At Clean & Green Pest Managers, we understand that health and aged care facilities are dedicated to creating an ideal environment for their patients and staff. This industry deals with vulnerable people, and even the smallest risks can put their health in jeopardy. Unfortunately, health and aged care facilities are not exempt from dealing with pest problems. Pest control is not only a need, but it is an obligation that the facility needs to adhere to. 

If pest control is one of your major concerns at your facility, here are the important things you need to know about the topic:

The Consequences of Not Properly Dealing With Pests

Besides the health risks, your facility will suffer from big consequences without adequate pest management. Here are the things you would not want to encounter in your facility:

• You may damage your image and reputation – Once damaged, fixing your credibility will be challenging and costly.
• You may experience a significant drop in the number of patients – People want a safe environment for their loved ones. Failing to provide that can cost you your clients.
• The food hygiene or government authorities will get involved – This will make the situation worse for your business.
• You are expected to pay fines for your negligence – These penalties can quickly rack up and even shut down your facility for good.

Types of Pests Commonly Found in Health and Aged Care Facilities

To properly deal with pests, you must familiarise yourself with the most common ones so that you can prepare accordingly. Here is what you need to watch out for: 

• Bed Bugs: These are hard to spot yet easily transported insects that feed on people’s blood. They can make your patients restless by robbing them of quality sleep. 
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are excellent spreaders of bacteria and can be a real threat to patients with weak immune systems.
• Rodents: Aside from harmful diseases, rodents can damage the items and materials within your facility. 
• Mosquitoes: These pests are a common source of itchy bites and many types of diseases. They also breed fast in shallow waters.  
• Flies: They can spread disease by contaminating your food. They can also be annoying to deal with.

The Most At-Risk Spots in Your Facility

Knowing where to find these pests will make it easier for you to control their presence. The areas most at risk are the following:

• Kitchen or catering facilities where food is present
• Basement and parking facilities that are often dark and overlooked
• Waste collection areas where pests can thrive
• Patient facilities where they find their victims

Essential Things You Must Do

Here are the simple things you must practice to avoid serious consequences:

• When a patient complains about pests, make sure to take the necessary actions
• Know how to take care and dispose of your garbage properly
• Spills in the facility should be cleaned up immediately
• Regularly mop the floor and clean all surfaces
• Develop and implement a pest control management program
• Educate your staff about the importance of this program
• Seek the help of professional cleaners to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your facility

Conclusion

Part of every health and aged care facility’s responsibility is to protect their patients and employees. To do that, they need to take appropriate measures not just for a regular room and hygiene maintenance, but also for routine pest prevention. If you do not want your facility to suffer significant and unpleasant consequences, make sure not to take this concern for granted. 

Need pest control in Terry Hills or nearby areas? Give us a call. Clean & Green Pest Managers are residential and commercial pest control experts that can treat and eradicate all pests in your facility. Our licensed and trained pest controllers specialise in safe, sustainable, green, and natural pest control services to ensure your safety. Contact us today at 0477 688 496 to book an appointment.