Why do we control pests in commercial businesses?
Pests have the potential to contaminate the workplace, spread disease, damage products, foodstuffs and property, and even ruin your reputation leading to loss of business and even prosecution. If you have a pest problem, you're responsible for a site that attracts pests. It's essential that you put the right provisions in place to protect you and your customers.
Prevent contamination and disease
Insects, rodents and birds can easily contaminate food, operational equipment and work surfaces with their excreta, hairs or body parts. These are potential pathogens, spreading disease and giving rise to ‘foreign body’ complaints. Parasites carried by pest species can also be passed on to humans causing illness and stress.
Safeguard your investment
- Rodents cause a wide range of damage due to their gnawing habits. Their strong teeth can easily puncture wood and aluminium and can cause damage to property - even fires if electric cables are attacked. Rodents will also eat a wide range of foodstuffs and can damage or contaminate many tonnes of product
- Insect infestations are also a major concern. Foodstuffs can be decimated by insects, with consignments being rejected and finished goods recalled if insect contamination is present. Insects can block production machinery, and the downtime caused by the presence of insects in a food related site can be long and costly. Animal feeds can also be heavily damaged by insects
- Bird droppings and residues can also spread disease. Bird debris can damage buildings, prove unsightly and may cause slips and trips, leaving property owners open to prosecution. Nests can block guttering or chimney flues and will encourage a number of pest insect species that thrive in bird residues
Protect your reputation
- Your reputation and business may never recover from a pest infestation
- Prosecutions and fines for pest-infested premises attract media attention to your business
- The loss of consumer confidence may ultimately force closure
Meet your legal requirements
- Meet your requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe working environment by employing a fully insured BPCA member who operates a safe system of work using suitable RISK and COSHH assessments
- Meet your requirements under the Food Safety Act 1990 and The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 to ensure adequate procedures are in place for pests by employing a BPCA member
- Meet your ‘due diligence’ requirements by using a comprehensive reporting system as provided by a BPCA member
- The penalties for failure to comply can be severe – complete and immediate closure of premises; fines of up to £20,000 or up to six months in prison!
The penalties for failure to comply can be severe...
Resources, advice and support for your pest problems
If your business has a pest problem, then we would recommend using a professional pest controller, to identify the pest, provide treatment advice and eradicate the problem in a safe and effective way.
As in any trade, there are some rogues operating, and it's no different in pest control. To help you find a local, trusted, qualified and professional pest control company that is a member of the British Pest Control Association we would recommend using our find a pest controller search.
A BPCA member will:
- Adhere to our industry Codes of Best Practice
- Include detailed advice on pest prevention measures
- Provide comprehensive reporting systems covering all treatment aspects
- Meet legal and ‘due diligence’ requirements, comply with legislation and avoid possible prosecution
- Be safe, ensuring staff, customers and members of the public are protected through RISK and COSHH assessments
- Be carried out by a suitably trained and qualified expert committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Find a pest controller
PestAware is our end-user blog for all things public health pest control related. It's updated regularly and created by the experts in the pest control industry.
Pest advice blog - PestAware
Do you require specialist pest control advice, technical auditing services, training, or an expert witness? We would recommend using one of our specialist Consultant members.
Find a Consultant member
Do you need a pest control contract for your business or organisation, but you're unsure of what you need to know or do? We are here to help. We can support you throughout the tendering and contract processes to ensure you sign a contract that meets your requirements.
Tender support
Our A to Z of pests is a catalogue of the most common public health pests, designed to assist you in identifying your pest, understanding their behaviour, and advise you on effective preventative and control measures.
Search our A to Z of pests
alexo is BPCA's magazine designed to keep your business informed about public health pest control. It's packed with professional advice from leading experts in the pest control industry and is the only publication you need to tackle your organisation's pest problems.
Issues of alexo