Why insect reports are sensitive, but not a drama
Whether in a care room, guest apartment or restaurant – a report of insects usually immediately triggers unrest and pressure to act .
Please note: A single finding does not automatically mean an infestation .
Nevertheless, the moment is crucial – because how you react determines
- whether trust remains,
- whether the problem can be controlled,
- and whether possible reputational or hygiene damage is avoided.
A factual, orderly approach is the key here.
Step 1: Stay calm and take it seriously
Reports about insects are often associated with emotions – from disgust to concern to anger.
It is important to radiate calm and handle the situation professionally.
✅ Take it seriously: Thank the person for the tip without downplaying the incident.
✅ Act discreetly: No public discussions or excitement in the room.
✅ React immediately: The faster you check, the sooner the all-clear can be given.
Trust is created through visible, calm action – not through hectic reactions.
Step 2: Visual inspection and documentation
Systematically examine the reported area:
- Mattress edges, sockets, joints, behind skirting boards or furniture
- Kitchen or waste areas in catering establishments
- Technical or heating rooms in buildings with infrastructure problems
Write down:
- Place, time, reporter
- Visible traces (e.g. small dots, shells, stitches, movements)
- If possible, take photos for later evaluation
💡 Tip:
If you suspect bed bugs, monitor traps such as the
👉 Catchmaster Bed Bug Monitors ,
to determine within a few hours whether there is actually any activity.
Step 3: Secure and communicate the area
If a resident or guest is affected:
- Carefully remove bedding or textiles in closed bags
- Do not use sprays or cleaning agents – they can blur traces
- Inform the hygiene management or the house management internally
In hotels or restaurants the following applies:
- Temporarily block a table, room or area
- Briefly inform staff, do not spread panic
- Initiate discreet cleaning or monitoring
Transparency is important – but internally before externally .
This way you avoid misinformation or unnecessary uncertainty.
Step 4: Determine the cause – systematically, not by speculation
A common mistake is to take immediate action without knowing the source.
A targeted analysis is better:
|
Possible cause |
Example |
Recommended action |
|
Introduced insects |
About luggage, visitors, deliveries |
Control & monitoring traps |
|
Hygiene problem |
Organic residues, waste, heat |
Cleaning & steam disinfection |
|
Building factor |
Leaks, ventilation, light sources |
Sealing & Prevention |
|
External infestation |
Neighborhood, garden, garbage areas |
Have the environment checked |
By taking a systematic approach, you can determine whether it is a one-time finding or a real infestation .
Step 5: Act chemical-free – safe for people and spaces
Chemical insecticides that leave residues or odors must not be used in care and guest areas.
Physical and thermal processes have proven effective here:
- Hot steam devices against bed bugs, mites or fleas (e.g. Cimex Eradicator)
- LED UV traps against flies and mosquitoes (e.g. NK DECO 151 LED UV device)
- Sticky traps & monitoring systems for infestation control
These methods are:
- residue-free,
- odorless,
- safe for residents, guests and staff,
- and HACCP compliant .
Step 6: Follow-up and prevention
After treatment or all-clear:
- Clean and ventilate rooms thoroughly.
- Install new monitoring traps to prevent return.
- Document internal reports to keep the incident traceable.
- Raise staff awareness of how to recognize early signs.
Good prevention means being able to react faster and more specifically next time.
Conclusion: Professional action creates trust
Insect reports are never pleasant in the care and hospitality industry – but they are manageable if you react in a structured manner.
If you stay calm, check the findings and use chemical-free solutions ,
not only demonstrates competence, but also protects the trust of residents and guests.
A quick response combined with clear communication ensures that an incident does not become an image problem –
but an example of professional hygiene management .
