Pest problems increasing for Irish hospitality

Most complaints regarding pests in Irish hotels relate to the humble bed bug.

The number of cockroach-related enquiries in Ireland has increased by 76 per cent in the last decade and most complaints in relation to bed bugs here relate to hotels that have infestations.

The figures were released this month by pest control firm, Rentokil, just ahead of the busy summer holiday season.

Cockroaches are known to carry salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis and typhoid. And they produce a noxious odour which taints food and objects with which they come into contact. Their droppings cause eczema and asthma.

Rentokil points out that, as the variety of cuisine available in restaurants has grown over the last 10 years, so too has the risk of inadvertently importing cockroaches.  Many restaurant staff won’t recognise when incoming stock contains a cockroach infestation and so Rentokil is advising customers to be vigilant when dining.

And unfortunately for holiday makers – and accommodation providers, the most common source of bed bugs in Ireland is hotels with an infestation. You can check your premises easily by inspecting the bedding closely, checking the mattress seams, the skirting boards around the head of the bed and the floor. If you are unfortunate enough to have a severe infestation, then you will notice dark staining on the mattress from bug excreta, blood spots on the sheets and dead bugs. There may also be an unpleasant odour.

Bed bugs are not known to carry any harmful diseases; however, they do suck blood from humans and in doing so they may inject their own saliva into the bite area, causing an itching and swelling and multiple bites can lead to an itchy rash or eczema.

Operators can contact Rentokil Pest Control on1890 869 869 for advice on how to get rid of bed bugs and cockroaches or to arrange a free site inspection.