How to keep mosquitoes out of your restaurant or hotel

As a restaurant or hotel owner, protecting your guests from mosquitoes is more important than ever. While mosquito bites may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can carry some of the world’s most dangerous diseases.

Mosquitoes can quickly turn into a serious issue, especially in outdoor dining spaces or garden areas. Customers being bitten or the sound of buzzing near a table can leave a bad impression and affect your reputation.

The importance of protecting your guests from mosquitoes

Globally, there are around 3,500 mosquito species, but only a small number are known to spread serious illnesses, and about 100 of these are found in Europe. Climate change and rapid urbanisation are creating ideal conditions for these pests to thrive.  The most common mosquito species in Europe (Culex pipiens or the common house mosquito), which is found throughout the continent, is known to be the main vector of West Nile virus.

A hotel stay or dinner experience that’s ruined by the whine of mosquitoes – or worse – mosquito bites, can hurt customer satisfaction and the perception of your brand, and may even have a financial impact on your business. 

Top tips to protect your restaurant or hotel from the risk of mosquitoes:

Mosquitoes can become a problem during the warmer months. Whether it’s a buzzing distraction on a restaurant patio or guests complaining about bites after a night’s stay, even a small mosquito issue can leave a lasting impression. 

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to protect your space, your staff, and your guests. Here are some tips for preventing mosquitoes from entering your restaurant or hotel.

1. Remove any stagnant and standing water:
   Mosquitoes breed and thrive in standing or stagnant water. Check the garden or the outside area of your restaurant for anything that can collect water, such as discarded food and drink containers, buckets, and flower pots. Change the water in bird baths or water features weekly, and inspect and clean gutters and downpipes regularly.
2. Manage adult mosquito resting sites:
   Adult mosquitoes rest in shaded areas during the day, such as under decks, along building foundations, and in low vegetation. Make sure that garden lawns are mowed regularly and cut back low-level overgrowth of trees and shrubs. Use an environmentally safe adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes for several weeks.
3. Prevent mosquitoes from getting inside:  
   Keep doors and windows which are being used regularly, closed, and install screening for windows, doors, and other openings where possible. Seal any cracks that mosquitoes can fly or crawl through. Maintain screens by checking for and repairing holes and gaps.
4. Maintain outdoor swimming pools and ornamental water features:
   Properly maintained and chlorinated swimming pools are unlikely to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes because mosquitoes need stagnant water containing bacteria for larvae to feed on. Ornamental pools and ponds can be stocked with larva-eating goldfish or aerated to keep water moving.
5. Provide a protective uniform for your waiters and hotel staff:
   Choose loose-fitting, light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for your employees' uniforms. Exposed skin is an easy target, and mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. Wearing full-length light-coloured clothing can help reduce the chances of being bitten.

These steps can help lower mosquito activity, but they may not be enough to solve the problem fully. Our commercial mosquito management solutions can help safeguard health, property, and the environment.

How Rentokil helps protect your business from mosquitoes

We know how important it is to keep your business safe, comfortable, and free from mosquitoes, especially during the warmer months when these pests are most active. That’s why we offer expert help, trusted solutions, and ongoing protection to keep your business ahead of mosquito risks. 

We check for mosquito breeding sites and create a custom plan using something called Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM). This helps us find where mosquitoes are coming from and how to stop them at every stage of life, from larvae to adult mosquitoes. Learn more about our commercial pest control services for hotels and restaurants.

Ready to protect your business?

Find mosquito control solutions available in your country.