access to food and moisture, making hotel kitchens and laundry rooms (as well as vacant rooms) prime locations for roaches. Cockroaches are known to transmit diseases and affect those with asthma, as the excrement produced by large amounts of them can cause upper respiratory problems.
- Rodents: Many people think of pest problems as bug problems, but there is more to worry about than just insects. Rodents, specifically mice and rats, wreak havoc on a hotel. In addition to causing structural damage and making guests feel like your establishment is unsanitary, rodents transmit diseases and breed quickly. Mice make their homes in closets, framework, ventilation systems, and walls, while rats commonly burrow into the ground around the building, near areas with access to food.
How Much Do Hotel Pest Control Services Cost? #
Pest control prices depend on the type of pest problem you have, the severity of the problem, number of treatments you need, the size of your establishment, and the pest control service you hire. This is a general pricing guide to provide an idea of what you can expect to pay for hotel pest control services.
- Ant removal is usually included in a general pest control treatment, but services for specific types of ant may not be. Fire ant control has an average cost between $100 and $300 and carpenter ant control costs between $500 and $1,000.
- An initial bed bug inspection has an average cost between $150 and $200, though some services offer it for free. Having a trained dog detect bed bugs costs between $300 and $600 on average. Bed bug treatment has an average cost of $250 to $900 per room.
- Fly protection has an average cost between $20 and $35 per month. Industrial fly lights and mist systems cost between $55 and $295 apiece.
- General pest control treatments typically take care of insects and have an average cost between $150 and $500 for the first treatment.
- An initial examination to determine the type of rodent you costs between $90 and $250. This includes identifying entry points and setting traps (humane options are available from most pest control companies). Most companies then offer a written explanation of any damage and a quote for cleanup and repairs, which may be as little as $200 or as much as $2,000.
Pest Control Preventative Steps #
It is common for people not to think about pest control until they already have a pest problem, but the best thing to do is to take preventative measures. First and foremost, make sure that any entrances (doors, windows, etc.) to your hotel are closed unless they need to be open. It seems like a no-brainer, but many pest invasions start because of easy access. Be sure to inspect the building regularly and seal any cracks or potential points of entry.
It is also important to make sure there is no easily accessible food, so close your trash cans and dumpsters, don't leave food out, and vacuum regularly. When it comes to some pests, such as bed bugs, the control isn't always in your hands. In this case, be sure to act quickly, and always keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs.
