Cleaners have a key role in tackling pest problems

LET'S KICK off this article with the why: why do we need to manage some animal species in specific situations?

Certain species are classified as pests when they move into a human environment because they could pose a risk to health, can damage property or may become a nuisance.

Some of these pest species may contaminate food with droppings, urine, egg cases or hair. Others carry diseases, and some have the ability to bite or sting.

Thankfully there are people out there who, when trained to identify a potential problem, are a great first line of defence against pests.

Cleaning operatives are often among the first to spot the signs of pest activity and have a key role to play in deterring pests as well as preventing risks to health, equipment, property and business.

Pests and nests

A sighting of the pest itself is the first obvious clue that an unwanted visitor has arrived on the premises.

Occasionally a stray bird, wasp or rodent might wander indoors and immediately be rushed out again, but a bird swooping under the eaves, or wasps travelling back and forth from a particular spot, could indicate the presence of a nest, which means they’ve moved in and plan to stay.

It’s important to be aware that wild birds, their nests and eggs are all protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

However, in some circumstances, licences can be obtained to deal with a potential hazard from some bird species.

To ensure only legal work is carried out, you should immediately contact a pest professional such as a BPCA member, who will be able to advise on next steps.

Old and unoccupied nests can be removed – but be aware that they may be infested with insect pests, such as mites and beetles, so proceed with caution.

Wasp nests start off the size of a golf ball in spring but can grow to accommodate around 5,000 wasps by late summer.

A wasp sting can cause anaphylaxis - a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction - and one distressed wasp can emit a pheromone that acts as an emergency alert to other wasps in the nest and can trigger a defensive stinging frenzy.

Mice will often nest in roof spaces, under floors or in wall cavities, sheds, basements, storage boxes and wherever there is access to a good source of food and safe, warm shelter to breed.

Rats may have burrows nearby or live in sewers and drains but are excellent climbers and will sometimes nest indoors, particularly during the winter months when warm shelter and food are scarce.

Finding faeces

Pest droppings are a clear sign of an infestation - and an indication that action needs to be taken swiftly.

Rats tend to do their business in the same spot - producing up to 40 dark, raisin-sized pellets in one night, while mice can produce up to 80 droppings which are black, around the size of a grain of rice and often found under kitchen sinks, around central heating boilers and in roof spaces.

Pigeon droppings are corrosive and can cause significant damage to brick, stonework and metal. Their droppings can also spread disease and, when dry, the particles can cause respiratory problems. PPE is essential when dealing with bird droppings of any type.

When it comes to insects the world of excreta gets complex. Frass is essentially faeces produced by larvae or a residual powder left from their chewing activities, so while some moths don’t eat at all, their larvae can cause immense damage to wood, textiles and food products as well as contaminating them with frass, skin moults and pupal cases.

Cockroaches are vectors of disease, known to carry the organisms which cause food poisoning in humans and many other bacteria, such as salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. They can travel directly from sewer to human habitats, contaminating surfaces as they forage for food and water.

Cockroaches will drop faeces as they go, as well as disgorging portions of partially digested food along the way.

Bed bugs can be found in all kinds of furniture and if you spot clusters of dark ‘ink-dot’ droppings - essentially excreted human blood – you should immediately call a pest professional. Bed bugs will spread quickly without effective management.

Scratch and sniff

Scuttling noises, scratching and chattering sounds could all point to a possible pest infestation, particularly if heard at night, or if the noises seem to be coming from loft spaces, wall cavities or little-used areas with access to a food source.

Strong smells can also be a sign of pest activity. Mice urinate frequently and can cause a strong ammonia smell, while a large infestation of cockroaches can create an obnoxious odour.

BPCA recommends contacting a pest professional to investigate if you suspect an infestation but don’t know what type of pest it might be, as they will be trained in monitoring possible pest activity and identifying the species to ensure any treatment or management is safe, legal and effective.

Dirt and damage

Pests can make a mess. Torn food packaging with spilled contents is often a sign of pest activity – particularly mice, rats and stored product insects (SPI).

Rats may leave greasy smears where their coat rubs on walls and paintwork in areas they travel frequently and in dusty, unused areas, rats, mice and other pests can leave visible footprints or tail marks.

Both rats and mice need to gnaw to maintain their teeth and will chew on all kinds of materials from wood and brick to electrical cables and pipes – electrical fires and floods have been attributed to rodent activity.

Other signs to look out for include insect webbing from SPI’s or textile insect pests, which can contaminate food products, and has also been known to cause significant damage to machinery and equipment.

Lesser-known pests

A wide variety of species are classed as pests when found in human environments – some of which are little known and can be difficult to identify.

Silverfish are generally harmless to humans but can cause damage to walls and wallpaper as they will feed on the carbohydrates in plaster and wallpaper paste.

They are also an indicator of persistent damp problems in a building as they thrive in a moist environment. They’re often found in office buildings and have even been known to frequent BPCA HQ!

Woolly bears are the larvae of the carpet beetle, which has outstripped the clothes moth as Britain’s major textile pest.

The adult moth feeds on pollen and nectar in the summer, then lays its eggs in old birds’ nests, felt, fabric or accumulated fluff in buildings. The larvae feast on feathers, fur, hair or wool and are most active in the autumn before they hibernate. So, if you spot bare patches on the carpets, it could well be this pest.

In large centrally heated buildings, a tropical species of ant can be a serious public health risk. Pharaoh’s ants are difficult to control as they will split their colony and spread across a building if a threat is perceived. Normally the most obvious sign of an ant infestation is the ants themselves.

Grey squirrels can be incredibly destructive and are invasive pests that are not native to the UK.

This means that it is illegal to release – or re-release - grey squirrels into the wild. So, anyone who catches a grey squirrel alive is legally obliged to humanely dispatch it.

Grey squirrels will gnaw on woodwork and ceilings, can strip insulation from electrical wires, tear up fibreglass insulation and contaminate cold water tanks and attic spaces with urine and droppings.

Some species are not generally considered pests unless they stray too far into human environments, so if you have an unwanted visitor, it’s best to seek advice from a professional to ensure any removal or management is safe and legal.

Partners in pest prevention

To support cleaning operatives in understanding the key role they have to play in protecting their clients from potential pest problems, BPCA has a specifically tailored online training course for the sector.

Pest Awareness for Cleaning Operatives offers an overview of the role of cleaning operatives in pest management, why pests need controlling, health, safety and legislation relating to pest management as well as signs of pest activity, preventing pests, reporting pest problems and the role of the pest technician.

BPCA always advises taking a ‘prevention rather than cure’ approach, which relies on proofing measures and good general housekeeping practices.

Proofing measures can range from physical deterrents to basic property maintenance, alongside good housekeeping such as regular cleaning and ensuring waste is disposed of properly into outside bins with securely fitting lids.

Cleaning operatives are key to ensuring pest professionals are called in as soon as possible.

BPCA members are trained and qualified technicians who maintain their knowledge through continual professional development and are assessed to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636.

They have the technical knowledge and experience to apply products in an efficient manner while minimising risk to the environment and non-target species, will carry the correct insurances and follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.

To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk/find.

Natalie Bungay is technical manager at British Pest Control Association (BPCA)

For more information visit: bpca.org.uk/cleaning-pest-training