How Limited COVID-19 Pest Control Will Affect Business

Businesses are under more pressure than ever during the current health crisis that is sweeping the globe – COVID-19. Having limited pest control during the pandemic can and has affected businesses. Read on to find out more.

The Pest Effects of the Crisis on Businesses

Buildings are the perfect safe space for many pests, especially when they’ve been left empty for weeks as more workers are furloughed and businesses are shut down completely. Pests can damage the property itself, as well as damaging food or stock that is no being unattended to by pest control professionals during the crisis.

Normally during an infestation, a London business can suffer up to 70% of their profits being lost. Because there is much less pest control available at the moment, this number is expected to increase significantly, says Glen from Diamond Pest Control.

Pests in any business can affect the wellbeing and health of both the staff and the customers. They can spread diseases and cause stress and anxiety for the business owner. In fact, in 30-38% of businesses around the world, staff report that pests were one of the major impacts on staff morale.

It’s incredibly important to keep protecting your business from pests during the lockdown, ready for when operations begin to run again once restrictions are lifted. Taking action now can help keep your building safe, pest-free and ready to use once again. It will also reassure your staff and your customers that the building is safe when they can return again.

How Businesses Can Get Pest Control

Below are some examples of businesses and what parts of these businesses are still being treated by professional pest controllers during the lockdown.

• Hotels – Reception areas, guest rooms, restaurants and kitchens, laundry rooms, food stores and function rooms are still being treated for rodents during the pandemic.
• Offices – Staff and meeting rooms, kitchen and eating areas, computer rooms and reception areas will still be treated for common office pests such as rats and mice.
• Schools – Classrooms, store rooms, computer rooms, play areas, kitchen and dining areas, reception and staff rooms. Schools are considered essential in these trying times and will be treated for any sort of pest infestation as a priority.
• Food retail – Delivery areas, food prep areas, shop floor, stockroom, car parks and waste storage areas. Food shops are also still considered to be essential during the coronavirus lockdown so any pest sightings must be reported immediately and treated as a matter of urgency.

Pests That Cause Problems in Shut Down Premises

There are numerous problems pests can cause in a shut down building. Below we are looking at various pests and what issues can result from them not being treated quickly.

Rodents

Mice and rats will appear and reproduce anywhere they can find an ample food supply. With businesses across London like cafes and restaurants being shut down during the crisis, local rats have found their normal food supplies dwindling. This has led them to find shelter somewhere else, causing them to infest shut down buildings.

The problems a rodent infestation can cause include:

• Damage to the building and fixtures because of rodents gnawing. This in turn can cause wires to short out, causing fires.
• Contamination from droppings and urine.
• Damage to stock and food.
• Transmission of diseases such as salmonella.

Birds

Urban birds are thriving in the current climate because they are not being disturbed from roosting in business premises rooves. Any gaps in the walls, roof or doors are being exploited, leading to a surge in bird related infestations during the lockdown.

The risks birds pose to your business premises include:

• Droppings accumulating around the roosting sites that look unsightly, are unhygienic and can damage the outside of your property.
• Damage such as roof insulation and dislodged roof tiles.
• Water damage from blocked drain pipes when birds nest in the guttering on the roof.
• Spreading diseases and deadly pathogens.

Professional pest control services are still working hard during the COVID-19 lockdown in London to keep businesses pest free. Ask your local pest controller about their treatments during this time and don’t forget to report any pest activity you see if you are already part of a pest control contract.

Having a pest infestation can lead to your food stocks being damaged. It will also hinder your return to normal business hours when the lockdown is restricted if you have an infestation to treat.