Investing in an Airbnb in Central Florida can be a great financial opportunity, as the close access to cities like Orlando and attractions like Disney make it one of the most valuable areas in the country for short-term rentals.
With a surge of international investors across Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, and the surrounding areas, the competition for short-term rentals has never been steeper.
While most investors plan for worst-case scenarios, such as broken appliances or property damage, one of the biggest nightmares that investors can deal with is a bed bug infestation.
Not only are short-term rentals more vulnerable to bed bugs from travelers who bring them through their unit, but they can also destroy your reputation and shut down rentals for extended periods until the mess is sorted.
Luckily, there are solutions to prevent bed bugs in Central Florida and also get rid of bed bugs in your Airbnb quickly and discreetly before additional tenants notice.
Learn bed bug prevention tips and more in this Airbnb bed bug guide for Central Florida property investors.
Why Bed Bugs Are a Serious Risk in Central Florida Short-Term Rentals
While bed bugs are a nuisance and threat to any property, Airbnbs are particularly vulnerable to these pests due to the high rate of turnover among guests and the remote ownership.
Here are a few reasons why Airbnb owners in Central Florida should take the bed bug threat seriously.
- Ideal Climate: Central Florida’s warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for bed bugs to thrive year-round, which is why they’re one of the most common pests in Central Florida.
- High Guest Turnover: Frequent guest check-ins mean more opportunities for bed bugs to be unknowingly brought in via luggage or clothing.
- International Travel: Guests from all over the world, including high-traffic tourism from Latin America and Europe, increase the chance of bed bugs hitching a ride.
- Shared Sleeping Spaces: Beds, couches, and other shared surfaces make it easy for bed bugs to spread and hide undetected.
- Reputation Damage: Just one bed bug mentioned in a review can lead to cancellations, refund demands, and suspension from hosting platforms like Airbnb.
- Remote Property Ownership: Many investors, including a large number from Brazil and Latin America, manage properties from afar, making early detection and response more difficult.
For these reasons, it’s essential to have a plan in place to get rid of bed bugs if one should pop up at your Airbnb.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Your Airbnb
While bed bug prevention methods are not foolproof, there are some things that property owners can do to reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation in Central Florida.
1. Use Bed Bug–Resistant Mattress and Box Spring Encasements
Use high-quality, bed bug–proof encasements for all box springs and couch legs. While it’s not ideal to wrap mattresses in protective covers after every visit, it can help reduce your risk of bed bugs.
Additionally, it’s recommended to move furniture away from walls so that cleaning crews can get every inch.
2. Choose Furniture and Décor Wisely
Avoid upholstered headboards and plush furniture with lots of seams. Opt for metal bed frames and simple furniture that’s easy to wipe down and inspect.
Bed bugs also struggle to climb up metal frames. Wood and fabric offer more hiding spots and make early detection harder so be diligent in what furniture you choose.
3. Inspect After Every Checkout
Train your cleaning staff or property manager to inspect for signs of bed bugs after each guest leaves. Look for signs, such as:
- Rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses
- Shed skins or tiny white eggs in mattress seams
- Live bugs, especially in corners or behind baseboards
Even if you don’t see an actual bug, spotting any of these clues should prompt immediate professional intervention.
4. Reduce Clutter
The more clutter you have, the more places bed bugs can hide. Keep the design of your Airbnb clean and minimal. Storage under beds should be sealed and not used for guest luggage or linens.
5. Don’t Skimp on Laundry
Finally, wash all bedding, blankets, and towels at high temperatures (at least 120°F) between every guest stay. Bed bugs can’t survive the heat. Avoid dry cleaning unless it guarantees hot treatment for linens.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Your Airbnb Property
While discovering bed bugs at your Airbnb can be incredibly distressing for property owners, there are options available to eliminate bed bugs and protect your property from potential liability.
Here are step-by-step instructions for dealing with bed bugs at your Airbnb property.
1. Call a Licensed Pest Control Professional
DIY solutions may work in some homes, but they’re rarely effective in a rental setting. Central Florida has plenty of licensed, experienced exterminators who specialize in bed bug treatments.
Look for companies offering heat treatments that are highly effective and chemical-free.
2. Temporarily Delist Your Property
If you’re certain there’s an active infestation, it’s better to pause your listing. Hosting guests while battling bed bugs is a recipe for negative reviews and refunds, and can violate Airbnb’s policies.
3. Inform Your Property Manager or Co-Host
If you have a local property management team, notify them immediately.
They can coordinate treatment, schedule repairs, and inspect surrounding units in case the infestation has spread (especially important in condo or townhouse communities).
4. Discard Heavily Infested Items
Mattresses, headboards, or furniture that show heavy signs of infestation should be discarded, following local disposal laws. Clearly mark them as “infested” to prevent others from taking them.
5. Re-inspect and Re-treat as Needed
Even after treatment, follow up with another inspection in 2 to 4 weeks. Some infestations require a second heat treatment or targeted chemical application to fully eliminate any surviving eggs.
The Only Solution for Long-Term Bed Bug Control
While prevention strategies can make your property less inviting for bed bugs, the only surefire way to prevent bed bugs in the long term is to partner with a local pest control company specializing in Airbnb pest control.
Using advanced inspection methods and heat treatments that kill bed bugs in as little as 12 hours, a local pest control company can get your Airbnb cleaned up from bed bugs before a guest ever notices.
If you need emergency and discreet bed bug control services for a bed bug infestation at your Airbnb in Central Florida, contact the experts at Green Behr Pest Control for relief.
FAQs
How do I know if a guest brought bed bugs into my Airbnb?
Signs of a bed bug introduction include small blood spots on sheets, dark fecal spots on mattresses, shed skins, or live bugs around seams and furniture.
If you’re unsure, call a pest control professional for an inspection right away.
Can Airbnb hosts be held responsible for bed bugs?
Yes. If guests report bed bugs and Airbnb confirms it, you may face penalties including refunds, negative reviews, or even listing suspension. Prevention and prompt treatment are essential.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
Professional treatments can take anywhere from a few hours (for heat treatments) to multiple visits over several weeks (for chemical treatments). Always follow up with inspections to ensure complete eradication.
