One of our pest control technicians, Richard Quarterly, was recently called to a mouse problem at a company canteen. Kitchen staff had found droppings and, like any responsible business, they immediately called in a professional pest control company to investigate.
If you suspect you have a mouse problem, it is important to immediately call in a professional pest control company because each mouse can deposit between 40 and 100 droppings a day. They also urinate frequently and can transmit a variety of nasty diseases in their urine, saliva, droppings and nesting materials, including hantavirus, salmonellosis and listeria.
Richard made a video of his investigation and discoveries. These include a large gap around a waste pipe and greasy smears running along an adjacent wall. Greasy smears are a good indication of a mouse problem because they form along the routes used by the mice. They are made from a build-up of dirt, urine and oil from the animal’s fur.
If you watch the video carefully, you can even see a mouse down the hole!
Duty of care
A mouse problem is a big issue. Businesses must protect their staff members, customers and other stakeholders from potential harm. This is enshrined in law, and it makes sound business sense – a company that risks its staff and clients will get a poor reputation and therefore fail. Read my previous blog – “The False Economy of Saving Money on Preventative Pest Control” – to learn more about the rules governing pest control and hygiene.
And don’t forget these rules apply whether your business is food-based or not.
We were not the first
The really troubling aspect of this tale, however, was that we were not the first pest control company to be called to this kitchen. The kitchen operators had always taken pest control seriously and had a preventive contract with a well-known company in place before we received the call.
Now, manners dictate that I don’t mention the name of this company, but I would say that, from the evidence we saw, they were not earning their money. Proofing – putting in place preventive measures to stop pests from accessing a property – is a fundamental part of any pest control contract. The fact there was a large hole around the waste pipe demonstrates this wasn’t done.
And the evidence was there to guide them towards the whole. A pest control technician should not miss a mouse smear. Richard easily found it because he is properly trained and has considerable experience.
A trap is not enough
Obviously, we don’t know what the previous pest control company did, but the evidence suggests it was restricted to the laying of traps. I say laying because they hadn’t been checked and contained dead mice. This is unhygienic, especially in a food preparation area.
As the client, you don’t have expertise in pest control and that is why you call in a professional. You might decide to choose a company you have heard of because you imagine they will give you exemplary service. This is why you will also often pay a premium price.
It is therefore highly disappointing when this doesn’t happen. Pest control has worked very hard over the years to improve its image, and this just lets the whole industry down.
Richard is now working closely with the staff at the canteen. He has conducted extensive proofing to block the access points and has scheduled regular visits to ensure the problem remains a thing of the past.
If you have questions about the value-for-money of your pest control, email enquiries@cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477
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