Bed Bug Policies

[Andrew-and-Jeremy0]

Hi Fellow Airbnb Hosts and Peers - 

The question to ponder and/or receive other hosts' insight on: Do you have a documented bed bug policy either published on your listing or elsewhere?  I understand Airbnb has a detailed process and policy; however, it's not easy to find (and not part of a listing when a guest chooses to book).  It's not lost on me how adding one to a listing may detract potential guests having them think it's a "constant problem" if you go so far as to put on your listing. That being said, we've been hosting for roughly 10 years and bed bugs happen. Wondering what success and/or experiences other hosts may have had if/when they have added something to their listing.  Please share!

I have - proactively - drafted a policy that we would CONSIDER putting on ours.  Or, if anything, it's a draft of something I may put into an automated message to have ready the next time someone finds a bed bug.  Curious to know what your helpful critique and criticism would be.  Keep in mind when you read this that we are the owners, operators, and cleaners of our spaces.

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Bed Bug Policy

We take the cleanliness and comfort of our spaces seriously. Each unit is thoroughly cleaned and inspected between every guest stay, and we actively train ourselves on how to identify signs of potential issues; bed bugs included.

A Quick Note Up Front:

We understand how unsettling it can be to encounter any kind of bug during your stay. While not all insects are bed bugs, we treat every report with urgency and care. Bed bugs can appear in any property-even well-maintained, high-end homes-and we have a clear process in place to address them right away that aligns with Airbnb's policy.

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What To Do If You Think You've Found a Bed Bug

- If you discover a bug (or evidence of one), please let us know immediately.

- If it’s before the morning after your first night, notify us as soon as possible.

- If it’s after your first night, please know that bed bugs can be introduced by travelers—yes, even in your luggage—and may not have been present before your arrival.

Upon receiving a report, here’s what happens next:

1. Immediate Response:

We will respond right away and initiate a professional inspection. We work with certified pest control experts, and we'll schedule them to assess the unit as soon as they are available. In some cases, that may be within hours; in others, it may take longer depending on availability.

2. Inspection Required:

Per Airbnb’s policy, a qualified pest control professional must determine whether there is or is not a confirmed infestation. This is the only way Airbnb can honor any potential refund claims related to bed bugs.

3. If a Bed Bug Infestation Is Found:

You’ll receive a full refund if you choose to leave.

If you choose to stay, you’ll be refunded for your first night, and the exterminator will treat the space immediately.

4. If No Bed Bugs Are Found:

You may still choose to leave, but no refund will be issued.

You're also welcome to continue your stay with peace of mind.

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A Few Important Notes

Airbnb requires that guests submit photo evidence of any suspected bed bugs before checkout, and that the host is given the opportunity to investigate.

Refunds can’t be issued based on a general bug sighting or discomfort alone.

All findings and treatment timelines will be documented and shared with you, for transparency and peace of mind.

[Emilie]

Hi @Andrew-and-Jeremy0, 

How have you dealt with bed bugs incidents, or suspicion, in the past?

I will mention in a few of our other hosts, to see what they think of your suggested addition, and if they have any experience to share on the matter as well: @Nash-Cottages-LLC0 @Greystone0 @Dave-and-Deb0 @New-Bern-Vacation-Rentals0 @Nathan146 I'd love to hear your thoughts on this idea!

Thanks 🙂

Emilie

[Dave-and-Deb0]

Greetings @Andrew-and-Jeremy0

II have been hosting for 10 years now and I have never had any bed bug issues, thankfully!

Personally, I would not put this on my listing as I feel it could detract and prevent people from booking my listing.  It might be something however that you could have as an automated message that gets sent to the guest a few days before checking in.  

Cheers

[Marie8425]

@Andrew-and-Jeremy0 

I think I started with Airbnb in 2013 and we were already established in Hawaii,  in my years, I have only once had 1 property a while ago actually have bed bugs.  Yes, awful experience.

I don't say anything to guest because besides giving nice people creeps, I think that would tell scammers how to be a problem.

I do have lots of protective standards that I learned to implement.  If a room really has bed bugs, for us we actually had to close multiple room rentals about 30 days to really say the problem was resolved  It was only a few days for us to realize we has bed bugs.  Bed Bugs I will tell you my experience don't limit themselves nicely to the bed.  Curtains, rugs, closets, chair or couch, they hide everywhere.  We have chemicals in the house and an electric steamer, thank goodness I have not needed again, all that information I do not share.

[Greystone0]

HI @Andrew-and-Jeremy0 

Hi @Emilie 

I don't have any experience to share on this topic but thank you for asking Emilie.  

I agree with Dave and probably wouldn't publish but keep handy if the need arises.