FEATURE PEST CONTROL THE LAW When it comes to pest infestations and maintaining property to a standard that discourages them, building owners and managers need to be aware of the following acts: Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 Building Act 1984 Public Health Acts 1936 and 1961 Environmental Protection Act 1990 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Housing Act 2004 including the HHSRS and Management Regulations for HMOs Rats and mice are the most prevalent pest problem at this time of year. However, it’s not uncommon to find squirrels or bats nesting in attics, both of which come with their own unique pest management challenges. Red squirrels are a protected species and because of this, there is a legal obligation to release them safely back into the wild. But grey squirrels, on the other hand, are under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means that “if any person releases or allows to escape into the wild any animal which is included in Part I of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.” Bats are also a protected species and are covered by domestic and international legislation. If a bat infestation is discovered a specialist must be contacted immediately. THE FUTURE Many local authorities are seeing an increase in the number of call outs for infestations, in part due to last year’s floods forcing rats and mice out of the fields. However, due to historic cutbacks many councils are unable to handle the volume and are having to outsource the work. In addition, pest management services from the council used to be free but, as they seem to push more responsibility onto the building owners and tenant, some are increasing their fees to recoup the money. However, the latest innovations in the industry continue to enhance our service. One such development is racumin contact foam, which makes use of rodent grooming habits, rather than baiting, to humanely dispatch of the pest. 12 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017 CLEANING HYGIENE TODAY Perhaps the most significant changes to the industry are the new stringent rules to the purchase of rodenticides, as part of the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime. As of September 2016, a certificate of professional competence will be required for the purchase of all stewardship authorised products, making it illegal for the general public to buy many rodenticides. Alongside this, the industry has also welcomed a new European quality standard for pest management services, EN 16636. This acts as an industry benchmark and many pest management service providers are in the process of being independently assessed for CEPA Certified status. Additionally, customers may have noticed that the short term cost of pest management has increased in recent years. However, this is due to a shift to a more professional integrated service. Pest management may cost more per visit today, but due to innovations in the industry and changes to practice, multiple treatments are not usually required anymore. The result is a better service that is much cheaper in the long term. Fundamentally, though, managers need to be aware of current pest legislation and the Pest management may cost more per visit today, but due to innovations in the industry and changes to practice, multiple treatments are not usually required recent changes in the sale of rodenticides. Managers need to factor in how these changes will affect in-house delivery, the long term value of outsourcing to a professional pest management company, and the consequences of failing to resolve the issue promptly. anymore.”
Cleaning Hygiene Today December/January 2017
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