HQtest Hotel Safety Report: Key advice — Hotels may use potent pesticides directly on beds to control bed bugs and cockroaches; take precautions by isolating bedding with plastic sheeting and using your own covers and pillows to reduce risk of toxic exposure.

HQtest Hotel Safety Report

Hotels can present hidden chemical hazards when attempting to control pests. Bed bugs and cockroaches are common worldwide, including in high-end urban hotels, and some properties respond by applying strong insecticides directly to mattresses and bedding. Recent investigations have linked at least one fatal hotel incident to pesticide exposure during such treatments.

What the evidence shows

• Fatal pesticide exposure: A high-profile case in Turkey involved a family who fell ill and later died after exposure to a pesticide used in a hotel room; preliminary reports and police investigations have connected the deaths to toxic gas from pest control measures.

• Bed bug prevalence: Reports and registries tracking bed bug incidents show that infestations occur even in major cities and upscale hotels, driven in part by high international travel and guest turnover.

These facts underline a dual problem: pests are widespread, and some control methods can create acute health risks for guests.

Practical precautions for travelers

Before booking

• Research recent pest reports for the hotel or neighborhood; look for guest reports and local registries.

• Prefer hotels with transparent pest management policies that use licensed, low-toxicity methods and provide advance notice of treatments.

At check-in and during your stay

• Inspect the room on arrival for signs of pests (small dark spots, shed skins, live insects) and for any unusual chemical odors.

• Create a protective barrier on the bed: place a large plastic sheet over the mattress, then put your own clean sheet on top. This reduces direct contact with any residues applied to the mattress.

• Use your own bedding when possible: if available locally, purchase or request freshly laundered covers and pillows; seal hotel pillows in plastic and cover them with your own pillowcases or towels.

• Ventilate the room if you detect chemical odors and contact hotel management immediately; if symptoms (headache, dizziness, breathing difficulty) occur, seek medical help and notify your embassy or consulate.

Final note

Even five-star hotels are not automatically safe from either pests or aggressive chemical treatments. Prioritize prevention and personal barriers to minimize both infestation risk and potential exposure to hazardous pesticides.