Ethical Ways to Deal with Pests

Pest control is very important and crucial in any home and workplace. Pests can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate food and cause illness.

It’s important to us that as well as protecting our customers from pests, that we help to prevent and eliminate pests in the most ethical of ways to ensure the health and safety of others and the environment. Here are 5 ethical ways to deal with unwanted pests.

Know your PESTS

Some pests are more harmful than others, many are not aggressive and don’t put your health at risk such as bees and wasps, whereas commonly known pests such as rats and mice, are considered destructive. Infestations are most efficiently dealt with through professional and ethical pest control methods and it’s important to know the type of pest you’re dealing with to ensure you take the correct precautions.

Certain pests, like mice, carry a virus in their droppings, saliva and urine called hantavirus. If you try to remove your rodent problem yourself, you run the risk of inhaling hantavirus, which can develop into a serious lung condition.  Though the disease is relatively rare, it does have a 40% death rate, so using a professional pest removal service is the safest option to avoid contact with the virus.

Go green

There are many different ways to manage pest control, and the use of harsh chemicals is not the answer. There are often safer, nonchemical control methods that will solve your problem. Traditional methods such as, flyswatters and a splash of hot water can be just as effective as risky pesticides that include harsh chemicals.

Be equipped

When ethically tackling persistent pests, it is crucial that you take all recommended precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks.

Contact a professional

Professional pest removal companies are fully qualified and trained to remove any infestation quickly and hygienically, ensuring minimal damage to your property and profits. They will have the appropriate tools and expertise to make sure the problem is eradicated and your facility is left clean and tidy.

For any pest problems, such as: rodent, birds or insects, MSL can provide a safe, discrete and humane pest control solution to your problems. Our fully trained expert pest control teams aim to eliminate the risk, and prevent the likelihood, of pests or re-infestation. Find out how MSL can help you with a planned programme or through reactive call outs by contacting our experts today.

Prevention

Not only will regular inspections from professional pest controllers prevent unwanted pests, but simple, ethical solutions also help. Making sure your window and doors are secured, sealing bathroom and kitchen cracks and wiping all surfaces to prevent pests from entering your building at all.

Bins

An overflowing bin can be a breeding ground for pests. Ensure that all your bins are changed daily and washed with a strong antibacterial cleaner regularly, so any food or drink residue is removed. You should also try to make sure that all your bins have self-closing lids to make it more difficult for pests to gain access.

Drains

It is important that any drains that are used for food waste are regularly inspected and cleaned. Food can become stuck in the piping which can cause blockages as well as creating odours. This can attract pests.

Sealing

Ensure that any gaps, cracks or holes in your building’s façade are sealed quickly and efficiently, this includes all doors and windows. Closing these spaces prevents any pests from gaining unwanted access to your building.

Rooftops

Roofs should be inspected on a regular occasion to ensure no pest infestations. Areas of concern are pooling water, which can breed insects such as mosquitos, disintegrating seals, which allow easy entry for pests, and dirty gutters.

Regular Cleaning

It goes without saying, but a clean and hygienic facility is generally a pest free facility. Regular cleaning ensures that anything that attract pests, such as food debris dropped on the floor, are cleaned up quickly. Employing a regular cleaning company will guarantee that this is all dealt with. You may also want to treat your facility to a one-off deep clean, to ensure that every single nook and cranny of your office is cleaned, ensuring that no stone (or crumb) is left unturned.

Pest Control Mythbusting

One of the things most commonly found with pests, is that people tend to believe some common myths. Understanding what is fact and what is fiction may help you understand your infestation and how to deal with it.

Myth

Cheese should be used as bait for rodent pest control

Fact

Whilst popular culture has no doubt reinforced this particular myth, cheese is in fact not the best bait to use. Mice prefer peanut butter, chocolate and oats, whilst rats enjoy bacon, fruits, vegetables, cereals and meats, as well as peanut butter.

Myth

Infestations of ants can be easily dealt with by spraying ant spray at the area they walk across.

Fact

Ant colonies stay hidden deep underground, so whilst you may have killed the ants that were on the surface, the rest will simply stay hidden underground and reappear a few weeks later in the same place.

Myth

Installing electronic pest repellents will prevent any infestations.

Fact

Whilst electronic pest repellents may help prevent issues they are not by any means 100% effective.

Myth

You will only get a flea infestation if you have a pet on your premises.

Fact

Fleas are attracted to humans and animals, though the odds of a flea infestation are lowered if you don’t have a pet.