FMJ.CO.UK PEST CONTROL FOCUS
JULY 2022 33
helps protect people in the building from
diseases such as listeria and salmonella.
Pest professionals such as BPCA
members can advise and carry out a
range of proofing systems to help deter
pests, but regular maintenance of those
measures – and an established cycle of
pest management visits – are the best
route to avoid an infestation and achieve
regulatory compliance.
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.
The most obvious sign of a problem
is spotting the pest itself. And while
some pests can leave very obvious
traces, others are very small and can
be di icult to identify. You might find it
useful to train sta in spotting the signs
of infestations – BPCA have pest control
awareness courses, which help sta learn
how to identify pest issues. If there is any
indication of activity, we recommend an
inspection and advice from a professional
di icult to spot, so a thorough inspection
by a pest professional is recommended.
Indications of SPI infestations 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 infested.
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.
An obnoxious smell in food areas could
indicate a cockroach infestation. Usually
found in dark, warm spaces, cockroaches
o en access a building from the sewer and
establish themselves around stoves, under
sinks or near heating ducts.
Ootheca, or egg cases and droppings are
also signs that cockroaches are around.
Another heat-loving pest that may be
found in large centrally-heated buildings
such as bakeries and hospitals as well as
near heat-producing machinery such as
commercial ovens, is the tropical Pharaoh
ant. Believed to spread diseases, Pharaoh
ants can be found in massive numbers.
Their nests vary in size and can expand
into the available space, with some
research finding nests with 50,000 workers
and 100,000 ants at young stages.
BPCA has a wealth of advice and
information at bpca.org.uk/a-z-of-pests and
further help in identifying potential pest
droppings can be found at bpca.org.uk/
guesswhosepoo.
CALL THE PROFESSIONALS
If the presence of pests – or a serious
infestation – is identified, BPCA
recommends seeking professional help and
advice to tackle the problem.
Premises that have been empty for a
while should be checked and any issues
dealt with to ensure they are pest-free
before reopening.
A BPCA member company will have the
technical knowledge and experience to
apply products in an e icient manner while
minimising risk to the environment and
non-target species.
BPCA members:
Carry the correct insurances.
Are trained and qualified technicians.
Are assessed to the British Standard in
pest management EN 16636.
Follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk
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. 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 damage to plumbing and electrics,
so damage to the building, or products and
equipment within, could be a sign of an
infestation.
Electrical fires and flood events have been
attributed to rodent activity. Squirrels have
also been blamed for property fires and
floods, and can pose a problem with cold
water tanks in attics, which sometimes get
contaminated by urine and droppings.
STORED PRODUCT INSECTS
For those businesses involved in the food
industry, including catering, Stored Product
Insects (SPIs) 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
/www.bpca.org.uk
