Pests are an unsightly and concerning problem that many assume won’t directly impact their working life. However, they aren’t easily dispensed with, with studies showing that easy-to-use pesticides can be actively harmful, whether the poison targets rodents or bugs. The fact is that pests can appear everywhere in the business space, and tackling them head-on is essential. Doing that without poisoning the local ecosystem and creating new associated health risks is possible – with planning.
Constructing a plan
At the core of any pest control method must be an integrated pest management (IPM) plan. IPMs are common sense, in many ways. They prompt the property owner to look for signs of infestation and clearly outline what they consider unacceptable infringement by pests. In addition to this, preventative measures are taken, such as installing gauze over air bricks and laying down mechanical traps, to minimize issues. With that in place, it’s a case of monitoring and establishing an ‘action threshold’. This is the point at which the acceptable level of pest intrusion is met and remedial action must be taken, as outlined by the EPA.
Maintaining oversight
Building a plan is the crucial first step, but concerted efforts are required to maintain control. You cannot rest on the laurels built through an effective pest control program – often, when the IPM action threshold is met and damage assessed, you will see out-of-date safeguards. Checking what has made you successful up to that point and amending measures as necessary is key.
Awareness over threats
It’s important to see the damage that pests are bringing in and act decisively to resolve it. Not doing so can open up the business to legal risk; the Star-Telegram reports on one Fort Worth journalist who was fired after blowing the whistle on an infestation, and who is now being backed by the state in a lawsuit. Apart from the demand to treat employees fairly, it will be detrimental to your overheads if you do not regulate pest levels.
In contrast, a workplace properly maintained and free from pests will be pleasant to work or shop in. Urban spaces in particular will have to deal with pests – it’s a fact of life. Making strides towards minimizing that impact and staying on top of controls is essential.
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