Health care facilities need careful pest control

Abell Pest Control

The sunshine and flowers that arrive with the onset of warm weather also herald the start of the pest season. From pollen and mosquitoes outdoors to invasive insects and roaming rodents indoors, people everywhere struggle with the problem.

One of the greatest challenges is faced by managers of health care facilities. These busy buildings have all the food and shelter that pests need, and offer an easy means of entry because of the high traffic by patients, families and medical staff.

Despite the elevated risk of pests, however, many of these facilities have to fight the invaders with one hand tied behind their backs. Doctors, nurses and administrators must consider the unique needs of patients before applying standard commercial pest control techniques. Patients with delicate health or compromised immune systems can be more harmed by standard sprays and powders than the pests themselves.

Pest management experts say the best way to win the pest wars in health care offices is to target an individual solution for each different type of facility. Bedbugs, cockroaches and mice are the most common offenders overall, but hospitals and emergency rooms may face more of a certain pest type than medical clinics, doctors' offices and assisted living facilities.

The best plan is to use an integrated pest management plan to keep unwanted animals out of the facility before they enter and make a home. Facilities that choose the right plan can avoid the need for chemical treatments by following vigorous sanitation and maintenance techniques.

Plans for banning 3 types of pests

  1. The best way to block cockroaches with a pest management plan is to keep food service areas super clean. Deny them easy food and moisture sources by using plastic liners for trash bins and emptying them often. Carefully inspect all incoming crates and containers of food ingredients to stop any stowaways. Store food supplies on elevated shelves and promptly dispose of the cardboard packaging where cockroaches often hide. Finally, replace all worn-out door sweeps or window seals every year.

  2. Stop stinging insects like bees and wasps to avoid the risk to allergic patients, and deny the flies that can spread microorganisms and pathogens to every new surface they land on. One of the best methods is to install sets of double doors in busy lobbies, setting up a serious obstacle for flying insects looking for an easy entrance. Likewise, install strong fans at doors and windows to keep the breeze flowing out of the building, not sucking bugs inside.

  3. The plan for banning ants uses similar techniques, such as picking up debris and food waste, fixing leaks on hoses and carefully sealing all stored food. For further advice, consult a pest services firm such as Abell Pest Control.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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