Pests are a nuisance in residential areas but the impact of a pest infestation can have devastating consequences both on revenue and reputation.

Problematic Pests

Reports from Centre for Economics and Business Research show that 92% of businesses have experienced an issue with pests at least 3 times in the last five years.
Food and medical supplies are rendered unsalable or unusable when contaminated by either insect or rodent pests. The financial impact worldwide of pest infestation was estimated at £11.8 billion in relation to lost revenue and £5.8 billion operating costs.
These losses were calculated from the impact from closure of business premises, decreased confidence from customers with declining customer reviews and impact on brand reputation.
Over half have received help for mouse infestations with 39% experiencing rodent’s issues with rat infestations.

Did you know that rodents are responsible for the loss of at least one percent of the world's cereal crops on an annual basis?
The estimated cost of rat damage to food produces through the contaminating and soiling of product is £11billion.

How Do Rodents Contaminate Food Produce?

The food safety site explains-
“The hazards associated with pests enter food through one of two ways:
(1) Direct incorporation of the filth (that is the bodies or parts of the bodies of insects, mites, rodents, birds and other animals) into food or (2) the contamination of food or food-contact surfaces by the metabolic products released by those pests and the microorganisms that they carry. “

Here are a few more rather disgusting facts about rodents and the mess they leave behind.
Did you know that a rat sheds between 500,000 to 1 million hairs a year? Quite clear to see how bodily contact could contaminate food or areas of which food are prepared. These hairs can be transported via air ventilation systems and spread the problem further. Rats also carry fleas, mites and ticks which also harbour disease
A rat will produce approximately 25,000 droppings annually and leak 1 pint of urine a month so any contact with food preparation areas needs to be prevented!
The bacteria Salmonella can be transmitted through rodent faeces resulting in cases of food poisoning. Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with rodent urine this is damaging to your vital human organs.

Cockroaches are also carriers of numerous disease including salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. The cockroach can also harbour viruses such as the polio virus. They transmit this via their legs directly on to food or food contact surfaces and from consuming, crawling and defecating on the products.

A Not So Small Price To Pay 

Supermarket chain Asda was also fined a whopping £300,000 for a significant mouse and fly infestation in their distribution depot for London and Essex.
A UK Bakery also recently hit the headlines when they were fined
£170,000 for breaching food safety laws with rodent and cock each infestation present on their premises.

Breaching food safety and pest regulations can be very costly but pest problems can be avoided when a proper pest management programme is implemented.
However if you already suspect a problem with a pest infestation it is vital that you seek professional advice immediately to help rectify and address the problem and prevent danger to public health and financial loss to your business.

We offer a discreet professional service so call us today and one of our experts will be happy to assist you - 0800 158 3885