Study Finds Hotel Bed Bug Treatments Emit as Much COâ‚‚ as 229 Transatlantic Flights

A new study commissioned by Valpas, a company specializing in sustainable, bed bug-free hospitality, reveals that conventional bed bug treatments in hotels generate significant carbon emissions.

With one in 50 hotel rooms experiencing an infestation each year, the hospitality industry faces substantial financial and environmental consequences.

Most hotels rely on chemical fumigation to combat infestations. The study highlights that a single outbreak in a 50-room hotel often results in:

Sulfuryl fluoride, a common fumigation chemical, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, neonicotinoid-based pesticides, often used in bed bug control, are linked to biodiversity loss, particularly among pollinators like bees.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), neonicotinoids contribute to declining insect populations, disrupting ecosystems that support agriculture and food security.

A study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) further warns that only about 5% of pesticides effectively reach their target, with the rest contaminating air and water sources. This unintended spread of toxic chemicals poses risks to public health and the environment.

Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas, emphasizes that the hospitality industry has a viable, non-toxic solution:

Unlike traditional methods, Valpas offers a chemical-free, digital solution that prevents infestations before they spread, significantly reducing the need for chemical treatments in hotels and homes.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocate for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that minimize chemical dependence.

Hotels have long prioritized sustainability efforts like reducing single-use plastics and conserving water through towel reuse programs.