PO Box 7577, Columbia, SC 29202
INtouch
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA, SC PERMIT 168
July 2024
SAVE THE DATES FOR RESTAURANT WEEK! Spartanburg: August 15-25 Greenville: August 15-25 Midlands: October 3-13 Statewide: January 9-19, 2025 Register at SCRLA.org/events
Battling Bed Bugs: A Hotel Operator’s Guide to Prevention and Eradication Bed bugs are the unwelcome guests no hotel operator wants to check in. These blood-sucking pests can quickly damage a hotel’s reputation and lead to lost revenue. Here’s a guide to help hotel operators tackle bed bugs effectively. Proactive Prevention is Key: •
•
Educate Staff: Train housekeeping and inspection teams to identify signs of bed bugs, including live bugs, shed skins, and fecal matter. Regular inspections of mattresses, seams, headboards, and luggage racks are crucial. Invest in Protective Measures: Encase mattresses and box springs in impermeable covers that trap and kill bed bugs. Consider replacing traditional bed frames with metal ones, as they offer fewer hiding spots.
•
Seal the Cracks: Regularly inspect and caulk cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and furniture to eliminate potential harborage areas.
•
Minimize Clutter: Reduce clutter in guest rooms to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs. Encourage guests to store luggage on luggage racks instead of on the bed.
Responding to a bed bug report while the guests are still onsite:
Restaurant Week Campaigns Begin in August As the voice of the restaurant industry, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association is dedicated to promoting our world-class culinary and beverage community right here in South Carolina. Established in 2010 by the SCRLA, Restaurant Week South Carolina is an 11-day celebration of our state’s vibrant culinary scene. Restaurant Week gives local, regional, and national food lovers the opportunity to enjoy amazing values during brunch, lunch and/or dinner at a number of participating restaurants. Restaurant Week’s goal is to position South Carolina cities as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the many dining opportunities available in the state, as well as stimulating business and revenue for restaurants. From fine to casual dining, participating restaurants may feature new menu items, offer fan favorites, and/or develop your own multi-course menu during Restaurant Week. Get involved in our summer, fall and statewide campaigns! This is the perfect time to find new customers, generate repeat business, and grow your bottom line.
July 2024 • SCRLA.org
•
Swift Action is Crucial: Immediately isolate the infested room and halt new guest occupancy. Contact a qualified pest management professional (PMP) specializing in bed bug eradication.
•
Transparency with Guests: Communicate openly and honestly with the affected guest. Offer them a complimentary relocation to a verified bed bug-free room and express your commitment to resolving the issue.
•
Treatment and Follow-Up: Follow the PMP’s recommendations for treatment, which may involve multiple applications of insecticides and heat treatments. Ensure thorough cleaning and inspection of the room and surrounding areas after treatment.
Schedule an inspection by a qualified PMP experienced in bed bug eradication. Their expertise is crucial for confirming the presence of bed bugs and determining the best course of action. •
Update the Guest: Keep the guest informed about the inspection results. If bed bugs are confirmed, explain the steps being taken for eradication.
•
Transparency with New Guests: If the room is undergoing treatment, ensure transparency with new guests assigned to the room later. Offer alternative options and explain the measures taken to address the situation.
Protecting Your Hotel’s Reputation: •
Develop a Bed Bug Action Plan: Create a comprehensive plan outlining procedures for staff training, inspections, guest communication, and bed bug eradication.
•
Maintain Detailed Records: Document all bed bug activity, including inspection reports, treatment details, and communication with guests. This will help track progress and demonstrate a commitment to resolving the issue.
•
Partner with a Reputable PMP: Choose a licensed and experienced PMP with a proven track record in bed bug eradication. Regular inspections by the PMP can help identify potential problems early on.
•
Address Online Reviews: If the guest leaves a negative online review, respond promptly and professionally. Acknowledge their experience, explain the actions taken, and emphasize your commitment to guest satisfaction.
Remember: Early detection and swift action are critical in eradicating bed bugs and minimizing the impact on your hotel’s reputation. By prioritizing prevention, implementing a clear action plan, and partnering with professionals, hotel operators can effectively manage bed bugs and ensure a comfortable and pestfree experience for their guests.
A bed bug complaint from a past guest: •
Gather Information and Verify: Reach out to the guest by phone or email to gather details about their experience. Be empathetic and express your concern about the issue.
•
Verification is Key: Don’t assume the complaint is true. While taking the guest seriously, politely inquire about evidence they might have (photos of bites, bed bugs themselves).
•
Inspection Regardless: Even without immediate confirmation, initiate an inspection of the room the guest occupied and surrounding rooms. This demonstrates a proactive approach and minimizes the risk of spread.
•
Engage a Pest Management Professional (PMP):
WE DO FRESH BETTER Visit Syscofoodie.com