ST. PAUL, Minn. – Ecolab and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) have launched www.bedbugtoolkit.com, a free online resource to help hotel owners and operators stop bed bugs before they spread.
The toolkit features downloadable information and materials on how to train staff to detect bed bugs early, as well as actions to take when they suspect a guestroom is infested. It made its debut during the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) in New York City.
“In the last decade, bed bugs have rebounded because of increased international travel, pesticide resistance and a lack of awareness—but hoteliers can rest assured they are treatable, especially if caught early,” says Dr. John Barcay, urban entomologist and senior scientist with Ecolab Pest Elimination. “Hotel operators and their housekeeping staff are on the front lines in the fight against bed bugs, so it’s important they can identify the signs of bed bugs and practice regular inspections as a part of daily room-cleaning.”
The toolkit includes a fact sheet about how bed bugs spread, their life-cycle and where they like to hide; a poster on bed-bug detection; an instructional video showing where to inspect for bed bugs and what signs to look for; and a convenient pocket card for housekeeping staff with directions on how to inspect a room and what to do if bed bugs are found.
“We are pleased to join Ecolab in providing this toolkit as a resource to help hotel operators and their employees stop bed bugs before they spread,” says AHLEI President and COO Robert L. Steele III. “By supporting training on proactive bed-bug inspection, we can help ensure that hotels are equipped to provide an optimal experience for their guests.”
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