Poor hygiene can have detrimental effects to care home properties and those living there, all precautionary methods should be adopted to ensure problems do not occur. Even small pest control issues can escalate into major complications, therefore prevention is key. It is essential you are aware of pests and their ability to impact the health and safety of employees, residents and visitors.
Pest #1 ANTS - The most common type of ant in the UK is called the black garden ant. Although their name contains the word ‘garden’, they are not usually found there! Ants are obsessed with food, therefore will travel far and wide to source it. Because of this, usually, they will be found in walls, rotting wood and even under carpets.
Ants have the ability to carry harmful germs and pathogens. Therefore pest control prevention techniques should be adopted as the elderly have weaker immune systems and can easily contract severe illnesses from the pests. As well as their ability to spread bacteria, if ants breed and multiply they can destroy the property and essential equipment. This makes the day to day runnings of the nursing home difficult and sometimes even life-threatening.
There are many ways to minimise the risk of ants entering the property, those include:
- - Keep food properly sealed and stored
- - Properly clean and sanitise any spillages
- - Regularly empty bins, regardless if they are full or not
- - Fix any cracks in walls and flooring
- - Disinfect previously infested areas
Pest #2 WASPS - As the temperature rises, so do the number of wasps. They go on the hunt for sugary food, therefore will often create nests in popular places which contain food. Due to this, the probability of getting stung increases. Although their sting does hurt and is usually harmless, those who are allergic can suffer major consequences. If the severity of the allergy is high enough it could be life-threatening. With the comfort and safety of residents being paramount, processes need to be in place to prevent a contamination of wasps.
Prevention techniques include:
- - Properly lock bins
- - If you have any fruit trees on site, make sure to remove any fallen fruit
- - Fix any cracks or holes, especially in lofts/attics
- - Keep food properly sealed and stored
- - Use window/door screens
Pest #3 BED BUGS - Bed bugs are small six-legged insects which suck the blood out of humans. They aren't just limited to mattresses, do not let the name fool you. They have been found behind wallpaper, in photo frames and even on clothes! Due to the number of visitors in and out of care homes, the risk of contamination is high. The bugs usually come out in force at night to avoid detection and will bite anyone who comes in contact with the area they have made a home in. The reaction to these bites vary, some only having a small rash to a full allergic reaction.
Here are some tips to minimise the risk of bed bugs:
- - Store any material properly and away from the bed
- - Educate others on the early signs of bed bugs
- - Conduct regular room inspections
- - Hoover every part of the rooms, including beds, material chairs etc.
Pest #4 RATS - There are two main species: The black rat and the brown rat. Both have the ability to squeeze into small spaces and climb high buildings. They also have really strong teeth, therefore can cause a LOT of damage to properties which can lead to water leaks, fires and even gas leaks. As well as the property risks, rats often carry a number of diseases which are incredibly harmful to humans. Because of this, it is vital you have the appropriate prevention techniques to stop your residents, staff and visitors from being at hurt.
Methods to avoid infestation:
- - Ensure waste is properly disposed
- - Remove any excess water around drains
- - Remove any clutter
- - If you have compost heaps, ensure the lid is closed
- - Have regular grounds maintenance
Pest #5 FLEAS (if applicable) - Most fleas are transported through animals, therefore if your nursing home has many animals coming in and out you may have a higher chance of infestation. Similar to previous pests, the reaction to their bites varies depending on the individual. Some only experience minor itching whereas others could have severe allergic reactions. Fleas are known to transmit some harmful diseases, in some cases even tapeworm! Due to care homes having many communal areas, it is easy for fleas to spread.
Tips to prevent fleas:
- - Groom animals outside
- - Wash all animal bedding/materials on a high heat
- - Regularly treat animals for fleas
- - Hoover floors, bedding, chairs whenever an animal visits
The best way to prevent and treat pests is to hire a professional pest control company to deal with the problem. They are experienced and knowledgeable in the sector, therefore can implement an effective prevention plan ensuring your care property is safe. They can educate you on the warning signs, allowing you to react quickly. The reaction time is necessary to treat infestation as the quicker it is treated the quicker the building returns to a safe level. They can also remove the pests safely and appropriately, allowing your care home to get back to normal.
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
