FMJ.CO.UK PEST CONTROL FOCUS
JULY 2021 39
One of the biggest threats to
commercial buildings that have
been leŽ unoccupied as a result of
pandemic lockdowns is the possibility
of a serious pest infestation, according
to the national trade body representing
pest control operators.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,
thousands of buildings from o ice and
call centres to non-essential shops and
educational establishments were le
empty, either as the workforce operated
remotely or because they were instructed to
close by the government.
BPCA has produced guidance for
businesses reopening a er pandemic
lockdowns and o ers advice on establishing
pest control maintenance cycles, to help
avoid seasonal pest problems.
Dee Ward-Thompson, Technical Manager
at BPCA, said: “Pest control is a key
issue for anyone working in the facilities
management sector. Empty premises –
particularly those that have not benefited
from regular pest control inspections
during the months of lockdown – can
attract a variety of pests.
“A serious infestation may result in
contaminated product, damage to
equipment or the building and a tarnished
reputation, incurring increased costs and
potentially delaying the reopening of the
business.
“Professional pest protection is a crucial
component for pest-free premises. BPCA
members have the credentials, experience
and knowledge to help FMs establish and
maintain robust pest management systems.
“Facilities managers that have retained
pest control maintenance throughout the
lockdowns and performed their own checks
on their buildings, are best-placed to
reopen quickly.”
PEST CONTROL CHECKS
Pest control needs to be included in any
plan to reopen a building, particularly if
the usual monitoring and checks have not
continued while the property has been
empty.
Ward-Thompson said: “It’s clear that
many buildings have not been regularly
monitored by professionals while lockdown
restrictions were in place.
“An impact survey conducted by BPCA
in April 2020 found 74 per cent of pest
management companies had seen
contracts suspended or cancelled.
“Our members also reported a rise in pest
activity throughout the year, with 78 per
cent of respondents noticing an increase in
rat activity and 67 per cent reporting more
mice-related incidents during the course of
the pandemic.”
As the country entered
lockdown, BPCA
recommended a series
of basic precautions
to help prevent pests
entering empty buildings
as restrictions were
introduced.
These included a
thorough clean down of
all surfaces, with bungs
fitted to bins and waste
collection arrangements
confirmed. It was advised
that Electric Fly Killers
be serviced annually
and potential pest entry
points such as gaps under
external doors, as well as
pipes, vents and shutters,
were all plugged where
possible.
Also, an inspection by a
qualified pest professional
should be completed
before reopening the
building.
SPOTTING THE SIGNS
Signs of pest activity can include
droppings, the smell of urine from
rodents, eggs or shed skin from insects,
damage to the exterior of the property
near entry points such as drains and
vents, or damage to internal fixings or
equipment.
Ward-Thompson said: “The most
obvious sign of a problem is spotting the
pest itself. And while some pests can leave
very obvious traces, others, like Stored
Product Insects (SPIs) can be di icult to
identify.
“If there is any indication of activity, we
recommend an inspection and advice from
a professional pest control company.”
Rats and mice have rapid breeding
cycles, with one breeding pair potentially
multiplying into hundreds within just a
few months. They will seek out safe shelter
with a food source and, if they find it, will
bring their friends. Both species can carry
diseases and will contaminate areas with
urine and faeces.
They also need to gnaw to care for their
teeth and have been known to chew
through wood, cables and so metals.
Their gnawing activities can cause serious