“What’s biting me in bed? “ Bed Bugs…
The bed bug has been associated with man from early times. 6-9mm long they emit an unpleasant odour. The female lays eggs in crevices in furniture and walls. there can be three or more generations in a year. Bed bugs feed on blood. They are likely to be found in mattresses and bedspreads but will increase and spread hiding in crevices or behind wallpaper, skirting boards, furniture etc.

Bedbugs: hotel and motel owners
The following article was provided for us by the Motel Association, from Hospitality Magazine:- 

"Resurgence in Bedbugs: Bedbug infestation is not something any accommodation provider likes to discuss, but it is a problem that can not be avoided. The problem is worse for hotels and motels that have international business travelers, airline crew are also a source of infestation as they are constantly traveling from country to country and the bugs become attached to their luggage.

The most obvious sign of bedbugs, and one which housekeeping staff should be trained to look for, are tiny spots of blood the size of pinheads on bedding.  A cluster of these on the bed sheet is a sure sign of bedbugs having dined on the guest during the night. If the infestation is very bad they will give off an odour described as sweet raspberry. Watch also for a cluster of tiny black dots of faeces around the buttons of mattresses or around any loose wallpaper where the bugs may be resting during the day. 

The presence of bedbugs is rarely a reflection on housekeeping standards.  Usually guests have brought them in on their bodies, clothing, or most likely their luggage. However, training is essential, not just for detecting a problem, but preventing it. Regular mattress cleaning and blanket dry-cleaning needs to be implemented. It helps combat bedbugs and will keep down other allergens. 

Bedbugs only feed once a week and if there is no guest in the room when they get hungry they will migrate. They sense carbon dioxide given off in the breath of guests.  They will go through walls and ceilings and through central heating ducts, following the scent until they find a room with sleeping guests.

If bedbugs are found it is important to check adjacent rooms both in the same corridor and on floors above and below. The majority of bedbug infestations have to be tackled by professional pest-control companies. If an infestation is suspected the company will come in, debug the offending room and check others in the vicinity."

Hospitality magazine December 2002, pg 28/29

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