Pest Control

Pest Control

Not only do pests spread diseases but they also cause damage to food supplies, equipment and buildings.

It is a legal requirement for food businesses to take all reasonable precautions to prevent food pests namely rats, mice, cockroaches and flying insects gaining entry into food storage and preparation areas. This is to prevent the contamination of foodstuffs. It is against the law to have a pest infestation in a food store room or food preparation room.

There are a number of simple precautions listed below which you can take to keep pests such as rodents, insects and birds out of your premises and to prevent such an infestation.

Good Housekeeping

Keep your premises clean and tidy and monitor areas which are assessed infrequently such as the under-stairs cupboard or ceiling void.
Check your premises for gaps and holes around pipework, to external doors, windows, drains etc.
Clear up spillages immediately.
Store open packets of food in rodent-proof containers and rotate stock.
Keep all rubbish inside dustbins with close fitting lids.
Monitor both your food and premises (particularly stock and store rooms)for signs of pest activity such as hair, droppings, dead bodies, damaged packets of food and packaging materials.
It is advisable to employ a reputable pest control company.
Keep foods at least 150mm off the floor in store rooms.
It is advisable to install electric insect killers (Insectocutors).

Pest Proofing

Deny pests access into your premises by checking the condition of the structure of the building. Seal any gaps surrounding doors, windows, pipes, ventilation equipment and other entry points.
Check the condition of drains to make sure they are adequately trapped and in good working order. Check chamber and gully covers to ensure they are tight-fitting and not damaged. Disused drains must be properly sealed.
Keep windows and doors closed when food is being prepared or fit insect proof screens to them.

Treatment

If you notice any signs of pests, deal with them immediately by contacting a reputable pest control company. They will be able to advise you of the most appropriate treatment, undertake the work and monitor its effectiveness.
Such a contract is recommended even if you don’t have a pest problem.

70 per cent of good pest control is good housekeeping, 25 per cent is good repair of buildings and the remaining 5 per cent is the use of pesticides.

Free Advice on pest control issues and the identification of insects is available by contacting our Pest Control Team. Tel: 01730 266551