If you work or operate a business in the hospitality industry, then you already know how much of a challenge it can be to keep everything running smoothly to a high standard that will satisfy even the most demanding of guests. When you add a pest infestation into the mix, it only becomes more difficult. The average hotel is likely to experience an average of seven pest infestations every five years that it is in operation. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the hotel is dirty or low quality, but that doesn’t matter to guests. Once word gets out about your hotel having a pest problem, it can be detrimental to your reputation. That’s why working with one of the pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, that offers commercial pest control is essential to protect not only your guests but also your business reputation.
In addition to treating active pest infestations, pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, can also provide preventative treatments to help reduce the likelihood of future infestations from common pests. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pests that are found in hotels and what you can do to prevent and treat them.
Bed Bugs
Perhaps the most common pest complaint that pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, are called on to treat is bed bugs. These tiny critters are expert hitchhikers and can be carried into your hotel by guests, employees, luggage, and even laundry carts! They are so small that they can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but your guests will soon discover them when they wake up covered in itchy bites! Guest rooms will be the most common hotspots for bed bug infestations, but other areas can also be impacted, including lounges, bars, and dining areas. The presence of bed bugs doesn’t reflect on your cleanliness or housekeeping standards. They can be found even in the cleanest of hotel rooms. This type of pest is not harmful and does not spread disease, but that doesn’t mean guests want them sharing their bed! It is essential to train your housekeeping staff to inspect beds and other soft furnishings thoroughly during cleaning and to recognize the signs of a bed bug infestation. When you spot evidence of bed bugs, contact commercial pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, for immediate treatment; otherwise, you risk damaging your reputation among guests.
Cockroaches
Another pest commonly found in hotels is the cockroach. These bugs are attracted to moisture and heat, so they are most commonly found in areas with high humidity and heat, such as pool areas, kitchens, and boiler rooms. They tend to be more active at night, so unless you are operating 24/7 in these areas, it may be difficult to spot when they have become an issue. Cockroaches carry bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, so you need to eradicate them immediately upon discovery. In addition to regular preventive treatments from pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, it is also essential to train staff to inspect incoming deliveries of food and laundry, as these are common entry points. You must also remove empty cardboard boxes promptly, as these can provide ideal hiding spots for pests. Any leaks should be addressed quickly to prevent damp areas, which can attract cockroaches and other pests.
Spiders
The majority of spiders are harmless, but their webs do give an impression of neglect and uncleanliness, so it is best for business to keep the spider population under control in your hotel. It is also a common phobia, so you won’t want guests to feel uncomfortable if they spot webs or spiders in their room. It is most common for spiders to make their homes in dark and undisturbed corners, such as basements and crawl spaces, but they may also venture into guest rooms and spin webs in these areas. You should implement procedures in your daily cleaning routines to keep areas clear of spider webs by vacuuming and dusting. Regular pest inspections and treatments from one of the pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, will also help keep spiders at bay.
Termites
Termites are one of the pests that are less likely to bother your guests, as they often remain largely unseen. However, they spell bad news for your business, as they can cause extensive structural damage if an infestation is left unchecked for too long. This not only means expensive repairs for you, but it may also pose a health and safety hazard to your guests. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, can provide immediate treatment for termites as well as ongoing prevention to keep them out. As a business owner, you can also take steps to protect your property from termites by maintaining it appropriately. That means taking care of any leaks on the property, removing wood that is in contact with the ground, and conducting regular inspections of the hotel for signs of termites and other pests.
In the hospitality world, your reputation is your most valuable asset—and just one pest encounter can unravel years of dedication, glowing feedback, and guest loyalty. That’s why staying proactive with pest control isn’t just a good idea—it’s a business necessity. From bed bugs and cockroaches to spiders and termites, these unwanted pests can pose significant health risks, cause property damage, and tarnish your reputation. Partnering with professional pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, ensures that your hotel remains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for every guest. With the proper prevention and swift treatment strategies in place, you can focus on delivering outstanding service—without worrying about pests damaging your business from the inside out.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
