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When Do Factories and Warehouses Need to Get a Pest Control Contract?


The short answer to the title of this post is, immediately – even if no signs of infestation have yet been identified.

When it comes to commercial pest control, prevention is far better than cure – not least because an infestation of pests will often lead to a halt in operations. In a factory or warehouse which deals with large volumes of goods, a closure of just one day could potentially cost the business hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Unlike smaller commercial spaces, the sheer size of factories and warehouses makes pest control much more complex. The production and/or storage of a large variety of goods together, creates a particularly welcoming environment for a number of pest species. Usually, there are plenty of dark, damp corners and crevices in which pests can hide, nest and multiply. In addition, most factories and warehouses also have wide entrances and open doors, allowing pests to come and go easily.

Without a commercial pest control contract in place, you are leaving your business vulnerable to infestations and the results can be devastating. Not only could an outbreak of pests cause an unscheduled pause in operations – leading to considerable disruption, downtime and financial loss – it will also seriously damage your reputation.

Your customers expect your premises and everything your factory produces and distributes to be adequately protected against pest problems. Should an outbreak occur, you will be obliged to inform all of your customers of the issue, many of whom maybe reluctant to continue doing business with you. There is also the risk of transporting pests to your customers, creating havoc in your supply chain and, once again, leaving your reputation in tatters.

The two main types of pests that pose the greatest threat to factories and warehouses are rodents and insects. Below, we consider each in turn and detail the problems associated with them.

Rats and Mice

No matter the goods – food, clothes, furniture, paper – rats and mice are a major concern in storage warehouses and production facilities. Their propensity to chew through almost any material they find leads to damage to produce, buildings, machinery and equipment. Anything that rats and mice damage will need to be repaired if not replaced, adding further costs on top of those associated with halting operations while the problem is dealt with.

In factories and warehouses that produce or store food, the potential problems are even more severe. Rats and mice are known to be carriers of a number of different diseases, including salmonella, Weil’s disease and hantavirus.

As such, they pose a serious health risk to both staff and end consumers. Physical contamination – such as shed fur and droppings – of ingredients and processed products is another risk.

Commercial pest control contracts delivered by a professional local provider are the only way to ensure your facility is kept free from rodents at all times. Should you spot any signs of infestation – such as droppings, evidence of gnawing or nesting, smear marks along walls or sightings of live or dead animals – you need to call in the commercial pest control professionals immediately.

pest control godown

Insects

There are a number of different insects that can infest factories and warehouses, among the most problematic of which are ants and cockroaches.

Though they are not known to carry diseases, ants nonetheless still pose a problem – particularly for businesses that deal in food production and distribution. These businesses require that stringent hygiene standards are kept and the presence of ants in food, stock, preparation and production areas is simply untenable. Ants make their way into factories and warehouses looking for sustenance. If they find a suitable source, they will quickly set up home and multiply, resulting in an infestation that can spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

Cockroaches do pose a health risk. They carry a large number of disease-causing bacteria, as well as viruses and parasitic worms. They feed on decaying matter, the faeces of rodents and birds, mould and animal carcasses, picking up more bacteria as they feed. These bacteria can then be transmitted into food production environments from their bodies or excreta.

One of the biggest challenges with cockroaches is that they shelter in places which are hard to reach using normal cleaning and sanitation methods. They prefer dark places, such as cracks, crevices, drains and sewers. They will also hide in equipment and machinery, making them very difficult to spot. As such, a commercial pest control contract is the only reliable way to ensure cockroach infestations do not take hold in factory and warehouse environments.

Commercial Pest Control

At Baroque Pest Services part of Safeguard, we have over 30 years’ experience designing and implementing affordable, bespoke pest control solutions for factories and warehouses. Our pest control service begins with a free consultation and risk assessment. We will then tailor a commercial pest control contract that suits your business’ needs.

Baroque Pest Services serves all kinds of industries including: Bars, Pubs, Cafés, Restaurants, Hotels and B&Bs, as well as Nursing Homes, Factories, Warehouses and Organic Farms.

Contact your local pest control specialist today for a free quotation.

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