Pest Control: Defensive Stand Against Bed Bugs

Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs, an independently-owned resort in Ouray, Colorado, has replaced all of its bedding encasements with CleanBrands' CleanRest line of products. With a spate of recent bed bug outbreaks in the rocky mountain region, Box Canyon's owners decided it was in their guests' best interest to create as inhospitable an atmosphere as possible for the bugs.

Karen Avery, co-owner of Box Canyon, began researching different products after reading about hotels in the region battling infestations.  "We felt it was not only necessary for our guests," said Ms. Avery, "but was also a legitimate business expense. If you compare the costs associated with eradicating bed bugs, along with the cost to your businesses' image, the upfront capital spent on preventive bedding products pays for itself." And Ms. Avery should know.  She and her husband left high caliber executive jobs at Oracle to run the 39 room resort.

"The inspiration for our products was really just a parent's concern for the health of his child," said Gary Goldberg, founder and Chief Innovation Officer of CleanBrands LLC, the makers of CleanRest featuring MicronOne® technology. "We are pleased to see our products now being used in commercial settings such as hotels and resorts."

CleanBrands CEO, Mike Linn, added, "CleanRest mattress and pillow encasements and stuffed pillows featuring MicronOne technology were initially designed with the sole intent of providing relief to allergy and asthma sufferers. The ancillary benefit of preventing bed bug infestation has proven to be particularly helpful to our hotel, school, and hospital partners."

"Bed bug outbreaks have no correlation with cleanliness," continued Ms. Avery. "There is no screening process to detect if someone is a carrier. The best policy for us was prevention.  Knowing that bed bugs are a real possibility in this industry, we felt it was not only a sound business decision, but from the feedback we have already received, it gives our guests a great sense of security."