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Top Pests & Prevention Tips Every Manager Should Know

Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are meant to be a “home away from home”—but in Florida’s climate, they can also attract unwanted visitors. Even minor pest issues can lead to guest complaints, online criticism, and damage to your property’s reputation. Whether it’s a single room or a sprawling resort, an infestation can harm your brand and even violate health codes.

For hospitality managers, understanding which pests are most active throughout the year can help you plan ahead. As peak season approaches, hospitality professionals must stay alert. Below are the top pest threats Florida hotels face and a few quick facts to help you spot and prevent them early.

What Are the Top 10 Pest Issues for Hospitality Properties?

Managing pests is critical to protecting guest satisfaction, health standards, and your online reputation. While occasional invaders may appear from time to time, the top 10 pests Florida hotels should watch for include:

Year-Round Pest Control Challenges for Florida Hotels and Resorts

While pests like mosquitoes and flies are more seasonal, some, like bed bugs, are a consistent concern for Florida’s hospitality industry. However, activity often spikes during high travel periods such as summer vacation, spring break, and the winter holidays. Increased guest turnover means more luggage and personal items moving in and out of rooms, raising the risk of new introductions. 

Florida’s climate also allows several pest categories to remain active throughout the year. The most persistent threats include:

  • Rodents: Active throughout the year, most noticeable in fall and winter. They contaminate food, damage equipment, and pose serious health risks. Learn about rodent control.
  • Bed Bugs: Brought in through guest luggage, bed bugs are active year-round and can infest rooms quietly if not monitored closely. Regular inspections and early detection are critical. Learn more about our bed bug control.
  • Large and Small Flies: Flies thrive in food prep areas, drains, and trash zones. Small flies are particularly persistent in kitchens and bars, making them high-risk zones. Learn about our Fly Control.
  • Cockroaches: Florida’s humidity creates ideal conditions for roaches, which can quickly infest kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They thrive in hot, moist spaces and can spread allergens and bacteria. Learn more about our cockroach control. 

Access the Hospitality Risk Map & Prevention Tip Sheets

Need a clearer view of your risk areas? Download our free Hospitality & Lodging Risk Map—a visual guide to Florida’s top pest pressures by property zone and season.

Hospitality and Lodging Risk Map 

We also provide easy-to-use prevention guides to support your team:

Hotel Pest Prevention Tips for Florida Hospitality Operators

Pest prevention isn’t just about avoiding infestations—it’s about maintaining the high standards your guests expect. In Florida’s hospitality sector, taking preventative action is key to preserving your property’s reputation, meeting health regulations, and providing a clean, comfortable environment for every guest. Staff training, routine inspections, and strong partnerships with professional pest control providers are your first line of defense.

  • Inspect regularly for pest activity (droppings, chew marks, live sightings)
  • Clean up spills and remove waste promptly, especially in high-traffic zones
  • Seal entry points around doors, windows, utility lines, and vents
  • Store food in sealed, elevated containers away from walls and floors
  • Train staff to identify and report pest activity quickly
  • Work with a licensed pest control partner that understands hospitality needs

Protect Your Florida Property Before Guests Complain

Today’s guests are quick to leave reviews—and even quicker to notice lapses in cleanliness or safety. A single pest sighting can lead to lasting reputational damage and a drop in bookings. That’s why proactive pest management is essential. Whether you’re operating a beachfront resort, boutique hotel, or chain property, Florida Pest Control can help you stay one step ahead of pest threats with comprehensive, discreet, and reliable commercial services tailored to your facility’s unique needs.

With year-round pest pressure and high guest turnover, hotels and resorts need a proactive pest control strategy. Florida Pest Control offers tailored commercial solutions designed specifically for the hospitality industry. From regular inspections to responsive service calls, we help hotels stay clean, compliant, and guest-ready 365 days a year.

Explore Hotel Pest Solutions

Schedule Your Free Pest Risk Assessment Today!

Common Pests in Florida Hospitality Serving Central FL, Northern FL and the Panhandle

Gainesville | St. Augustine | Ocala | Crystal River | Palatka | Starke | Lake City | Jacksonville West | Jacksonville South

Tallahassee | Ft. Walton Beach | Pensacola | Panama City | Milton | Daytona Beach | Winter Haven | Orlando | Kissimmee | Tampa | Leesburg