A startling new study has unveiled the staggering environmental toll of conventional bed bug treatments in hotels, equating their CO₂ emissions to those of 229 one-way transatlantic flights. The research, commissioned by Valpas—a pioneering platform dedicated to safe and sustainable travel—exposes the heavy carbon footprint of chemical pest control methods used across the hospitality industry.
The Hidden Cost of Eradicating Bed Bugs
According to the study, an average 50-room hotel experiences at least one-bed bug infestation annually. Standard industry practices dictate the fumigation of five adjacent rooms as a preventative measure, coupled with a full-property chemical treatment each year. This results in an alarming 70.8 tons of CO₂ emissions per hotel per year—a figure derived using the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Emissions Calculator.
Beyond CO₂ output, the study highlights the broader environmental impact of traditional fumigation techniques, particularly sulfuryl fluoride and neonicotinoid-based pesticides. These chemicals contaminate air and water supplies and pose a grave threat to biodiversity, particularly to essential pollinators such as bees.
A Call for Change: Digital, Non-Toxic Solutions
Martim Gois, CEO and Co-Founder of Valpas is championing a revolutionary shift away from chemical-heavy pest control in hotels.
“Protecting nature starts indoors. The hospitality industry now has the power to stop—and even reverse—this environmentally destructive cycle with a single, simple action. A non-toxic, digital solution exists that not only eliminates the use of chemicals in hotels and rentals but also prevents their spread to homes, ensuring travelers return without bringing bed bugs with them.”
Historically, the hospitality sector has inadvertently spread bed bug infestations worldwide, fueling the widespread use of chemical treatments in households. However, the industry now has a unique opportunity to become a leader in sustainability by adopting innovative, non-toxic solutions that curb infestation risks and environmental harm.
“Industry initiatives like reducing single-use plastics and reusing towels are a step in the right direction,” Gois continues. “But eliminating pesticides takes sustainability to the next level—cutting carbon impact by three times more while protecting vital biodiversity, including bees and other pollinators.”
A Bold Vision for a Sustainable Future
Building on a successful 2024, Valpas has laid out ambitious expansion plans, aiming to increase the number of hotel beds under its innovative ‘hospitality standard’ by 50-fold. By 2030, the company envisions over 2 million beds safeguarded by its eco-friendly, tech-driven system, drastically reducing the industry’s reliance on chemical pesticides.
Backing this mission, Valpas recently secured €4 million in seed funding in a round led by Zenith VC, alongside Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures, and Morrow Ventures. This financial boost signals a growing commitment from investors who recognise the urgent need for sustainable solutions in hospitality.
A Turning Point for Hospitality
The latest findings underscore an urgent call for hotels to rethink their approach to pest control. With mounting evidence of the severe environmental damage caused by chemical treatments, the hospitality industry has a clear path toward a more sustainable and responsible future.
As awareness grows, travellers may, too, begin prioritizing accommodations that commit to eco-friendly solutions. Valpas’ game-changing approach offers a glimpse into a future where sustainability is not just an option but an industry standard—one that protects both guests and the planet.
The question remains: will the hotel industry rise to the challenge and shift toward a cleaner, greener future?
