One of the easiest ways to catch bed bugs is by staying at a hotel or motel. It only takes one traveler to bring them in, clean room or not.
However, several types of bugs can be found in hotels or motels in Maryland, and these may be due to poor housekeeping practices or messy guests. Even just one pest sighting can drastically affect your public perception and impact your revenue in the long term.
Exterminators like Pest Czar offer discreet commercial pest control that can keep bed bugs, roaches, and ants at bay without your guests even noticing.
Nevertheless, knowing which pests are common in Maryland hotels can help you stay protected, whether you own a hotel or plan to stay at one.
If you want to avoid unpleasant surprises—or prevent guests from encountering them—here’s what you need to know about the most common bugs found in Maryland hotels and how to keep them at bay.
Common Bugs and Pests Found in Hotels
Bugs can infest just about any commercial space, but the sheer traffic of Maryland travelers that make their way through these hotels and motels makes them even more vulnerable to pest infestations. Here are a few common pests we have found in our experience working with Maryland hotels and motels.
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are undoubtedly one of the most common types of pests found in hotel rooms. Bed bugs are great at traveling and often latch onto the luggage or clothing of travelers to return home with them.
These tiny pests are so small that most people won’t notice them on hotel bedsheets until it’s too late and they wake up the next morning with itchy red bites all over their bodies.
When staying in a hotel, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from bed bugs is to thoroughly read guest reviews before booking a room and carefully inspect the hotel bed for bed bugs before sleeping in it. It is also wise to keep your suitcase off of the bed, just in case these tiny pests are present.
For hotel owners, it’s essential to conduct a bed bug inspection at the first sign or spotting of one to
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another type of pest commonly found in hotels. Unlike bed bugs, however, cockroaches can be on the larger side and are much easier to spot.
If you spot a cockroach in your hotel, contact pest control immediately, as roaches tend to be social creatures. Cockroaches are attracted to food crumbs, water leaks, and damp environments.
Guests should carefully inspect their luggage to ensure they aren’t bringing any cockroaches or eggs back.
3. Rodents
Rodents in Maryland are not only unsettling to see, but these pests can also pose a ton of health risks to those who come in contact with them. Rodents are known to carry and spread a number of diseases, such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis.
In addition to these health risks, rodents can also cause damage to your belongings and luggage, so you should report the issue to the front desk immediately if you spot a rodent in your hotel room.
4. Termites
While termites in hotel rooms are less common than the pests previously mentioned, they can still be found in many hotels across the country. Termites can cause significant structural damage to a hotel by chewing through the wood, creating an unpleasant experience for guests.
Termites are commonly mistaken for ants, but it is important to know the difference if you spot one in your hotel.
5. Ants
Most people aren’t alarmed at the sight of an ant or two, but discovering an entire colony in a hotel room is a different story, especially in Maryland, where several species of ants are known to invade indoor spaces.
From odorous house ants to pavement ants and even aggressive carpenter ants, these pests can quickly become a serious nuisance. As mentioned earlier, ants and termites are often mistaken for one another, but knowing the key differences between them is essential for dealing with the issue effectively.
6. Flies
Flies are more than just a nuisance—they can be a red flag for hotel guests and a serious issue for hotel owners. Their presence often points to sanitation problems, improperly sealed entry points, or undetected food and waste sources.
For hotel owners, maintaining strict cleanliness protocols, sealing cracks and crevices, and implementing proper waste management are essential steps to prevent fly infestations and protect your property’s reputation.
How to Prevent and Avoid Bugs in Your Hotel
As a hotel owner, maintaining a clean and pest-free environment is essential for protecting your reputation and ensuring guest satisfaction. While some pest issues may be inevitable, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk and create a more comfortable stay for your guests:
- Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments with a licensed professional
- Train housekeeping staff to recognize early signs of pest activity
- Keep rooms and common areas clean, especially food service areas and waste disposal zones
- Seal cracks, crevices, and other potential entry points throughout the building
- Use mattress encasements and regularly inspect beds, furniture, and baseboards
- Install proper lighting and screens to deter flying insects
- Educate staff on best practices for preventing pests in guest luggage and laundry areas
By taking these preventative measures, you not only protect your property but also create a welcoming, trustworthy environment that encourages positive reviews and repeat bookings.
FAQs
How do bed bugs end up in hotel rooms?
Bed bugs most commonly end up in hotel rooms by hitching a ride on a traveler’s luggage. In addition to beds, bed bugs can also infest curtains, upholstered furniture, and carpet in a hotel room.
Can cockroaches in hotels spread disease?
Yes, cockroaches in hotels can spread diseases such as Salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and cholera, to name a few.
How often should hotels be inspected for pests?
Ideally, a hotel should be inspected for pests every 2-3 months, but the frequency of inspections can vary depending on the location and size of the hotel, as well as previous pest problems.