Following the recent news that bedbug cases are rising in the US, as we enter the summer vacation season, this study by Excel Pest Services helps hotel guests to be aware of pests in hotels– including an analysis of where US citizens are most at risk of serious hotel-borne diseases.  

Although California has the greatest number of reported bed bug incidents in total (with a huge 2,684 reported since 2006), proportionally the Big Apple is the US bed-bug capital, with more than triple the number of hotel bed-bug incidents listed as there are hotels.  

Ohio has an incident per 1.6 hotels and then New Jersey which has an incident per 1.7 hotels. The states where you are least likely to check out with bed bug bites are Idaho, Alaska and Montana all with under a 7% ratio of bed bug reports to the number of hotels.  

To see how your state ranks, check out the infographic below.  

Cockroaches, rodents and bed bugs are prevalent pests encountered in hotels. The combination of factors such as easy access to food, high guest turnover, easy access to food and insufficient preventive measures contributes to an environment where hotels face an elevated risk of attracting infestations.

According to the study, “the hotel industry in Florida is a significant sector due to the state’s popularity as a tourist destination, providing a range of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. However, the warm climate and unique weather conditions in Florida pose challenges when it comes to pest management for hotels.

“Common pests that hotels in Florida struggle with include bedbugs, rodents, cockroaches, and termites. The heat and humidity in the Sunshine State create an environment conducive to the survival and proliferation of these pests. The state’s coastal location and subtropical climate also provide an attractive habitat for pests. Hotels in Florida need to invest in rigorous pest control measures, including regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and pest management programs, to ensure a comfortable and pest-free experience for their guests.”

Top tips to avoid checking out without a bite Ryan Fowley shares his top tips for hoteliers and guests to prevent or spot an infested hotel room.   

• Don’t just inspect the bed: bedbugs can hide in furniture and upholstery too, so check all the soft furnishing in the room  

• Know what you’re looking for: you might not spot a live bedbug, but you might spot bloodstains, dark fecal stains, eggshells, exoskeletons and a musty odor 
•  Keep luggage off the floor: store your belonging on racks or in drawers and launder all your clothes once you get home