April is National Pest Management Month, highlighting the critical role pest control plays in protecting public health and property from insects, rodents, and other creatures.
The Importance of Integrated Pest Management
Controlling pests in and around facilities is critical for human health and mental wellbeing.
- Rodents are known to carry and spread a host of diseases.
- Cockroaches contribute to asthma symptoms and asthma-like illnesses, and;
- The presence of bedbugs, which are not known to carry diseases that affect humans, often triggers severe negative mental health responses.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pests such as insects, rodents and microbes can carry pathogens that may cause diseases.
The EPA also points out that cockroaches can contribute to asthma and allergies in some people.
Even pests that aren’t known to carry pathogens can be nuisances for healthcare facilities.
Bed bugs, for example, are a growing threat for households and businesses.
When they feed on the blood of sleeping people, these insects can leave behind itchy and sometimes painful welts that can bring particular discomfort for some patients who may already be suffering from other ailments.
How a Pest Control Provider Can Help Healthcare Facilities Maintain Proper Sanitation
Additionally, the presence of pests can result in significant financial penalties in the form of regulatory fines and loss of business due to a tarnished public perception.
According to Pest World;
There is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the presence of pests in commercial facilities, such as schools, offices, hospitals, and food processing plants.
Unfortunately, the potential for infestations in commercial environments is great due to increased harborage areas and the presence of food and water.
Even though pests and rodents are small, their effect on your business’s bottom line can be enormous.
Just one pest-related incident can lead to potential fines from state and federal inspection agencies, and a tarnished reputation among your current and prospective customers.
Another concern is the fact that pests can pose serious risks to the health and safety of your employees.
Integrated Pest Management & Control Tips
- Conduct routine inspections paying particular attention to zones pests are known to congregate--dark, wet, or damp areas of the building.
- Train facility maintenance and custodial staff to be on the lookout for signs of pest infestations, including droppings, scratches, gnaw marks, and nests.
- Ensure all garbage, especially food waste, is routinely removed to outdoor, sealed dumpsters.
- Encourage occupants to only dine in designated areas.
- Keep the area around the dumpsters clean and free of debris and food waste.
- Remove packing, especially cardboard, to a secure location if it is to be reused or repurposed, or dispose of it in a sealed bin for recycling.
- Train staff to check packages as they arrive to ensure no pests, such as cockroaches or bedbugs, have hitchhiked into your building.
- Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in the building that would allow pests to enter, especially areas around pipes and drains.
- Regularly inspect and clear rain gutters and downspouts, removing any debris and reporting any signs of pest infestation.
- Keep all work and storage areas clean, clear of debris, and well-ventilated.
- Identify any sources of moisture, including leaking pipes or equipment, and service the systems as soon as possible.
- Keep lawns, gardens, shrubs, and any live indoor foliage trimmed and inspect them seasonally for insect and rodent incursions.
- Install door sweeps, repair or replace door and window screens, and service windows inside and out several times per year.
References & Resources
- 10 Facility Pest Management Tips For Peak Season
- Pest Control Tips For Understaffed Commercial Business During COVID-19
Takeaway
Routine cleaning is a critical component of integrated pest management and control, particularly in buildings focused on environmentally sustainable practices that avoid the unnecessary use of toxic pesticides, rodenticides, and herbicides.
Proactive preventative measures are far less expensive than repairs, fines, and loss of business and reputation.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and disinfection services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia, CA, or Santa Clarita, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Palmdale, CA or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756
