Bed bug infestation presents high costs for hospitality sector

Being such a large city, London has always attracted pests, and with the busy event calendar in 2012 (including Olympics and the Royal Jubilee), the number of extra visitors to the capital will also mean extra pests, particularly bedbugs. These bloodthirsty creatures will be prominent in hotel beds, public transport, cinemas, airports, retail outlets and offices.

The cost of bedbug infestation to the hospitality sector could be extremely high and often go beyond treatment expenses.

Other costs associated with bed bug infestation include: 

• Loss of earnings
• Relocation of guests
• Furniture replacement
• Legal expenses and possible law suits
• Negative media coverage and related loss of earnings

So if you are advertising your hotel or restaurant in conjuction with tourist-attracting events this year be sure to check your environment is pest free. Otherwise beware the power of a TripAdvisor review entitled 'Bedbugs'!