Is It Important To Find a BPCA Accredited Pest Control Company?

The BPCA (British Pest Control Association) is non-profit based organisation which represents the development and interests of its members and is the hallmark of a quality pest control company. The BPCA also plays a pivotal role in its capacity its capacity to act on behalf of the entire pest control industry within the UK.

Safeguard Pest Control are extremely proud to be a fully certified member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association) and because we have attained this certification, all of our clients receive guarantees in regard to our general levels of service. We would also not be eligible for BPCA certification without being able to provide assurances regarding the stability and health of our company. It is this ability which provides the guarantee to all of our contracted clients that will be in a position to fulfil all of our commitments.

How Did We Obtain BPCA Certification?

In order to become certified by the British Pest Control Association, Safeguard were closely scrutinised to ensure we were able to comply with all of the specified is-it-important-to-find-a-bpca-accredited-pest-control-companycriteria which all BPCA members must meet.

To ensure eligibility for BPCA certification, Safeguard had to satisfy the following criteria:

  • The business must have been actively trading for a minimum of one year.
  • All staff involved in the application of pesticides who are not under direct supervision must be adequately trained. Where staff are involved in the application of pesticides, the BPCA requires that the principal and at least 50% of staff (excluding trainees) hold a relevant qualification, these include the BPCA/RSPH (Level 2) Award in Pest Management (or its predecessors which are BPCA/RSPH (Level 2) Certificate in Pest Control, BPC Diploma Part I [previously BPC Diploma], RSPH Certificate in Pest Control) and also NVQ in Pest Control AND members of a CPD scheme. This requirement will increase to the principal & 75% of relevant staff during 2012 and the principal & 100% of relevant staff for 2013.
  • Officers of the business must not be undischarged bankrupts.
  • All staff involved in the application of pesticides who are not under direct supervision must be adequately trained. Where staff are involved in the application of pesticides, the BPCA requires that the principal and at least 50% of staff hold a relevant qualification. These include the BPCA/RSPH Level 2 Certificate in Pest Control or its predecessors (BPC Diploma Part 1 – previously BPC Diploma, and RSPH Certificate in Pest Control) and NVQ in Pest Control.  This criterion is currently under revision and ALL of these staff will be required to hold a recognised qualification by 31 December 2008.
  • The business must not sub-contract work involving the application of pesticides except to other BPCA members (who are also bound by the requirements of the BPCA Codes of Practice)
  • The business should carry adequate insurance cover, the type and level of which will depend on the nature of the business.  Any business which employs persons should hold a minimum of £10m Employers Liability Insurance.  Pest Control Servicing Companies should carry Public AND Products Liability Insurance.  A minimum of £2m is recommended.  The BPCA will expect applicants to hold the above cover.  Depending on the nature of the contracts held or the work carried out, insurance requirements may be greater.
  • Applicants undertake to abide by the requirements of BPCA Codes of Practice and the BPCA Code of Conduct.

Once certification has been obtained from the British Pest Control Association, they also enter the details of certified companies on their website. Our details can be found here –http://www.bpca.org.uk/BpcaDirArticle.asp?renleewtsapf=1049.

Our eligibility to be certified by the British Pest Control Association guarantees the quality of work you will receive from us along with the general stability and reliability of our company.

Promotion of Professionalism & Excellence Standards

The British Pest Control Association places very high levels of importance on promoting standards of excellence and professionalism throughout the pest control industry. By providing a wide range of appropriate training courses & examinations, as well as quality publications, exhibitions and conferences, they are widely renowned for the pivotal role they play in the enhancement of standards across the industry.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pest Control | May 16, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Peace of Mind Through a Safeguard Pest Control Contract

It is inevitable that many business owners will be affected by pests at some point. The implementation of successful pest control techniques will not only allow these problems to be rectified but will also ensure that your business complies with existing pest control legislation.

Safeguard’s expert team of pest control technicians possess a wealth of knowledge and experience which allows them to deal with any pest control problem by quickly implementing tried and tested techniques to effectively deal with the problem in hand. Wherever possible they will also implement preventative measures to stop them coming back.

Pest Control is Important

The impact that pests can have on your business is something that should never be underestimated and therefore effective pest control measures should always be a high Peace of Mind with a Safeguard Pest Control Contractpriority for any business owner.

If this is not the case, there may be potentially disastrous consequences of ignoring them.

  • Pests can damage your business
  • Pests are carriers of all kinds of germs
  • If you do not deal with pests it can lead to government imposed fines, closure and in extreme cases imprisonment.

Don’t Expose Your Business to Unnecessary Risks

You cannot afford to risk exposing your business to disease, potential prosecution and the general levels of chaos that pests can cause. Our low cost, individually tailored pest control contracts will help to keep every pest related aspect of your company safe and allow you to comply with existing pest control legislation.

Safeguard offer a range of pest control contracts which will be tailored to your individual requirements to ensure that your business is not exposed to unnecessary risks. Our pest control contracts are cost effective and offer complete peace of mind to our clients.

All of the pest control work carried out by Safeguard comes with the following guarantees:

  • All our work is guaranteed
  • We shall create a safe working environment
  • We shall recommend many practical solutions
  • We shall reduce the risk of infestation and damage to your property

Our pest control services are available in both contracted and non-contracted formats. Before offering our opinion on which will provide the best solution for your business, we will provide a free consultation and thorough survey of your premises to discuss in detail how we can help you. There’s no obligation on your part and we promise a fixed price to suit your requirements.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pest Control | May 14, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Have Flea Numbers Jumped?

If reports indicating a leap in UK flea numbers are to be believed, what’s causing them to spring up? With reports flooding in  have flooded with reports of a surge in the number of insects infesting their pets – many worrying that some kind of “super flea” has built up a resistance to standard treatments.

Damp summers and unseasonably mild winters, when combined with significant improvements in household insulation, provide the warm, humid conditions all year round which allow the flea population to thrive.

Fears have been expressed that the UK is facing an invasion of a new species of uber-flea that has grown impervious to conventional pest control. With potentially serious Fleaand costly consequences associated with uncontrolled flea contaminations, effective measures are required.

An example of the problems which can be faced is detailed below.

“A police officer was paid £8,000 compensation for a FLEA bite, it was revealed. The policeman who lodged the flea bite claim had been working in an infested police station when he was bitten by the bug.”

For the full story please visit - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/police-officer-bitten-flea-paid-1842195

How Do We Control Fleas?

Fleas are an increasingly common problem arising in homes throughout the country, especially for those with cats or dogs. Frequently spotted when moving into a home which was previously occupied with pets, they also possess the ability to transmit disease, although this is rare. Instead, the primary concern for most people is the heightened level of distress which flea bites cause to people and pets. Adult fleas feed on blood. Their bites can cause intense irritation around the central bright red spot.

Because vibrations trigger the pupa to emerge, when people enter empty premises where infested hosts previously lived, the human hosts can suffer a significant attack. The first step in controlling a flea infestation is to identify the primary hosts, such as cats or dogs, and give them the recommended veterinary treatments.

Additionally, infestation sites have to be regularly re-treated to prevent a return of the creatures. This is because the life cycle of some fleas can be up to 12 months in unoccupied premises.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Fleas | May 9, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Bird Are Making a Mess Of My Building

Throughout major cities and towns, it’s commonplace to see buildings that look unsightly due to the droppings of pigeons and other birds. Often this is left but many people do not realise that the mess or guano as it’s sometimes called can be dangerous.

Removal of Guano

The guano can carry bacteria and diseases and it’s a specialist job to remove this. It’s acidic and requires special chemicals and equipment to successfully remove this mess. Bird FoulingWe would also remove and nesting materials from the site.

The waste must also be transferred to a registered waste disposal site to comply with legislation.

Once the area is clean of mess we the dry cleaned or jet wash the area using a powerful biocide disinfectant, minimising the risk of such diseases as ornithosis, psittacosis, histoplasmosis and salmonellosis.  Our pest control expert will also recommend any further treatment which may be required, such as applying a pesticide, agaracide or fungicide to the affected areas.

Health & Safety Issues

The build up of guano carries a number of health and safety implications such as:

  • Slip hazards to anybody crossing a contaminated area
  • The faeces can contain harmful bacteria and viral infections
  • Insects can also be attracted to the faeces and nesting material leading to a secondary infestation
  • Unpleasant smells from contaminated areas which are particularly prevalent in the summer.
  • Permanent damage to buildings including staining of brickwork and corrosion of metal pipework
  • Blocked gutters caused by feathers, nesting material and droppings culminating in expensive repair bills

WARNING: Do not try to remove the guano yourself. It’s unlikely you would get any satisfactory results and you could endanger your health in doing so.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Bird Control | May 7, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Are The Vikings To Blame?

According to new research it may well have been the vikings which introduced the mice population thoughout many areas of the world!
“The Vikings introduced the humble house mouse to the world back in the 10th century, new research claims. A new DNA study shows Viking longboats carried the mice to colonies in Iceland and Greenland.
When scientists compared modern mice to bone samples at archaeological sites, they found the common house mouse – Mus musculus domesticus – must have hitched a lift from either Norway or the northern British Isles.” 

For the full story please click on the following link: http://metro.co.uk/2012/03/18/viking-warriors-carried-mice-on-their-longboats-356148/

What Should You Look Out Four?

Generally nocturnal creatures, mice often leave a number of number of signs which can alert you to their presence. These include: Are The Vikings To Blame?

  • Droppings (very thin, approx. 5mm long).
  • Small grease marks which have been created by the mice repeatedly brushing up against objects.
  • Damage caused by continuous gnawing.
  • Shredded insulation, cardboard, paper, wood, plastics etc are all commonly used by mice as nesting materials.
  • The presence of mice usually leaves an unusual ammonia-like smell. This can be particularly strong in enclosed areas.

What Are The Associated Risks of a Mouse Problem?

For a variety of reasons, if you suspect the presence of mice in or around your property it is crucial that you give us a call as soon as possible so that we can quickly eradicate your problem.

  • Mice are well known to spread serious infections including Salmonella, Hantavirus, Lyme disease and Weil’s disease.
  • Mice are known carriers of ectoparasites – fleas, mites etc…
  • Because of their sharp teeth, mice can gnaw through cables, plastic, cardboard, wood and even doors causing significant damage.
  • Mice regularly contaminate foodstuffs and goods.

All of the above problems can be serious for any business and as such mouse problems need to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.

Next time you have a mouse related problem though, remember it could be the Vikings who were to blame!!

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Mice | April 25, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Tired of Sharing Your Home with Unwanted Guests

Are you tired of sharing your home with unwanted guests such as mice or ants? We wouldn’t blame you if you were as we understand just how annoying and unsettling the presence of unwanted pests in your house can be.

Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of Safeguard Pest Control to provide the pest control measures that you need.

What Happens if we Ignore them?

If left unchecked, pests such as rats, mice, ants, wasps, cockroaches and many others can expose people a range of unpleasant effects such as: Tired of sharing your house with unwanted guests

  • Transferable diseases
  • Droppings and other debris
  • Bacteria which causes food poisoning
  • Unpleasant odours
  • Damaged electrical wiring
  • Bites or stings
  • Eaten or damaged food

How we can help?

Because pest issues can be particularly distressing for the properties occupants we aim to use a preventative rather than reactive approach wherever possible to ensure that problems can be stopped before they start in many cases. Our expert team of technicians have a wide range of solutions at their disposal and after conducting a thorough and free survey to ascertain the full extent of any problem or potential problem, they will be ideally positioned to implement the most effective measures.

We can offer you a range of effective solutions to your pest problems, eliminating the infestation, cleaning and repairing the damage and then putting measures in place to ensure the pests don’t return.

The most reliable methods of which will ensure that hazardous situations for you and your family are quickly dealt with and measures put in place to ensure that they do not quickly return.

What Makes Safeguard Different?

We strive to offer a level of service which separates us from our competitors and as such we guarantee to offer our clients a service which offers:

  • Respect - we will turn up on time and treat your home with the utmost care.
  • Discretion - we understand that you may not want your neighbours to know that work is being undertaken and as such  response within 24 hours means your pest problem will quickly be a thing of the past.
  • Expertise - our highly trained and experienced staff will wipe out your pest problem in the most efficient way.

Safeguard will ensure that these risks will be significantly reduced be ensuring that we quickly eliminate the infestation, clean and repair any damage and then put the all important measures in place to guarantee that the pests do not return to wreak havoc in the future.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pest Control | April 23, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Pigeon Crashes into Kitchen Window

Birds of all species have difficulty distinguishing between a pane of transparent glass and space or a passageway. Some see the reflection of trees and the sky, not realising it is glass, which will reflect the most when it is darker inside than it is outside. This was evidenced perfectly in a recent story in the Daily Mail which illustrated the scene where a low flying pigeon flew into a kitchen window, leaving a perfect outline of the collision on the window.

Pest birds such as pigeons have the ability to make life miserable if left unchecked. Pigeons can make a real mess of the buildings where they perch by day or roost at night. Pigeon droppings can quickly clog gutters and downpipes, causing What Are My Bird Proofing Options?flooding inside affected buildings; while the mess that lands on the pavement or warehouse floor can cause its own share of problems for building managers.

Effective Prevention

To prevent this or end existing problems, Safeguard offer a range of we provide humane, non-lethal deterrent and exclusion systems to keep the birds off your property and prevent them from coming back.

Exclusion systems like pigeon netting act by providing an effective barrier which is put in place which will prevent the birds from landing on their favourite perches and roosting places at night, while measures such as pigeon deterrent wires can be suspended over a favoured perches where the birds would usually go to feed.

Alternative Control

There are several methods available for controlling feral pigeon populations and preventing problem flocks.  These include the installation of net prevention, point prevention or spring wire system as well as strategic population management. For further details on our humane control methods, please visit our bird control page.

Read more on the story detailed above by clicking on the following link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2309193/Pigeon-crashes-kitchen-window-leaves-imprint-clearly-showing-outline-head-body-wings.html#ixzz2Qj1TMBnL

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pigeons | April 18, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Bed Bugs ‘Dodge Insecticides’ with Molecular Tricks

Bed bugs are present all over the globe, but in recent years huge areas of Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia have been effected by them. These thoroughly unpleasant insects feast on the blood of their sleeping victims, leaving itchy, red welts as a calling card.

Tucking themselves away, bed bugs have the ability to survive without feeding for in excess of 12 months. They are one of the toughest pests to get rid of, unless you turn to the professionals to help sort this out.

Controlling bed bugs is becoming an important issue for many businesses. Safeguard offer effective bed bugs treatment and expert advice tailored to your needs. Bed bugs are small crawling parasitic insects that are becoming an ever greater pest problem. They are very easily spread but complicated to treat. This has resulted in a rapid growth in bed bug outbreaks in the UK and other countries.

Posing Major Problems For Businesses

Bed bugs can be a serious issue for businesses with a constant flow of visitors to their premises. Businesses in the leisure industry including hotels, guest houses, public transport and care homes are all particularly vulnerable.Bed Bugs

Potential Harm from Bed Bugs

  • Customers and staff could be bitten by bed bugs. Some may have allergic reactions or secondary infections from scratching the bed bug bites
  • Bed bugs are small and move around easily but are a complicated pest to treat
  • Once established, bed bugs can swiftly reach an epidemic level if not treated quickly and professionally

The key to getting rid of bed bugs is to raise awareness of the signs to look for and to ensure infestations are dealt with quickly and effectively by a professional pest controller, once discovered.

Bed bugs use a range of tactics to render insecticides useless, a study suggests. Infestations are on the rise around the world, but the pests are growing resistant to some chemicals. Now scientists have found 14 genes associated with a number of biological changes.

An Evolving Pest

Safeguard use the very latest technology along with the most innovative techniques available to ensure we obtain the best possible results. If recent reports, our innovative removal methods are now even more important as bed bugs are evolving to become resistant to some forms of insecticides.

“Bed bugs are employing more than one mechanism of resistance to avoid insecticide toxicity” – Prof Subba Palli – University of Kentucky

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also suggests that some of the bugs are producing higher levels of enzymes that help to metabolise insecticides more quickly.

Others genes are associated with proteins that interfere with the way the deadly chemicals are carried around the bed bugs’ bodies.

Direct exposure to insecticides – the most widely used are synthetic organic compounds called pyrethroids – was once an effective way to kill off the pests. But not any more. Subba Palli, professor entomology from the University of Kentucky in the US and an author of the study, said that the hardy insects were using a combination of these molecular tricks.

“Some used four different mechanisms, some three and so on,” he explained. “Bed bugs are employing more than one mechanism of resistance to avoid insecticide toxicity.”

Passages & Quotes taken from – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21778171

What To Look Out For

As with most pest infestations, there are a number of telltale signs to look out for which will indicate their unwelcome presence.

Bed Bugs – Warning Signs

  • Live adult and young nymphs on bed sheets and mattresses
  • Tiny spots of blood on bed sheets
  • Very distinctive sweet & sickly smell

If you notice any of these signs, give us a call!

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Bed Bugs, Blog Posts | April 16, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Mice Devour Man’s Life Savings

Mouse control is something that many people will be forced to deal with at one time or another, especially for those with food on their premises.

A recent story from China evidences what can happen when mice are allowed to literally ‘get their teeth’ into whatever they can!Mouse

“Zhao Zhiyong, who has lived in Shanghai for around 10 years, was reportedly “shocked” to return home to find the rodents had broken into his closet and munched their way through a stash of money he had been hoarding.

Mr Zhao had asked his wife to store around 7,200 yuan (£775) inside the pocket of a coat. But the mouse invasion transformed the cash into a worthless heap of pink, white and purple confetti.

“Almost all the 100-yuan banknotes were in small pieces,” the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported on Wednesday.”

Article taken from – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9926426/Chinese-mice-devour-mans-life-savings.html

Unfortunately for this poor gentleman, the notes are so badly damaged that many banks are refusing to exchange the notes.

Other Associated Risks

  • Mice are widely acknowledged to spread serious diseases and infections such infections such as Salmonella, Hantavirus, Lyme disease and Weil’s disease. They are also carriers of ectoparasites – fleas, mites etc…
  • As evidenced above, sharp teeth can gnaw through almost anything causing significant damage to stock and buildings. Cables, plastic, cardboard, wood and paper are all fair game to mice.
  • Contamination of foodstuffs and goods.

Why take any chances? If you believe that you have any of the tell tale signs of mouse presence, just give us a call and let us check everything out.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help you avoid pest control problems and possibly comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pest Control | April 11, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

Rats Blamed for Blaze

Rats are indiscriminate in regards to who they can target. Individual properties, any business large or small, and particularly vulnerable are those that deal with food produce.

Not only do rats pose problems in regards to the spread of disease and contamination of food, they also pose a severe risk of danger when left unchecked, as evidenced by ratthe story below.

“Rats could be to blame for a fire at a coach firm, destroying three coaches and three minibuses in Hedge End, near Southampton.  Fire investigators have concluded that the most likely cause of the fire was a spark from an electrical fault, which could have been as the result of a possible rodent infestation, with the pests gnawing through wires.

A Fire Service spokesman said “it’s not unheard of – certainly rodents and animals chewing through things have caused us issues in the past.” He added “for it to have caused this much devastation, they have been pretty unlucky.”

Article taken from – http://www.bpca.org.uk/pages/newsManager.cfm?page_id=9&news_id=17

Signs of a Rodent Problem:

By most standards, rats are considered pests or vermin. They can be very destructive to crops and property. Rats can quickly overpopulate when they live in a place where they have no predators, such as in certain cities, and their numbers can become hard to contain.

Vigilance is important in regards to any potential pest problems but what exactly should you look out for if you suspect the presence of rats.

  • Droppings
  • Holes in walls or floors or damage by chewing
  • Scratching noises
  • Unpleasant smells caused by urination

All of the above are frequently spotted during a rat infestation and at the first sign of problems, you should quickly call in the experts.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to someone directly regarding how to help your company avoid pest control problems and comply with pest control legislation, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you in further detail to outline how we can benefit you or your business by either calling 0800 195 7766, or by e-mailing us at - info@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk.

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categories Pest Control | April 9, 2013 | comments Comments (0)

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