Pest control


fleas may be picked up on public transport by staff or visitors, pigeons will make the most of those wonderfully designed architectural ledges on the outsides of buildings – and flies will just fly in!


What should you be doing to limit the risk of pest infestations? Check your contract Normal contracts for standard premises will include a minimum of eight inspections a year. The inspections should include all common areas, kitchens, and lounges, as well as plant rooms, basements, riser cupboards, car parks, and landscaped areas – all areas where pests could harbour and reproduce, undisturbed. The contractor should belong to the British Pest Control Association, with all staff qualified to the RSPH Level Two in pest control. The company you choose should have written accreditations in Health and Safety and comprehensive insurance.


Proof your premises Proofing against mice is never the ‘be-all and end-all’ but should be looked at as part of the overall integrated pest control system. Effective proofing will restrict, rather than be a complete ‘No Entry’ to mice. Bristle stripping the bottom of doors, especially external doors and riser cupboard doors, should restrict movement and keep the rodents out of the office areas. Rat valves fitted into drains are very effective at stopping rodents entering premises through the drains. Bird spikes on ledges, as well as the girders beneath fire escapes and parapets, will stop pigeons messing on steps and walkways. Netting on lightwells prevents birds gaining access to sheltered areas at the back of buildings. This is critical, as a host of problems can be caused when pigeon numbers build up. They bring with them other pest problems such as bird mite, fleas, and flies.


Fouling blocks gutters, downpipes, and air-conditioning intakes. Bird-free gel, which appears as flames to birds, complements other bird control methods well.


Some care homes are benefitting from the use of Harris hawks, which are flown around the premises. For instance, we make regular visits to a number of care homes to discourage pest birds such as pigeons and gulls from nesting and roosting. This method of natural pest control is extremely effective and can be used alongside other


November 2023 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com activity on site. Flies and other insects can be treated


using ultra-low-volume insecticide applicators during out-of-hours periods. Non-insecticidal insect detectors and pheromone monitors can be installed discretely throughout buildings and regularly checked to monitor insect activity.


methods. An added benefit is the joy given to residents if they get to meet these amazing birds of prey.


Fly control


Install fly-control units in kitchens, catering areas, bin rooms, and delivery areas to catch flies before they enter the building. Glue board units are generally preferred to ‘sparking’ grid units, as the glue ensures that bacteria do not get inadvertently dispersed out of the unit while a flying insect is electrocuted or ‘cooked’ on the grid. Glue board units still need to be regularly checked and the glue boards regularly replaced. Smaller fly units can be moved around affected areas, particularly in those offices that suffer from autumn cluster flies or other seasonal fly issues.


Cleanliness is key Check when the bins are emptied. Leaving cleaning up of food debris until the following morning provides a perfect night- time feast for pests, at a time when they are most active. Remains in a crisp packet are a tasty meal for mice, and apple cores in a bin provide a nice breeding ground for fruit flies. Foodstuffs should be kept in sealed containers and simple hygiene rules can restrict the build-up of unwanted pests. Employees must also regularly check supplies for pests or signs of their activity. Regular and thorough cleaning of the residents’ living space is the best guard against pests, especially as weakened immune systems should not be exposed to the diseases and pathogens that pests can transmit.


When pests get in Regular pest control inspections should keep good control over any rodent situations. Monitor stations should be strategically placed around your premises as a first line of defence. The frequency of visits and number of monitoring stations can be adapted to reflect the level of rodent


Work with the contractor Communication is key. Your contractor should complete a detailed report at the end of each inspection and make sure you receive it soon after. Many pest control companies use digital reporting so the report is available to within minutes of the service being carried out. The reports should be read and acknowledged, not just filed away.


Health and Safety


Due to the nature of pest control work and its associated risks, care home managers should ensure that such work is undertaken safely and legally. Contractors should complete detailed risk assessments to determine the most favourable treatment option for pest infestation and what control measures will be put in place. They should: n Use appropriate pesticides and methods of work/application that comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, pesticide label requirements, and industry best practice.


n Provide full details of all pesticides and other products to be used, as well as how they will be used.


n Provide COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) data sheets.


n Relating to all pesticides used, risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS).


n Keep all equipment and goods safe and under control, with all pesticides containers clearly and correctly labelled.


n Create a physical barrier or display appropriate signage/warning notices where insecticides have been used and it is unsafe to enter for a specified period – usually one to two hours, barring entry until it is safe to do so.


Tips for care home managers While pest control in a care home environment is complex process and is best left to professionals, here are a few cleaning and maintenance tips you can implement to help your environments remain pest-free:


Exterior n Regularly inspect the exterior of your


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