Initially I didn’t think I would provide the compensation because it implies your acceptance of responsibility. Rationale: Once you accept responsibility the guest might ask for even more.
But then I Googled this mosquito issue and found a 2019 post in the Airbnb community where Airbnb offered first a partial refund, but then made a full refund! [it was unclear if this was for full stay or for one day as the guest left early.]. This host provided repellent and window netting! Airbnb CS said mosquitoes fall under the definition of “vermin.”
I am astounded.
As an aside: I’d make sure you have good screens or window netting on the windows. Also, you might want to look around the property for stagnant water, where mosquitoes could breed. Sometimes they can breed in the gutters if the gutters are not pitched properly to empty all their contents.
Keeping the communications on the platform – so the guest cannot mis-state anything – I suppose with this information I would say something like
You mentioned that you would like some compensation as a result of mosquito bites that you say you got on the property and that the property is uninhabitable due to mosquitoes. You asked for compensation but were not specific.
New Your Times’ Wirecutter column suggested that the most effective repellant includes 20% concentration of picaridin. Sawyer’s SP5442 is fragrance free and is $12,20 for two 4 oz pump. I’d be happy to get this for you with my compliments.
You mentioned that you did not want to go to bed with a bug spray on; I’m not sure if the fact this Sawyers product is fragrance-free changes that for you. In addition or alternatively I can get a mosquito bed canopy by Even Naturals from Amazon that could protect you. [Note to you: This is about $20]
I’m also happy to apply either a natural mosquito repellant inside the house (a spray of heated garlic water) or a commercial product. Please advise if you have a preference between a natural vs commercial chemical product.
Please know that we have not had a guest complain of this problem; nor am I having these issues personally. So this is new to us. But I want you to be happy and comfortable and am sorry that you’ve been having this problem.
If you would like to cancel your remaining stay I can do that for you without penalty. If you have an alternative remedy in mind, please let me know, including whether you’d like the repellant and the bed canopy installed for your bed.
I think this is ridiculous but the costs for these items are not much. I suppose if they ask for a partial refund, you might decide to grant that. But then I think I would say that they get the partial refund but then leave without cancellation penalty. Otherwise, you could give the partial refund; they stay; then they say the repellant canopy didn’t work and want a partial refund for every day.
You might add something in your house rules/house manual that says something to the effect that advises guests to keep doors to the outside closed, and says something like (I feel silly writing this) "Although Host is diligent in sealing the house with well fitting doors and fully functional window screens, everyday activities of going inside and outside can introduce mosquitoes or flies inside the house; and of course they’re outside. You might want to use an insect repellant if sensitive, and the Host cannot be responsible for mosquito bites, bee/wasp stings or the like.
I don’t know that I would regularly provide repellant or proactively advise about the bed canopy because that might set off red flags that there is a problem here.
Hope this helps.
) they are a nuisance. We have a big backyard with gardens and people really like to sit out there so we provide citronella candles on the tables (too many dogs running around for tiki torches) and no less than 4 different kinds of spray or pump repellant.