Summer 2025 Travel Boom & Hotel Bed Bug Struggles

What You Need to Know:

With over 82% of American adults planning travel this summer and more than half staying in hotels or paid lodgings, the hospitality industry should prepare for more than just hotels at full capacity; they should be ready for the possibility of an increase in bed bugs.

Bed bugs thrive in high-traffic environments and spread easily via luggage, clothing, and staff carts. Unlike mice and cockroaches, bed bugs don’t transmit disease. However, they do have a significant impact on guest loyalty and trust, reviews, and overall brand reputation.

Why Hotels Are at Risk

Bed bugs don’t indicate poor cleanliness; they follow people, not filth. They move through cracks, crevices, and even shared ventilation systems, making hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals with high guest turnover and shared walls especially vulnerable.

Prevention Tips for Hospitality Operators:

●       Train housekeeping staff to spot signs, including:

○       Live bugs

○       Eggs

○       Dark fecal spots

○       Shed skins

●       Inspect high-risk areas like:

○       Mattress seams

○       Headboards

○       Upholstered furniture

●       Launder linens and bedding at high heat.

●       Use mattress encasements and metal luggage racks to limit hiding spots.

With summer travel peaking in 2025, proactive pest prevention is key to maintaining guest satisfaction and occupancy rates.

JP McHale’s Hotel & Hospitality Pest Solutions combines science-backed expertise and a custom approach to your unique business needs. For more information, contact us at (833) 833-9202 or email sales@nopests.com.