Visitors to residents in nursing homes are generally welcomed because the residents' spirits are lifted by family news and the opportunity to have a conversation with those closest to them. But long-term care facilities also have a constant battle with unwanted visitors - pests that infiltrate the buildings and threaten the health and well-being of those who live and work there.
Three types of pests are among the top offenders - ants, flying insects and cockroaches. Facility managers have to maintain high standards in cleanliness and create barriers that will keep these intruders from settling in and growing in population.
Pest removal is more sensitive at a healthcare facility or nursing home than at other venues because people who are treated and reside in those locations have illnesses that could worsen if they're exposed to chemicals typically used to eradicate pests. The health needs of the patients have to be considered before a program is put in place.
However, if preventive steps don't work, a professional pest control service like Abell Pest Control is the best resource to consult. They can analyze the nature of the problem and determine the best treatment that won't compromise the health of patients. Pest control experts can also advise the facility's staff about ways to prevent future pest issues.
Preventive pest management differs according to the insect or animal that needs to be removed. With cockroaches, for instance, strong sanitation measures must be maintained without lapses, particularly in food service, waste disposal and high-moisture areas.
Careful inspection of incoming crates and containers of food will catch roaches before they have a chance to invade the property. Cardboard packaging, in which they can hide, must be thrown out immediately. Food supplies should be stored on elevated shelving.
Worn-out door sweeps or window seals should be replaced periodically to prevent ants and other crawling insects from entering the premises. As with cockroaches, debris and food waste should be disposed carefully, stored food must be tightly sealed and any water leaks that create moisture must be fixed right away.
An additional dilemma faced by nursing facilities is the high-traffic flow of people, which can increase the chance of pests gaining entry. That's particularly true of flying insects like wasps and bees that can sting people and cause serious allergic reactions. Installing sets of double doors in busy lobbies and situating strong fans at doors and windows to keep the breeze flowing out of the building are good preventive steps to keep flying insects away.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
In the summer months, people love to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some even venture to farmers markets where the food is cheaper. However, not only do fruits come home with you, fruit flies may too. Once they've gotten acclimated in your home, they might stay all summer. These pests breed quickly, and tend to spread through whatever food you've got around. They also are happy to join in on any meal you have, be it a sit-down dinner or a barbecue in your backyard. Worst of all, like other flies, they carry disease. Consider these tips on how to prevent fruit flies from coming home with you.
