During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the businesses we work with either made the decision to close or were forced to by the Government to stop the spread of Coronavirus. But with restrictions being eased and as you begin to reopen, we’re here to help ensure your business is back on track with your pest control.
One of the biggest worries many businesses reopening will face are the risks of a serious infestation. Although we’re finding that most pests have followed us home, there are still some who have infested businesses. If you closed your business due to the pandemic and have been advised that you can reopen, we’re here to help you get back to business as usual.
What could’ve found its way in…?
If your business has been closed and you’d placed your contract with the Bristol Pest Controller on hold, first things, first we’ll need to restart your contract. We’ll then need to carry out a visit to assess if during the period where you have been closed, there has been an unwanted visitor moving in. Call us today to arrange your visit.
Should pest control be on the top of my list?
We believe that effective pest management is an essential aspect of health, safety and wellbeing of your business. We pride ourselves on ensuring we’re carrying out essential routine visits to stop any signs of pests before they become an issue. That’s why we’d recommend getting in contact with us to carry out an inspection before you consider reopening.
What should you do if you’re running a food business?
You’ll be aware that there are certain legislations in place in your sector, these included:
Both of these state, in varying ways, that you must keep your premises free of pests. If you’re returning to your business premises that now has a pest infestation, then you’ll need to get it under control before you can begin reopening.
Clean everything…
Pests have no consideration to your business, they will have contaminated surfaces that they’ve come into contact with, so you will need to do a thorough clean, even in places you can’t see.
Environmental Health Officers can also issue enforcement notices to business owners who don’t have adequate pest management procedures in place. If not complied with, these can lead to fines or even a stint in jail and a criminal record. Even if you don’t run a food business, you still have a duty of care to your employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure a safe and pest-free work environment. We can help you with that.
When you closed down did you do everything you should’ve?
We know that the pandemic came as a shock to everyone, but before you reopen, you’ll need to make sure that any pests haven’t damaged your belongings, the building and, of course, reputations. If you didn’t clean everything before you closed down, now is the time to do it.
Stopping pests getting into your stock
You may have left dried food goods or those with long shelf life in your building if you are a food business which stores and sells these. Did you secure them in sealed containers and position them high off the ground? Items such as packets or cartons of food could easily be accessed by rodents using their strong teeth to gnaw through the packaging. Once this happens, and the rodent realises there is a reliable food source there, they will return and probably in greater numbers. We’ll be able to identify any points of entry and put in place a treatment to solve this problem.
Check pest management equipment and any access to pests
With the hotter months upon us, insect species will be seeking out food sources. If your building is not protected properly you could find a lot of flies, both dead and alive, in your property when you return. Electric Fly Killer (EFK) units need to be serviced regularly and the UV bulbs changed at least every 12 months. If not, the EFK won’t work properly and your business could be at risk from flying insect pests.
Any equipment you still have in place may have been used and you’ll need to call us out to remove any deceased rodents. These may have found their way in through access holes you weren’t aware of before you closed down, we’ll be able to help you with your proofing recommendations.
Did you keep your pest management contract with us going during lockdown?
If you did then you should be in a good position to reopen safely. If you stopped your pest management visits with The Bristol Pest Controller, then the worst-case scenario when reopening your business is that you discover a pest infestation that has been given over three months of free time and space to feed, breed and damage your building and the contents within. Call us out right away to inspect and provide the best treatment plan for your business.
Some top tips to deter pests from making themselves at home in your business:
- Keep bin lids sealed properly – even small gaps create easy access for pests.
- Try to keep any food waste in a wheelie bin – only put non-food items into bin bags.
- Don’t leave leftover food lying around and empty kitchen containers into the composting bin daily.
- Where possible, keep bins away from windows and doors and, ideally, out of direct sunlight to help reduce smells and decrease the rate of decomposition.
- Maintain a regular presence – if your business is remaining closed for now and footfall is down to zero, pests will feel more confident to explore those surroundings.
- Don’t put loose food waste straight in the bin.
- Wrapping it in approved compostable liners, plastic bags or refuse sacks will ensure it doesn’t stick to the sides of containers and will help contain any odours.
- Check the exterior of your property – are there any gaps for pests to enter? Mice only need a gap of 5mm to gain entry (roughly the diameter of the eraser end of a pencil) and rats only need a gap of 15mm to gain entry to a structure.