Health and Social Care Information Centre Report
Safeguard Pest Control has reviewed a report by the Health and Social Care Information Centre that shows significant increases in the number of people being admitted to hospital with pest bites. Sufferers from rat bites increased 57%, wasps, bees and hornets increased by 58% and fleas, bed bugs and mosquitoes increased by 70%.
The British Pest Control Association Show Number of Pest Control Officers Has Fallen
Figures from the British Pest Control Association show that nearly 20% of local authorities offer no pest control, while the number of pest control officers has fallen 20% since 2011. Knowsley Council still offers a free rat control service and last year had over 3000 call outs for rats.
Public concerns are being raised that council austerity measures are reducing their pest control budget which is now leading to higher hospital admissions.
At the same time, independent specialists at Safeguard Pest Control have experienced a significant increase in private sector business clients. James Sheehan, head of sales and marketing, says “Private sector employers are aware of the impact of pests on staff wellbeing. Staff absenteeism through illness costs employers over £600 per person per year. As a result, our business clients are increasing their investment in pro-active pest control, and this improves wellness at work.”
Responsible Business advisor Clive Bonny adds “Employers and households need to be more vigilant as the weather warms up and rubbish collections decrease. Reduced public sector pest control has led to increased hospital visits and, consequently, higher costs for individuals, employers and UK PLC.
Employers can contact Safeguard Pest Control Specialists for Help
Fortunately, responsible employers recognise these risks and their preventative actions help manage this serious and escalating problem.”
For more information, please contact:
James Sheehan
Email: James@safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk
Telephone: 07961 974435
Clive Bonny
Email: Clive@consult-smp.com
Telephone: 01273 308865
Bed bug nymph (Cimex lectularius) was in the process of ingesting a blood meal from the arm of a “voluntary” human host.
Bed bugs are increasingly common in the United Kingdom. C. lectularius inject saliva into the blood stream of their host to thin the blood, and to prevent coagulation. It is this saliva that causes the intense itching and welts.
The delay in the onset of itching gives the feeding bed bug time to escape into cracks and crevices. In some cases, the itchy bites can develop into painful welts that last several days.
Safeguard Pest Control say bed bug bites are difficult to diagnose due to the variability in bite response between people, and due to the change in skin reaction for the same person over time. It is best to collect and identify bed bugs to confirm bites. Bed bugs are responsible for loss of sleep, discomfort, disfiguring from numerous bites and occasionally bites may become infected.
Here at Safeguard we would be happy to help rid you of bed bugs once and for all. Simply get in touch!
