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Pest Control Tactics for Healthcare Facilities

It should go without saying that failed pest control can be devastating for a healthcare facility and it’s important to know what to do to stay on top of problems.

Pest control can be a huge problem for any professional organisation, whether it operates in behind the scenes industries such as production or construction, or public-facing businesses such as in restaurants or hospitality. However, there are few industries where pest infestations are likely to be less welcome than in healthcare.

Healthcare trusts, local authorities and governing bodies of all kinds have a legal and moral duty of care to their employees, visitors, and most of all, to their patients.

The Difference with Healthcare

At this point, you may be wondering what is different about pest control considerations in a healthcare facility, compared to any other public-facing industry?

The main difference with the healthcare industry is that, where other businesses operate on a regular pattern of opening and closing, it tends to function on a 24/7 – 365 basis. This means that, instead of being able to empty its buildings once a day to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection of key areas, a healthcare facility must operate the same strict cleaning and pest control discipline as every other kind of business, but must do so while still fully operational, and treating its patients. This is no mean feat.

With the current state of staffing and funding for national healthcare, cost-cutting has led to derelict areas of some healthcare facilities which will provide ideal locations for pest control problems to take hold.

Whether the pest in question is a rodent, insect, bird or some other infesting creature, they love having areas where they can live and propagate relatively undisturbed. Therefore, it is critical to ensure all areas of the facility are regularly inspected for signs of infestations, not just the ones which are presently in operation.

Rubbish and any spillages must be cleaned up promptly to avoid them attracting pests. Another issue exclusive to the healthcare industry is the likelihood of bodily fluids being spilled on surfaces. Bile, vomit, blood, urine, faeces and other natural secretions can all attract pests – particularly insects such as flies and mosquitoes – and it is imperative that these fluids and the surrounding areas, be cleaned as soon as it is possible to do so.

Medical waste must be stored and disposed of correctly as well, to avoid further pest control issues.

Medical waste

A Healthy Pest Control Solution

Obviously, when it comes to a healthcare facility, many of the patients will have severely compromised immune systems. This makes effective pest control measures even more critical as the diseases, which often come with an infestation, will have the potential to be even more devastating than they would be in a building entirely populated by healthy people.

By far the best way to ensure your healthcare facility remains free of pests is to employ the services of an experienced and professional pest control expert. Regular inspections and patrols will ensure that even the less frequently used areas of your facility will be thoroughly checked for signs of infestation. These patrols and inspections will be backed-up by the latest developments in pest control technology combined with a wealth of knowledge which can only be gained from real, on the job, experience.

Safeguard Pest Control has over 30 years’ experience in the pest control industry, tackling every type of infesting pest there is, from rodents to birds. They specialise in commercial pest control solutions and work in partnership with businesses and healthcare facilities to design a bespoke strategy, tailor made for each business they assist.

To find out more please get in touch today.

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