
Bed Bugs vs. Michigan Hotels and Guests: The Year-Round Nightmare
Bed bugs—Michigan's vampires of the insect world, are out there turning our state into an involuntary blood bank. And guess what? These little pests aren't a seasonal issue; they're active all year long, sucking hotel cleaning budgets and legal funds dry.
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Bed bug infestations are expensive to resolve for homeowners, but for hotels in Michigan dealing with the issue, it can get really, really pricey.
The Unreal Cost of Bed Bugs in Michigan Hotels
Let's talk numbers, shall we? On average, a single bed bug 'incident' costs Michigan hotels an average of $6,383. Sound expensive? Considering the cost of mattress replacement, deep cleaning treatments, and the loss of a room for the time it takes to clean and the revenue attached.
Then there's the public relations nightmare and negative social media frenzy that is a bed bug infestation that can scare away future guests. But wait, there's more.
Lingering Backlash of a Hotel Bed Infestation
Beyond the cleaning cost and lost revenue, nearly half of hotels face lawsuits over bed bug infestations. With litigation calculated in, you can add $17,177 to the tab.
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That's a jaw-dropping $23,560 for one incident. That much money is wasted because of an animal the State of Michigan describes as being no bigger than an apple seed.
How Often Do Michigan Hotels Deal With Bed Bug Problems
According to Orkin, 8 out of 10 hotels have faced bed bug issues in the last year, so knowing what to look for before you dive onto your hotel bed and potentially take bed bugs home with you, here are the steps you should take to spot them before you get settled in, just remember to S.L.E.E.P.:
- Survey the room for ink-colored stains, shed exoskeletons, or a sweet, musty odor
- Lift the sheets, curtains, and cushions looking small, oval-shaped bugs
- Elevate your bags using the luggage stand, don't let them touch the floor or the bed
- Examine your bags while you're packing up and one more time when you get home
- Place all dryer-safe clothes in the dryer for at least 30 minutes on high heat
If you think you've brought some home with you, call the professionals, getting rid of bed bugs in your home is a tall, time-consuming, and expensive way to go.
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