PEST CONTROL
Smarter pest control
Julia Pittman, Director at Beaver Pest Control, explains why a technological approach to pest control is critical for FM success.
Facilities management is about more than just clean surfaces and working lights – it’s about ensuring every aspect of the building is functioning efficiently, safely and sustainably. One area that’s often overlooked until it becomes a serious problem is pest control – but just like other FM services, pest control has evolved. Today, data- led, tech-enabled pest management is making a huge difference, particularly in complex environments where traditional methods fall short.
At its heart, pest control is about understanding behaviour – how pests move, where they harbour, what attracts them and how they’re interacting with the environment. In a world where glue boards are no longer permitted and quick fixes are disappearing, that understanding has never been more important. Thankfully, technology is helping us get there.
We recently supported an FM partner with a complex commercial building in central London. The client was experiencing repeated sightings of rodents in specific areas and, naturally, the expectation was that those areas were the source of the problem. However, conventional treatment methods were making little impact. It wasn’t until we deployed specialist cameras that the true picture became clear.
The footage revealed that the sightings were actually red herrings. The rodents were bypassing bait stations entirely – classic bait shyness. More importantly, they were accessing the building from a completely different section of the site. Without this insight, we would have wasted time and the customer’s budget proofing and treating areas that weren’t contributing to the problem.
Using camera technology and data, we were able to map the rodents’ movements, identify the true harbourage and access points, and deploy a targeted control strategy. It meant less disruption, more effective proofing and a far quicker resolution – benefitting the FM company, the client and the building occupants.
This is the future of pest control: smarter, more efficient and more aligned with the wider goals of facilities management.
32 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
It’s particularly critical in large, multi-use or sensitive buildings – such as hospitals, food production sites or office complexes – where health and safety, compliance and operational continuity are key.
Tools like motion-triggered cameras, remote monitoring sensors and smart bait stations give pest professionals real-time visibility of pest activity, 24/7. That means faster decision-making, proactive management and the ability to tailor interventions based on what’s really happening, not just where pests are spotted.
However, it’s not just about catching more mice: it's about managing risk, protecting reputations and delivering value. For cleaning and FM providers, partnering with a pest control company that uses these tools isn’t just a nice-to- have: it’s a competitive advantage.
Understanding behavioural resistance (such as bait shyness) and even genetic resistance to rodenticides helps us fine-tune our approach. We’re not relying on outdated methods or guesswork: we’re using evidence. This evidence-led approach is crucial in a regulatory environment that’s becoming increasingly strict, especially around animal welfare and pesticide use.
Ultimately, data-led pest control supports the wider FM agenda: reducing costs, improving building performance and delivering a better experience for everyone who uses the space. It allows us to treat infestations at the root rather than chasing symptoms, and that means more effective long-term outcomes.
As the FM sector embraces more digital tools across the board, from cleaning robots to IoT sensors, it makes sense that pest control keeps pace. In fact, with the loss of traditional tools and the growing complexity of modern buildings, it’s not just a good idea: it’s essential.
This is because in pest control, just like in cleaning, the smartest results come from the smartest solutions.
www.pestcontrolservices.co.uk x.com/TomoCleaning
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