Besides homes and offices, health and aged care facilities too fall prey to pests and are often negatively affected due to the presence of pests.
However, for health and aged care facilities, it is essential to identify and control any pests in the areas and keep them insect-free.
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Consequences of a Pest Infestation:
It is the responsibility of health and aged care facilities to care for and protect the health and wellbeing of their patients and employees. To do so, it is essential to maintain property hygiene and prevent pests from inhabiting your property.
Having pests in the area not only goes against government standards but also causes discomfort and risks of diseases to both patients and employees. For health and aged care facilities, cleanliness and hygiene are of uttermost importance.
Therefore, the presence of pests could lead to various consequences such as;
- Damaged reputation and brand image
- Decrease in the number of patients and employees
- Legal lawsuits and fines
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Common Pests in Health and Aged Care Facilities:
When dealing with pests in health and aged care facilities, it is vital to be familiar with the types of pests commonly found on your property to be able to fully prepare yourself and take the right precautions.
The types of pests commonly found in such facilities are
Rodent:
Rats are a pest that you do not want to have anywhere near you as they spread various harmful diseases and cause a lot of property damage which only results in losses.
Ants:
Although ants might seem harmless due to their small size. They can cause a lot of discomfort to the patients and employees if bitten and could attract bigger and more insects such as spiders, wasps, beetles, flies, etc.
Cockroaches:
They might seem less troublesome than expected. However, cockroaches are known to spread a variety of bacterias that weaken the immune system.
Mosquitoes, Flies and other Insects:
As elderly patients are known to have a weaker immune system, having mosquitoes that could transmit malaria, dengue and other diseases, is a huge risk that you shouldn’t take. Additionally, flies and other insects are also considered a nuisance to elderly patients that simply want to rest and relax.
What Areas of the Health and Aged Care Facilities are Most at Risk?
Rodents invade properties in search of food, water, and shelter. Therefore, if your property provides any one or more of these, then they would automatically be attracted to your facility.
Some areas in facilities that are most at risk are waste collection areas, your kitchen or pantry, basement and parking lots, patient facilities, sanitary areas and storage rooms.
Tips for Health and Aged Facilities Professionals
- Control moisture by regularly cleaning and checking your property for any leakage
- Store and seal food security in the kitchen and pantry to ensure it doesn’t get contaminated
- Dispose of waste regularly and seal the waste bags properly so that rodents can’t rummage through them
- Thoroughly clean the cafeterias, to eliminate crumbs and food residue
- Storage rooms should be thoroughly ventilated and dry
- Inspect delivery boxes for any signs of cockroaches
- Seal up any entry points or holes in the building that could serve as entry points for rats
- Regularly trim your vegetation and grass and ensure it is far away from the building
- Keep an eye out for droppings or any signs of rodents, cockroaches, and insect activity
- Get rid of any decaying wood or rotten wood items
- Repair or replace any loose weather stripping
- Check for clogged drains and cockroach activity. If you do spot anything suspicious, get professional control services
About the Author:
Muzi Tsolakis is a Pest control expert and the founder of Protech Pest Control in Melbourne. Along with rat control and removal services, they provide pest control and removal solutions for various types of pests and insects.
