Pests and rodents have the ability to damage property and impact health, therefore you should be highly aware of pest contamination. It is essential you ensure your property is preventing contamination at all costs, it is particularly the food aspects of your building that are at most risk, for example, your canteen, kitchen and communal eating areas. If you do not comply you could be sued, lose staff or even have to close your business! Keep reading to find out how to prevent pests from contaminating your financial office’s canteen.
Rodents
Rodents are rats and mice. They are attracted to areas which store food, but usually do not venture far from their nesting site, therefore, will often create shelter nearest to the food. They can multiply very quickly when in a comfortable environment such as inside buildings. Although seemingly innocent, they can cause tremendous amounts of damage and carry harmful diseases which could be life-threatening.
How to prevent
Keep any and all food in containers with tight fitting lids
Keep the canteen tidy at all times
Regularly remove waste to outdoor bins with a secure lid
Keep your grounds clear and tidy
Have a professional pest control company at the ready so that if rats were to enter your building, they can quickly remove them
Flies
There are two main types of flies, fruit flies and drain flies. Fruit flies are attracted to sugary liquids, whereas the drain flies prefer rotting food. They are known to carry over 100 deadly pathogens, therefore can easily contaminate your food supplies if not properly prevented. They have been documented to have carried Salmonella, cholera, E. coli, parasitic worms and fungi… not something you will want to contract on your lunch break.
How to prevent
Do not have any rotting food on site, always dispose appropriately
The entire canteen is properly and regularly cleaned
Clean your bins regularly
Drains are kept clean and clear
The building is maintained to prevent any gaps that they could use to enter
Have doors that will close when not in use e.g. automatic, sensor, fire door
Cockroaches
With being a nocturnal insect, most cockroaches go undetected as they conduct their contamination at night when there is most probably no one on site. They can reside anywhere which gives them the right temperature and humidity, therefore are usually found in food storage, cracks, holes, appliances and floors. Because of this, you need to ensure your maintenance, cleaning schedule and tidiness is a high priority otherwise you will be infested. As with any other pest, cockroaches can easily spread disease and contaminate surfaces and food- prevention is key.
How to prevent
Ensure any spillages are quickly and appropriately cleaned
Use cockroach-proof containers to store food
Ensure maintenance and inspection is done regularly
Remove waste regularly
Maintain drains to be clear and clean
WINNS Services specialises in a variety of Cleaning Services, including pest control. Having been established for over two decades, we pride ourselves on exceeding client expectations. To ask any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01702 719100 or email us at info@winnsservices.co.uk