FOCUS PEST CONTROL
40 JULY 2021
REFERENCE NOTES
(i) https://bpca.org.uk/News-and-Blog/pestcontrol
guidance-for-businesses-reopening-a ercovid
19-
(ii) www.bpca.org.uk/pestready
(iii) www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-duringcoronavirus
covid-19
To find a BPCA member near you visit:
www.bpca.org.uk/find
damage to plumbing and electrics, so damage
to the building, or products and equipment
within, could be a sign of an infestation.
“Squirrels can also pose a problem, with cold
water tanks in attics sometimes contaminated
by urine and droppings. And for those
businesses involved in the food industry,
including catering, SPIs, (Stored Product
Insects) should be on the radar.
“SPIs are considered to be the world’s most
expensive pest due to the fact they cost the
food industry billions each year in lost product
and additional operating costs, but the early
stages of an infestation can be di icult to spot,
so a thorough inspection by a pest professional
is recommended.
“Indications of SPI infestation include seeing
adult beetles or moths, damage to packaging
and products, ‘tainted’ (discoloured) food and
track marks in dust or flour as well as damp or
mould in grain, which tends to be warmer if
infected.
“Moth larvae will leave webbing which they
spin as they feed and move. It contaminates
food products and can cause considerable
damage to machinery and equipment.
“Insect larvae excrement, known as ‘frass’ is
another common sign of an infestation.
“If the presence of pests – or a serious
infestation – is identified, BPCA recommends
seeking professional help and advice to tackle
the problem. Premises should be pest-free
before reopening.”
ESTABLISH A MAINTENANCE CYCLE
Choosing a professional pest controller is key
to establishing a maintenance cycle that will
help prevent pests and
avoid seasonal pest issues.
Regular visits should
be arranged, with
a professional pest
controller who can o er
a knowledge of current
issues and holds the
appropriate insurances,
accreditations and
memberships.
Action between visits
should be agreed upon
and prioritised, with
recommendations
implemented as is
reasonably practicable.
All sta on site
should understand the
importance of reporting
any issues into a logbook
and the process for seeking
additional visits from
the pest management
company for any issues
considered urgent.
Ward-Thompson said:
“E ective pest management is varied and
touches on vital operational elements that
support the provision of a safe and healthy
facility.
“The most e ective method to ensure
protection and compliance is to introduce
a maintenance cycle programme, with
regular, targeted activity undertaken by a
BPCA member who will build a complete
picture of controls designed to prevent an
infestation before it can occur.
“The pest control maintenance cycle
should slot into an organisation’s scheduled
operations to o er value and peace of
mind.”
A GUIDE TO THE ROLE OF PEST CONTROL
Specific guidance on the importance of pest
control in reopening commercial premises
following the COVID-19 lockdowns has been
produced by BPCA and is free to download(i)
from the Association’s website.
Ward-Thompson said: “BPCA was quick to
produce guidance(ii) for businesses planning
to reopen a er COVID-19 lockdowns, and
we recommend anyone with a commercial
building that has not been in use due to
the pandemic restrictions read the guide
and follow the advice it contains.” Further
guidance on safely reopening businesses is
available from Gov.uk(iii).
SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL PEST
CONTROLLER
When choosing a contractor understanding
their credentials, experience and the
services they o er is key. As the largest
and most e ective pest control initiative in
the UK, BPCA operates strict membership
criteria designed to deliver peace of mind
to end-users and drive excellence in pest
management. BPCA is on hand to help
thousands of businesses find a trusted pest
control contractor. BPCA members will only
send out qualified technicians, have the
correct insurances and work legally to the
Association’s strict codes of conduct.
/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
/pestready
/pest-control-guidance-for-businesses-reopening-after-covid-19-
/find
