Health and Safety
Here at Wafloy the safety and health of our guests is a top priority. Each guest is required to complete a safety waiver before they arrive on property. We also now offer Travel Insurance for our guests to ease their mind about any trip interruptions or cancellations.
Bed bugs have reemerged as a common issue within the hospitality industry in recent years due to increased international travel, the banning of the insecticide DDT, and the resistance that bed bugs have developed towards most major classes of insecticides. At Wafloy Mountain Village, we prioritize the comfort and safety of our guests by taking a proactive approach to preventing bed bug incidents.
Our Proactive Approach
Wafloy welcomes more than 15,000 guests annually. We do not making it challenging to completely eradicate the risk of bed bugs. Nevertheless, Wafloy teams with general pest control and specific bed bug experts to implement treatment plans and protocols that significantly minimize the chances of bed bug incidents.
Wafloy partners with Dog Inspectors of East Tennessee, a business that specializes in bed bug treatment and prevention. Canine teams that are specially trained to identify bed bugs are brought through our property on a regular basis. When bed bugs are identified visually or by the canine teams, the areas are heated with specialized equipment to a temperature over 120ºF to eliminate any bed bugs that may be residing there. Bed bugs can become resistant to chemical treatments, but heat is their fatal flaw. The thermal death point of bed bugs is 118-122ºF. We employ both methods of treatment here at Wafloy.
Our Reactive Approach
When Wafloy receives a report of suspected bed bug activity, the following steps are initiated:
The sleeping area is thoroughly inspected by personnel trained to identify signs of bed bug activity.
Regardless of whether or not bed bugs are found:
The bedding on all beds within the bunk area will be cycled through a dryer to kill any insects that may be present.
The entire bunk will be chemically treated to eliminate any pests that may have escaped observation.All mattresses in the bunk will be treated.
Additionally, if bed bugs are found:
The cabin will be professionally heat treated with special equipment as soon as possible.
Any affected camper or retreat guest will be provided with black garbage bags to pack their luggage into and will be given instructions on how to ensure bed bugs are not transported into their home.
What You Can Do To Help Us Be Both Proactive
Pretend that you have bed bugs both before arriving at camp AND when you get home from camp. Before camp, visually inspect all items for signs of bed bugs or eggs. Ensure that all items are properly washed and dried before they are packed for camp. Consider packing your camper’s clothing in a duffle bag or Rubbermaid tote. These items are generally easier to inspect and sanitize than hard-case luggage. Pack extra garbage bags for your camper for their dirty clothes and linens.
After camp, visually inspect your camper’s luggage before bringing it into the home. Wash and dry all items that can be laundered. Vacuum any items that cannot be laundered, such as suitcases. Ensure that you inspect areas such as zippers, seams, and cracks, as bed bugs will often hide in these areas. We recommend leaving luggage in the sun before you bring it into your home, as bed bugs will die within one minute when exposed to temperatures of at least 122ºF.
Additional information from reliable sources regarding bedbugs.