Pests set to multiply during the Coronavirus outbreak

rat in a rubbish pile

As we head further into the lockdown period it's feared more Pest Control issues will certainly be on the horizon.

At Abate Pest Management, we are reacting to emergency calls and still providing treatment services to essential locations, following the government’s guidance. These include schools, food production sites and housing associations. Last week we set up pest control for a temporary warehouse that will be used for dry food storage to help support safe food distribution during the current Coronavirus outbreak. This week we have already dealt with a mice infestation inside a public library.

At the same time special projects have been placed on hold, including specialist cleaning and bird proofing, but will reschedule these in due course.

What is interesting is how businesses that have closed, will possibly be affected with an increase in pest activity.

Pests Set To Flurish

PelGar International, the leading manufacturer of highly effective rodenticide and insecticide pest control products has said it anticipates that many pests will flourish as a direct result of decreased human activity in and around buildings through social distancing and lockdown measures.

The company said that pest control is already on the frontline of public health around the world; given the situation we now find ourselves in it could prove even more essential. PelGar has warned that the closure of schools, pubs, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and other public places to enforce social distancing will have unintended consequences.

“However, the complete closure of many premises means that pest technicians may no longer have access to continue existing pest control plans or deal with a rise in infestations. If pests have adequate food and water within these buildings, populations will quickly escalate.”

PelGar continued: “We should expect therefore to see an increase of pests like rats on our streets in search of easy food from litter and bins. Within our own homes we may see an increase in mice, ants and flies as they too profit from our reduced movement.”

https://www.pelgar.co.uk/news/pests-to-flourish-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has also been talking to the Government on how pest management is carried out when professionals like us were not on the key workers list.

At the same time special projects have been placed on hold, including specialist cleaning and bird proofing, but will reschedule these in due course.

What is interesting is how businesses that have closed, will possibly be affected with an increase in pest activity.

Pest Management Professionals Considered Essential Workers

Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, wrote to the BPCA following the request for pest management professionals to be considered essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said, “the Government’s position remains that everyone who can work from home should do so. Where that is not possible, people should go into work where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, following relevant [Public Health England] PHE guidance.”

Gove stated, "We are asking individuals, employers and schools to make sensible judgments about the policy".

The BPCA has taken that to mean where we are supporting one of the following sectors, we should be considered a key worker:

  • Health and social care
  • Education and childcare
  • Key public services
  • Local and national Government
  • Food and necessary goods
  • Public safety
  • Transport
  • Utilities, communication and financial services

Abate Pest Management remains very focused on helping to eradicate and manage pest problems whilst following every piece of guidance available. Keeping staff and others safe is of the highest priority.