5 Tips For Pest Control In Healthcare Facilities

 

What are tips for pest control in healthcare facilities?

1. Close Entryways
2. Sanitize Patient Rooms
3. Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness
4. Inspect Deliveries
5. Fix Plumbing and Learn more on how to deal with it

 

All industries are susceptible to pest infestations. However, they are less welcome in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, emergency medical care clinics, and rehabilitation centers. With the Philippine healthcare system taking a major hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more patients are being rushed into hospitals. As healthcare facilities must meet the highest levels of sanitation while caring for patients, there is no time for infestations that pose more threats. Pest control in healthcare facilities is crucial to prevent the worsening of conditions.

It should go without saying that failed pest control can be disastrous for a healthcare facility because of its legal duty to care for patients and employees. It’s important to know what to do to stay on top of problems, so we’ve rounded up 5 tips for pest control in healthcare facilities. Read on and stay informed!

 

Close Entryways

The start of any good plan is to analyze the situation at hand. Therefore, the first thing to do in pest control is to check your hospital’s vicinity. Determine which parts can become an entrance to the pests outside.

Healthcare facilities function 24/7. These are heavily-trafficked and busy environments where people come and go. Typical pests that can enter your facility include cockroaches, rodents, ants, flies, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. These unwanted critters make their way in as they search for food and shelter.

With that being said, it is important to keep entry points such as doors and windows closed to prevent pests from coming in. It’s only natural that pests take advantage of not only your main entrances but also the cracks and holes of your building’s foundation. Pests are minuscule and can squeeze their bodies into the smallest of gaps.

Check for pests hiding around the gaps in your vicinity. It would be best if you could give your local pest control experts a call for a routine inspection of your facility. They know exactly where the hiding places of pests are.

 

Sanitize Patient Rooms

Bed bugs are one of the biggest concerns of healthcare facilities. These small parasites can attach themselves to the backs of patients and medical staff. They can also take shelter in furniture and bedding. Once left unaddressed, bed bugs may lead to severe discomfort for patients and employees as these pests leave several red bites on one’s body.

Check for bed bugs nesting in places such as bedding and upholsteries. Make it a habit to vacuum your beds and throw your bedding, linens, curtains, and patient gowns in hot water. Then, dry them in the highest dryer setting possible.

 

Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness

Any area with food is the most likely to attract pests like flies and rodents because of food sources. Hospital kitchens and cafeterias are also busy places as food rations need to be delivered for patients from room to room every day. To avoid pest infestations, don’t leave out ingredients and ensure all food items are stored properly. Invest in jars or plastic containers that are tightly sealed.

Having the right disposing techniques for food waste is also important as pests don’t mind eating food waste. As hospitals tend to collect more garbage items like used surgical gloves, tongue depressors, and face masks, bins will need to be collected once a week. Make it a habit to check refrigerators on a regular basis to throw out rotten produce as these tend to attract pests such as flies.

 

Inspect Deliveries

Various medical supplies are delivered to hospitals on a monthly basis. The docking area itself used for deliveries faces high amounts of pest infestations as they can also come in with food and other supplies. Make sure you thoroughly inspect all the deliveries.

Ensure that no package is bringing complimentary pests along with it. Even if the delivery does not contain a food item, it is better to inspect it for pests to be certain that they don’t gain entry into your facility.

 

Fix Plumbing

Be on the lookout for leaky plumbing around your facility. If you need 24/7 plumbing services, hire this company at Sydney Emergency Plumbers to fix any leakage right away. Check under sinks, toilets, and faucets. Did you know that rodents and bugs are attracted to dampness and moisture? Remember that water build-up anywhere is a pest’s paradise, so make sure that you have no clogged pipes.

 

Key Takeaway

There are different types of pest infestations that require different pest control methods. When it comes to healthcare facilities, the patients admitted may have severely compromised immune systems. And for those that have the moral responsibility to keep employees, visitors, and patients safe, effective pest control measures must be taken to stop infestations.

There is only so much you can do to fight infestations, so check out these 5 tips to learn more about pest control in healthcare facilities. But for situations that are beyond your knowledge capacity, professional pest control services are there for you!
With over 23 years of experience, Topbest Pest Control services offer the best professional pest extermination services. Take care of your patients and employees by contacting Topbest to get your healthcare facility checked today!