Orkin Commercial Services Helps Hotels Spot Pests
Educational Tool Identifies “8 Places to Check Out Before Pests Check-In.”
ATLANTA, May 3, 2007 – Today Orkin Commercial Services published “8 Places to Check Out Before Pests Check-In,” a free educational checklist designed to help hotel staff identify and prevent pests in key problem areas. Hoteliers can download the user-friendly piece at Orkin University Online from our Orkin University.
The checklist targets eight pest hot spots: lobbies and entrances, guest rooms, foodservice kitchens, and vending, pool, laundry, loading dock and waste disposal areas. In each hot spot, the checklist identifies the common pests and elements that attract them to that area, and offers tips to discourage insects and rodents from taking up residence. Available in both English, Spanish and Russian and with illustrations that pinpoint each tip, both managers and staff can easily use the tool.
“A hotel’s staff is on the front line of the battle against pests every day,” said Orkin technical Services Director Frank Meek. “From servicing guest rooms to vacuuming the halls to cleaning the restaurant, employees can help spot pest infestations before they get out of hand.”
Cockroaches, bed bugs, ants and flies are just a few of the pests that can infest the eight hot spots. Meek further explained that pests frequent hotels for many of the same reasons that guests do – often good food and a warm bed. Even organic debris in kitchen drains and moisture under a leaking vending machine can provide some pests with enough sustenance for long-term survival.
“Regular monitoring of pest hot spots and good sanitation and housekeeping can go a long way to helping prevent pest infestations,” Meek added.
Orkin’s “8 Places to Check Out Before Pests Check In” adds to a number of other learning aides available on Orkin University Online. Hoteliers also can benefit from the “Before Your Next Inspection” checklist and the “ABCs of Pest Habitat Modification” training video. The site can be accessed by visiting www.orkin.com/commercial or directly at “Orkin University Online.”
Orkin also offers complimentary bed bug training presentations to provide housekeeping staff with the knowledge they need to inspect for bed bugs during regular room cleanings. Through Orkin’s training offerings, hoteliers benefit from Orkin’s renowned pest management and training expertise. In 2007, and for the fifth consecutive year, Orkin received recognition from Training magazine as one of the publication’s “Top 125” organizations that excel in human capital development.