Is this what your bed bug inspector looks like?  Typical hotel housekeeping staff?  Is that keeping you safe from bed bugs in a hotel?  I just read this article published by Times LIVE in the Sunday, March 7th Edition.  The article is about the realities facing local establishments preparing the influx of World Cup Fans in hotels.  It says that "to avoid embarrassment and ensure that hotels, lodges and bed and breakfasts will be ready to cope with the unique demands of the soccer spectacle, the Housekeepers' Association of Southern Africa (HASA) has compiled a detailed action plan. In the 15-page dossier, the organization has highlighted pitfalls and listed recommendations."

The first item on the list is to spray beds for bed bugs - before and after the tournament.

Hotels across the country know that bed bugs are becoming an epidemic.  They are not to blame, guests bring them in.  But, hotels do have a responsibility to protect their guests.  In this the 20th century, hoteliers need to become more proactive in bed bug inspections, employing qualified trained pest control professionals who specialize in bed bug detection and eradication, rather than relying on giving housekeeping staff a flashlight and a magnifying glass. 

I don't know about you, but I know that I would not feel comfortable sleeping in a bed that was just doused in chemicals.  I would sleep more comfortably knowing that the bed and room were inspected by a trained pest control professional, using a bed bug detection dog, and also knowing that the mattress and box spring were encased.