FOCUS PEST MANAGEMENT
When it comes to e ective pest management,
getting the balance right is critical.
Targeted, ongoing pest control is vital for health
and safety, the environment and corporate
reputation. It should not be le as a responsive
action.
The pest most dreaded by FMs is likely to be the rat.
Rats on the premises are bad for an organisation’s
reputation, but that’s not the only concern. They
carry bugs which can be passed to humans, including
Weil’s disease, which can lead to jaundice and kidney
failure. They also foul water tanks and chew on wood
or electrical wires, which can cause a lot of damage
and increase the risk of fire.
The problem is how to manage a rat
infestation. A recent report by the
University of Reading revealed the
presence of a new generation
of rats carrying a genetic
mutation, making them resistant
to commonly used poisons.
The study, commissioned by
the Campaign for Responsible
Rodenticide Use (CRRU), identifies
‘the massive extent of L120Q
resistance across the whole of central
southern England’.
It also reports that rats without the genetic
mutation are being killed o‹ by poison, which means
the resistant species are taking their place, leaving a
growing population of resistant purebreds. With their
numbers expanding, there could be a significant risk
to public health if their population is lež unchecked,
in both urban and rural environments.
As a result, the British Pest Control Association
(BPCA) suggests that rodents must be dealt with by
those with the skills required to understand their
behaviour and their habitat, and who know how to
treat any particular strain. FMs should be aware of
38 JULY 2019
the situation in order to e‹ ectively tackle the issue.
They need to collaborate with qualified, trusted and
audited pest management companies working to
industry codes of best practice, who will carefully
consider ecological issues and only use pesticides as
a last resort.
ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO
The UK is home to more than 30 types of native
mosquito species, some of which bite and create
a general nuisance. But the BPCA is particularly
concerned about one particular species – the Asian
Tiger mosquito – taking hold in the UK. While it does
not present an immediate danger to the public, it
is a species of concern that can transmit
debilitating and even deadly viruses,
including chikungunya and dengue
fever.
The Asian Tiger mosquito
is a small black and white
daytime biting insect, which was
accidentally introduced to Europe
in the 1970s. It has spread through
much of southern Europe and has
been gradually pushing northwards.
The eggs and larvae of this mosquito
were discovered in two sites in the south-east of
England in 2016 and 2017.
There are several steps FMs can take to reduce
the opportunities for mosquitoes in general to take
hold. Simple, corrective measures include removing
still, standing water from areas such as blocked
guttering and anywhere that water can collect. Such
areas provide ideal breeding sites for the insects
and should be cleaned out regularly. If the Asian
Tiger mosquito is encountered, a professional pest
controller should be contacted as well as the GB
non-native species secretariat (see box).
A less exotic but much more common pest is
the feral pigeon, which is found in all areas of the
UK. They present a range of issues, particularly
concerning health and safety. They can harbour
a wide variety of diseases and parasites on their
bodies and in their nests, and their fouling presents
public health concerns. E‹ ective bird management
is therefore a vital task for those who manage
buildings.
Feral pigeon guano (droppings) are acidic,
corroding and eroding metals, stonework and
brickwork. The droppings are unsightly and can
present a slip and trip hazard. More than this, they
can be dangerous. Ornithosis, listeria, E. coli and
other nasty pathogens can be passed through
droppings and by the birds themselves. When dry,
the droppings can become airborne, leading to
respiratory complaints such as psittacosis and the
cryptococcus fungus.
Since all UK bird species are protected by law
(Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981), including their
nests and eggs, a trusted pest control specialist
should always be consulted to ensure facilities are
protected professionally. If sta‹ are tasked with
clearing up bird guano themselves, it is important
to make sure they have appropriate training and the
correct personal protective equipment. The BPCA
would, however, recommend use of a professional
pest management company.
The most e‹ ective method to ensure protection
and compliance is to introduce a maintenance cycle
programme as part of the organisation’s scheduled
operations, with regular, targeted activity undertaken
in conjunction with a professional pest control
member. A large part of pest prevention is thinking
ahead and identifying potential causes and entry
points before infestations occur.
Such a programme will include inspecting premises
on a routine basis and reporting on the status of
any pest infestation, organising a programme of
treatments as well as taking action to control and
eliminate target pests.
Pests such as rats and pigeons pose a threat to health, safety and public
image. Dee Ward-Thompson, Technical Manager of the British Pest Control
Association, advises on the best way to manage problem infestations
FURTHER INFORMATION
‘Ticking the box: the value of maintenance
cycles for e ective pest control’. Free BPCA guide
for FMs. Available at https://bpca.org.uk/Newsand
Blog/maintenance-cycles-for-e‹ ective-pestcontrol
pest-management-support/196814
‘A to Z of pests’. BPCA reference aid for identifying
pest species.
‘Find a pest controller’ tool. BPCA search engine
that finds pest management companies with the
correct insurances, fully qualified technicians,
and audited to the European standard in pest
management.
Both the above aids are available from
https://bpca.org.uk
GB nonnative
species secretariat:
www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm
/196814
/bpca.org.uk
/index.cfm
