Commercial Feature

With the potential to damage reputations and – in some cases – put organisations out of business, it is no wonder that some companies will go to extreme lengths to implement strategic rat control procedures.

In order to avoid purchasing costly products, or having to call the experts in to deal with a rat problem, there are several practical measures that companies can take in order to preserve a high level of rat control.

In the right conditions, rats can breed at an alarming rate. If left untreated, what started out as a minor rat control problem can suddenly become a full-scale issue that soon begins to spiral out of control.

A business then has no choice but to bring in the experts for a complete fumigation procedure. Not only does this hurt the bank balance, it can have serious repercussions in terms of stigma, should your business be fortunate enough to re-open.

As with most pest problems, rats are attracted by certain conditions – which include shelter, warmth and food.

Rat control tends to be more of a problem for businesses that deal primarily with food. Fast-food restaurants, in particular, often make the national press, with gruesome stories about shoddy hygiene conditions, which have ultimately tarnished reputations.

Simple due diligence is the key, although there is no 100% guarantee of ridding your premises of rats.

Businesses involving food should take extra extra care to establish strict procedures regarding rat control. Every year, the catering, restaurant and hospitality trades throw away of a vast amount of food, some of which is not disposed of properly.

With a reliable source of food – which is easily accessible from overflowing waste containers – rats are usually close by, seeking shelter and then happily thriving.

Simple procedures, such as the maintenance of waste containers, ensuring that external bins are sealed tightly and cleaned thoroughly on a consistent basis, will all go a long way towards preventing a rat control problem occurring.

Kitchen work areas themselves should be cleaned to a high standard. On the face of things, work surfaces and other food preparation areas might well be clean, but neglected areas – such as those behind heavy appliances where food can gather – should be regularly checked and cleaned to avoid a rat control problem.

Rats tend to leave clues as to their presence, such as droppings or traces of hair. Business premises should be monitored for such signs, and if there are indications of a rat problem, it should be dealt with immediately.

Prompt action usually means that a rat control problem can be dealt with, before it escalates to a point where costly measures have to be called into action.

If constant vigilance is maintained, effective methods of rat control can be implemented quickly. In turn, businesses can enjoy a rat-free zone and a continuing good reputation.

Do not avoid a rat problem should one occur, as rat control can become a major problem to any business.