Pests such as rodents, flies, and cockroaches pose a clear and present danger to the health and wellbeing of care home residents. Paul Bates, managing director of Cleankill Pest Control, discusses how to prevent infestations in the first place, and what to expect from pest control contractors
While most healthy adults can usually cope with a sting from a wasp, bites from spiders and bedbugs, or even a mild dose of Salmonella, the consequences for vulnerable care home residents can be more serious or even fatal.
Every effort should be made and documented to make sure residents, staff, and visitors are not put at risk. Even the healthiest person can have a reaction to a sting and suffer from anaphylactic shock – which can result in hospitalisation or even death if they are stung.
It is vital that pest control providers alongside care home staff are very vigilant, thorough, and responsive, particularly during the summer months, when residents spend more time outside and when doors and windows are more likely to be left open. Flies will take any opportunity to get inside and ants will be attracted by the tiniest crumbs from a biscuit. Cockroaches carry germs that can cause pneumonia, diarrhoea, and food poisoning, and their droppings (or cast skins) can also inflame allergies or asthmatic conditions
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