One technology being used is a monitoring device developed by a UK start-up called Spotta. The device, which is placed between mattresses and bedframes, contains a pheromone chemical that attracts bedbugs. If a bug crawls inside, a small camera takes a picture and sends it to a central database for analysis. If a bedbug is confirmed, a mobile phone alert is sent to relevant managers, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Another company, Valpas from Finland, has designed a digitally-connected bug trap that is integrated into the custom legs it makes for beds.

In addition to high-tech solutions, some hotels are turning to man's oldest friend: sniffer dogs. These specially trained dogs can detect the scent of bedbugs and are highly effective in identifying infestations. However, they cannot be onsite every day and it takes them a long time to check a large hotel room by room.

Despite the increase in bedbug outbreaks, industry experts believe that the panic in the UK may be slightly overblown. The risk of encountering bedbugs in UK venues remains low, and taking simple precautions such as examining the bed and surrounding areas can help protect travelers. However, outbreaks can still cause anxiety for the hospitality industry, which has already been under financial pressure due to the pandemic and other challenges. Investing in bedbug detection systems may seem like a stretch for some hotel owners, but the potential loss in revenue from a bedbug outbreak should also be considered.

In fact, companies like Spotta use customer reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor to identify potential customers who may be experiencing bedbug issues. This highlights the importance of addressing and preventing bedbug outbreaks to maintain a positive reputation in the industry.

Original news source: Bedbugs: Hotels turn to tech as outbreaks rise (BBC)

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Provide each pair with a copy of the article. Instruct one student to summarize the main points of the article in 2-3 minutes while the other student listens. Then, have the roles switch, allowing the other student to summarize the article. After both students have had a chance to summarize, they can discuss any differences or similarities in their summaries.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a specific question related to the article, such as "Do you think using technology is an effective way to detect and prevent bedbug infestations in hotels?" Give the groups a few minutes to discuss their opinions and come up with reasons to support their stance. Then, have each group present their opinions to the class, explaining their reasoning.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words from the article, such as "infestations," "pheromone," and "reputation." Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a vocabulary word and ask them to draw a picture that represents the meaning of the word. The other groups must then guess the word based on the drawing. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension of the article.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Instruct each group to create a pros and cons list regarding the use of technology to detect and prevent bedbug infestations in hotels. They should consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks. After a few minutes, have each group present their lists to the class, allowing for a discussion and debate on the topic.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs, have students discuss and make predictions about the future of bedbug outbreaks and prevention methods in hotels. Encourage them to use the information from the article and their own knowledge and opinions. After a few minutes, have pairs share their predictions with the class and discuss similarities and differences in their predictions.

The rise in bedbug outbreaks in hotels has led to an ?d focus on ? technology to detect and prevent infestations. Hotels in France and the UK are particularly affected, with reports of outbreaks on the rise. To address this issue, companies are turning to both old and new technologies to catch bedbug outbreaks early. Pest control company Rentokil ? a 65% increase in bedbug cases in the UK in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Local governments and transport companies are also ? inquiries about the issue. One technology being used is a monitoring device developed by a UK start-up called Spotta. The device, which is placed between mattresses and bedframes, contains a pheromone ? that attracts bedbugs. If a bug crawls inside, a small camera ? a picture and ? it to a central database for analysis. If a bedbug is confirmed, a mobile phone alert is sent to relevant managers, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Another company, Valpas from Finland, has designed a digitally-connected bug trap that is integrated into the ? legs it makes for beds. In addition to high-tech solutions, some hotels are turning to man's oldest friend: sniffer dogs. These specially ? dogs can detect the scent of bedbugs and are highly effective in identifying infestations. However, they cannot be onsite every day and it takes them a long time to check a large hotel room by room. Despite the increase in bedbug outbreaks, industry experts believe that the panic in the UK may be slightly overblown. The risk of encountering bedbugs in UK ? remains low, and taking ? precautions such as ? the bed and surrounding areas can help protect travelers. However, outbreaks can still cause anxiety for the hospitality ?, which has already been under financial pressure due to the pandemic and other challenges. Investing in bedbug detection systems may seem like a stretch for some hotel ?, but the potential loss in revenue from a bedbug outbreak should also be considered. In fact, companies like Spotta use customer reviews on platforms like ? to identify potential customers who may be experiencing bedbug ?. This highlights the importance of addressing and preventing bedbug outbreaks to maintain a positive reputation in the industry.

1. What is a bedbug and what problems can they cause?
2. How would you feel if you found out that your hotel room had a bedbug infestation?
3. Have you ever encountered bedbugs in a hotel or other accommodation? If so, how did you handle the situation?
4. Do you think technology is an effective solution for detecting and preventing bedbug infestations? Why or why not?
5. How do you think the hospitality industry can balance the cost of investing in bedbug detection systems with the potential loss in revenue from an outbreak?
6. Do you believe that the panic over bedbug outbreaks in the UK is justified? Why or why not?
7. What precautions do you take when staying in a hotel to protect yourself from bedbugs?
8. Have you ever used customer reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor to assess the quality and cleanliness of a hotel? Why or why not?
9. How important do you think it is for hotels to maintain a positive reputation in the industry? Why or why not?
10. Do you think sniffer dogs are an effective method for detecting bedbug infestations in hotels? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the rise in bedbug outbreaks will impact the hospitality industry's recovery from the pandemic?
12. What other challenges do you think the hospitality industry faces, in addition to bedbug outbreaks and the pandemic?
13. Would you be willing to pay extra for a hotel that uses advanced technology to detect and prevent bedbug infestations? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the presence of bedbugs in a hotel room would affect the overall guest experience?
15. Do you think the government should play a role in addressing and preventing bedbug outbreaks in hotels? Why or why not?

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