FMJ.CO.UK PEST CONTROL FOCUS
JULY 2019 37
If you identify a cockroach
infestation in your co‡ ee machine or
elsewhere in your premises, take immediate
action. Cockroaches aren’t known for
good personal hygiene and can carry
diseases such as salmonella, dysentery and
gastroenteritis. Keep them away with a
regular clean of the co‡ ee machine
and surrounding areas, sweeping
up food debris and properly
disposing of waste. There are
treatments such as sprays,
gel baits and dusting
powders that are safe and
targeted, limiting the risk
of people inadvertently
coming into contact
with them.
RATS AND MICE
Rodents can be one of the most
damaging pests in a workplace.
They are capable of spreading
disease and they are hardwired to gnaw.
In order to keep their teeth at a manageable
size, they will chew on just about anything
they can sink their teeth into. This could
result in damaged electrical equipment as
well as an increased fire risk.
Rats and mice have a very strong
ammonia smell. They are o en noisy,
making audible scrabbling noises as they
move around. If you haven’t heard them
but spot the telltale signs of their presence,
try to distinguish between rats or mice by
looking for their faeces. Rats excrete
about 40 dark, pellet-shaped
droppings per day, which are
up to 14mm long. Mice can
produce 80 oval-shaped
droppings, typically
5mm long.
Advise colleagues
to ensure their food
waste is properly
sealed and stored at
the end of the day, and
when walking around
the facility look out for
any obvious holes in the
exterior of the property. These
should be sealed with wire wool,
caulk, metal kick plates or cement.
Some people might not think one rodent
sighting warrants immediate attention, but
a problem can escalate if le untreated.
Mice typically like to stay hidden out of
sight as it helps them feel safe, so seeing
one mouse may be an indication of a larger
problem. They also have a relatively quick
reproductive cycle, so failing to act could
create the conditions for an isolated issue
to turn into a full infestation.
All sta‡ should be aware of the signs of a
pest problem. There are free online courses
(such as Rentokil’s myLearning) which can
educate employees on the basic elements
of pest control, including the biology of
the animal. Having so many eyes on the
lookout considerably assists the FM in
spotting infestations.
Whether you are dealing with or
preventing a fly, cockroach or rodent
issue, it’s important that you know who
to contact. External contractors should be
fully up to date on the latest techniques
and legislation changes in their area of
expertise. Pest controllers are no di‡ erent,
so if you’re in any doubt as to what
methods to use, then it’s always best to
check with the experts.
German cockroach
Rats and mice have a
very strong ammonia smell.
They are often noisy, making
audible scrabbling noises as
they move around.”