Repelling problem pests

Following the recent media interest in the ‘number of emergency call-outs’ within hospitals the time is right for a joint approach to reduce potential fears over Public Health Pests.         

An increasing misunderstanding is that pest management is a commodity that is simply purchased at either the lowest cost or ‘off the shelf’ and this inaccurate point of view will increase the risks associated with pests. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA), representing the Pest Management Industry promotes the highest standards of professionalism and competence.
    
We are all aware of the need to control these pests through legislation and prevention of disease, contamination, damage and general fear. However, simply issuing a contract without fully understanding the hazards pests present and how the associated risks can be eliminated, could be a very costly oversight in the long run.
    
Pest activity varies from those that walk in through open doors, fly in through open windows, are transported by patients, delivered by suppliers or transmitted from perceived ‘wildlife’ such as fox and pigeons.
    
They all require food and this may be in the form of waste from food outlets or as parasitic blood feeders and they all thrive in constantly warm environments. Unfortunately, hospitals provide all the requirements that pests need to not only survive, but also to reproduce at alarming rates.  

Increasing pest population
As an industry we are concerned at the 26 per cent year on year increase of bed bug treatments in London; the widespread resistance against two of the four main rodenticides and the apparent ease for pests to alter their behavioral aspects to settle in any environment. For example, cockroaches have been found living outside on hospital buildings and feeding on pigeon droppings and mice have been found actually living inside freezers and feeding on the stored products.
    
In the UK, we are ever more directed from Brussels and the pest management industry is no different. Unfortunately, it is a widely considered that we could possibly have up to 50 per cent of the available pesticides withdrawn from use under the Biocide Products Directive (BPD).  
    
The reality is that we will need to control an ever increasing pest population with a diminishing armory of products and this will change the rules under which pest control is delivered. The ongoing need for the correct pest management specification has never been more important for the protection of public health.

Pest control contracts
Effective pest control requires partnership between you, the client and your contractor; mutual understanding is key to all. The contractor must have a clear understanding of your needs, but possibly more importantly, the client must understand what is technically possible and economically viable.
    
Many years ago the ‘NHS model contract’ was in place to ensure that a basic understanding for the risks and needs for individual establishments was in place. The NHS and pest industry worked together to further understand the requirements of either party for the effective delivery of pest management with the aim of reducing public health pests.
    
Today, technical assistance is available for NHS trusts from the BPCA to survey and assist with the construction of pest prevention specifications. These model contracts provide a framework of clearly defined services that should be provided, whilst avoiding unreasonable demands of the contractor and ensuring that the contract price remains suitable and sufficient.
    
When selecting a pest control contractor, several points need to be considered and it cannot be simply the price. The contractor should have the ability to carry out a full survey of the premises and present a clear report, with action points and recommendations, following every visit. Good communication will define the responsibility for preventative measures and arrangements for extra treatments or emergency call-outs.
    
As the client, you should insist on seeing evidence of adequate technical resources and of competently trained and qualified service staff, supervisors and management, along with proof of adequate insurances and membership certificates. Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (RSPH) Certificate in Pest Control is a minimum qualification generally accepted, and more and more sites are now requiring the service providers staff to be registered with BASIS Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

Choosing a BPCA member
Before being able to join the BPCA as a full member the business must initially be able to meet and then maintain criteria laid down for membership. Staff of member companies involved with the eradication and prevention of pest problems must be suitably qualified to ensure the correct selection and application of safe, effective and appropriate control measures.  
    
BPCA members must carry adequate public, products and employers’ liability or liability insurance and be able to demonstrate a business track record before their application will be processed. Companies must also conform to the Association’s Code of Practice and Code of Conduct.
    
All servicing companies are audited on a regular basis and must continuously demonstrate a high standard in their business systems to ensure that pesticides are being stored and transported safely, that Risk and COSHH Assessments are being kept and staff training kept up to date.
    
By choosing a British Pest Control Association member company you are ensuring that the contractor is able to provide a thoroughly professional and consistent service. There is also the assurance that BPCA provides operational guidance and regularly updates its members. In the event of a dispute it will act to ensure that the situation is examined and if necessary the contractor is held accountable for their actions.   
    
“With the recent media interest in this area of your business and with the changing future of pest management there is a need to address the services you actually require and the perception from the public,” says Oliver Madge. CEO, British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
    
“We are more than happy to work closely with you to ensure that you get value for money and the correct level of service. We look forward to being of assistance to you now and in the years to come.”  

For more information
1 Gleneagles House, Vernongate
Derby, DE1 1UP
Tel: 01332 294288, Fax: 01332 295904
E-mail: enquiries@bpca.org.uk
Web: www.bpca.org.uk