Airbnb Pest Control: How to Prevent and Handle Cockroaches Like a Pro

Marifil Limpahan
Aug 13
3 min read

How to Prevent (and Handle) the Dreaded Airbnb Cockroach Problem

You’ve poured your heart into making your Airbnb the perfect escape fresh linens, spotless countertops, cozy decor, and then a guest messages you with the words every host dreads:

“We just saw a cockroach.”

Not only can this tank your reviews, it can damage your reputation and cost you future bookings.

The good news? With the right Airbnb strategy and an effective Airbnb Pest Control plan, you can keep pests far away, and handle any guest report with confidence if they do appear.

At BNB Guardians, we’ve helped hosts keep their listings pristine, even in high-risk areas. Here’s exactly how you can do the same.

Why Cockroaches Target Airbnbs: Airbnb Pest Control

Cockroaches aren’t just after food scraps. They seek warmth, moisture, and shelter three things vacation rentals can easily provide without you realizing it.

The most common hot spots?

Kitchens (especially under appliances)
Bathrooms
Laundry areas and basements

If your property gives them easy access to any of these, you’re rolling out the welcome mat.

Early Warning Signs of Cockroach Activity

You can’t always spot them directly — roaches are experts at hiding. But here’s what to watch for:

Droppings that look like black pepper or coffee grounds
Musty or oily odors in small spaces
Egg casings or shed skins in corners or under appliances

They’re not just creepy, cockroaches can carry E. coli and Salmonella, and they can trigger allergies or asthma. For Airbnb hosts, prevention isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about protecting guests’ health and your business reputation.

How to Prevent Cockroaches in Your Airbnb

The easiest cockroach problem to solve? The one that never happens.

1. Keep It Guest-Ready Clean (Always)

Regular deep cleaning is your first line of defense. Focus on:

Under sinks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets
Sealing and emptying trash cans regularly
Asking guests to avoid leaving food or dirty dishes out overnight
Providing a vacuum for longer stays so guests can help keep things tidy

We recommend using a cleaning checklist in your Airbnb management system (we use Guesty at BNB Guardians) to ensure nothing gets missed.

2. Seal Every Possible Entry Point

Roaches can squeeze through a gap as thin as a credit card.

Inspect windows, doors, and plumbing lines
Caulk and seal even the tiniest cracks
Replace damaged door sweeps or screens

3. Control Moisture

Cockroaches love damp spaces.

Fix leaks immediately
Use dehumidifiers in basements or humid areas
Check under sinks and around toilets regularly

What to Do If a Guest Reports a Cockroach

Even with airtight prevention, surprises can happen. Here’s your Airbnb guest communication playbook:

Respond Immediately – Thank them for letting you know, apologize sincerely, and assure them it will be addressed ASAP.
Investigate & Act – Inspect the reported area, clean thoroughly, and treat any visible entry points.
Call Pest Control – Don’t try to wing it. A pro can eliminate the problem and confirm the infestation level.
Offer a Gesture – Depending on the severity, offer a partial refund, a gift card, or another goodwill gesture to protect your review score.

Long-Term Peace of Mind Strategies

Schedule Regular Pest Control – Routine preventative treatments keep your property unappealing to pests.
Train Your Cleaning Team – Teach them how to spot early warning signs during turnovers.
Encourage Open Communication – Let guests know they can report issues anytime without fear of inconvenience.

Final Word

A single cockroach sighting can feel like a hosting nightmare, but with proactive Airbnb optimization and a solid prevention plan, you can protect your guests, your reviews, and your peace of mind.

At BNB Guardians, pest prevention is just one part of the Airbnb coaching we offer to help busy professionals build stress-free, profitable listings.

Need help with Airbnb? Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy community or book a call with us today to get expert guidance on Airbnb management, Airbnb marketing, and keeping your listings guest-ready 365 days a year!