How to Help Prevent Pests from Invading Your Healthcare Facility

In the healthcare industry, a strict pest control protocol is not only expected, but enforced. With consistent exposure to germs, stringent sanitation and building maintenance routines are key to providing a safe and healthy environment to your patients, staff and visitors.

Pests are resilient in their search for food, water and shelter, so it’s important to frequently monitor six areas to shut pests out – doorways, loading docks, dining and food preparation areas, common areas, storage areas and immediate building exterior.

Below are specific ways you can prevent pest activity in your facility, in three key categories. For the entire checklist, check out Healthcare Pest Control from a Patient’s Perspective.

EXCLUDE PESTS

• Install door sweeps and weather stripping around all doors and windows. Also install window screens.
• Seal all cracks and crevices inside and outside your facility.

SANITIZE REGULARLY

• Thoroughly clean, dust and sweep to help remove dust and dirt buildup or cobwebs.
• Follow a strict daily sanitation regimen, and remove any clutter like cardboard boxes that offer shelter for pests.

BE SMART ABOUT LANDSCAPING

• Move plants away from the facility’s foundation.
• Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch outdoors. Also, trim overgrown branches, plants and bushes.

By maintaining an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program tailored specifically to your needs, you can help ensure that your facility remains a symbol of wellness. Schedule a meeting with your pest management provider to help you create an IPM plan unique to your facility that includes exclusion, maintenance and sanitation techniques.

For information on the pests that are most attracted to your facility and additional preparedness tips, download Healthcare Pest Control from a Patient’s Perspective.

Want more? You might also like:

Patient Perspective: What Patients Do Not Want to See in Healthcare Facilities

From public areas to private recovery rooms, your patients should feel at ease in your facility. They are your reputation builders, your case studies, and, in many cases, your survivors, so it’s imperative that when they enter your facility, they feel comfortable and in good …

Keep Reading »

Pest of the Quarter: Bed Bugs

Referred to as “bomb cyclones” by meteorologists, winter storms have been sweeping the U.S. causing dangerously low temperatures.* Also known as “invader season”, winter is a prime time for pests to flock inside in search of warmth, food and shelter. Once indoors, they can be difficult to control …

Keep Reading »

Pests You May See on Your Property Year-Round

Whether it's flies and mosquitoes in the summer or cockroaches and rodents in the winter, pest activity can leave you stressed from the New Year’s Eve ball drop to the July 4th fireworks. Pest control requires year-round attention, and most pests don't take time off for vacation. As the seasons …

Keep Reading »