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How to Control Pests in Healthcare Facilities

Some places are like a zero-tolerance zone for any type of insect or pest, take, for instance, healthcare facilities. After all, people from all cities, castes, religions, and statuses rely on these facilities for treatment and recovery. So, pest control is one thing mandatory for healthcare facilities like hospitals.

If you have invested in a healthcare facility, then don’t consider spending for commercial pest control a waste. Money spent on pest control in hospitals is money invested in the overall health of the patients that trust the hospital and the staff that works there. 

Besides a commercial pest control service, what are the other methods to control pests in healthcare facilities? Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

• Various Types of Pests Found in Hospitals
• Top 6 Reasons to Consider Pest Control in Hospitals
• 7 Best Ways to Control Pests in Healthcare Facilities
• Takeaway
• FAQs

Various Types of Pests Found in Hospitals

Pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents may spread an endless number of bacterial and viral infections to patients who need comfort and care in healthcare facilities. Different types of pests get attracted to hospitals in search of food, water, and shelter.

Listed below are some of the common types of pests found in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics:

• Cockroaches
• Bed bugs
• Rodents
• Houseflies
• Ants
• Mosquitoes
• Beetles
• Moths
• Termites

Top 6 Reasons to Consider Pest Control in Hospitals

Mentioned below are some vital reasons why you must consider pest control in hospitals and healthcare facilities, so have a look:

1. Saves the Hospital's Reputation: The prime reason to consider pest control in hospitals is to save reputation and business. A hospital that is home to pests will soon lose its trust and reputation among patients and visitors.
2. Ensures Patient Safety: Not just for the sake of the hospital's reputation, pest control in hospitals is also important to ensure that the patients admitted there are safe. Cockroaches, rodents, ants, and all types of pests can cause allergies, and other health issues, risking the patient’s life in hospitals. 
3. Prevents Further Damage Caused by Pests: If your hospital is infested by termites or other similar pests, you are already in for major damage. Why take chances for more damage by not controlling these pests the moment you detect them first? So, go for regular commercial pest control treatments in hospitals to prevent further damage. 
4. Prevents Pest Infestation in the Future: Regular pest control in healthcare facilities is important to prevent future pest breakouts. The team that will come to conduct pest control treatments will share some valuable tips to prevent similar pests in the future. 
5. Saves Time: In the absence of timely pest control, your hospital may soon be home to different types of pests. Once infested all across the hospital, these insects will waste your management’s time for complete control. 
6. Saves Money: Regular pest control in hospitals helps save money. How? If not controlled on time, pest infestation will lead you to shut down the hospital leading to monetary loss until you get the pests removed completely. 

7 Best Ways to Control Pests in Healthcare Facilities

Following are some ways of health care pest control that may help you, in the long run, to keep your hospital pest-free and safe for patients and visitors:

1. Seal Pest Entry and Access Points: The first useful tip to prevent pests from healthcare facilities is to watch out for their entry points. Once you detect where these creepy crawlies enter your healthcare facility, it is time to seal them appropriately. 
2. Repair Plumbing Issues: Moisture is one of those essential things that attract all types of pests. So, keep all sources of water leakage away to keep the pests away. For this, get all the leakages repaired on time and also pay attention to the drainage system. 
3. Store Food Properly in Cafeterias: Another thing to do to ensure no pests are invading the hospitals is to keep food sealed and well stored. Food attracts pests the most, be it cockroaches, rodents, or ants. So, keep food packed and sealed and remove the leftovers properly from the cafeteria. 
4. Keep Storage Areas Dry and Well-Ventilated: Another thing that helps to prevent pest infestation in healthcare facilities is keeping the storage areas dry. Also, ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent pest infestation.
5. Maintain the Garbage Disposal System: Most of the pests are found hiding and feeding on the garbage dumped outside or inside such healthcare facilities. So, it is very important to maintain the garbage disposal system. Make sure to change the garbage bags and wash these dumping systems regularly. 
6. Spread Awareness Amongst Staff: It is equally important to make your staff aware of how to keep the hospital pest-free. For this, you must organize awareness programs teaching them how to detect pests and remove them from the hospital. They must also be taught the right ways of maintaining hygiene to reduce the chances of pest infestation in such facilities. 
7. Book Healthcare Pest Control Services: If none of the above methods help you keep roaches, rodents, and bed bugs away, it is time you must consult an experienced commercial pest control company. The trained staff of such companies know exactly how to detect and eradicate different types of pests from such healthcare facilities. 

Takeaway

Consider HiCare to book commercial pest control in healthcare facilities. The company offers not just commercial pest control services but brilliant pest solutions for residential spaces too. The company boasts 28 years of experience in pest control and digital hygiene and sends trained hygiene experts to detect and eradicate all types of pests from your hospital. Be it cockroaches, rodents, bed bugs, termites, or birds, the HiCare team has a solution for all without poking a hole in your pocket. 

FAQs

1. What types of pests are commonly found in healthcare facilities?

Common pests in healthcare facilities include rodents (rats and mice), cockroaches, flies, ants, bed bugs, and occasional invaders like spiders and silverfish.

2. How do pests enter healthcare facilities?

Pests can enter healthcare facilities through various means, such as cracks in the building structure, open doors and windows, through incoming supplies, on the clothing of staff or visitors, or via HVAC systems.

3. Why is pest control important in healthcare facilities?

Pest control is crucial in healthcare facilities to maintain a hygienic and safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Pests can spread diseases, contaminate food and medical supplies, and cause damage to the facility's infrastructure.

4. What are some preventive measures for pest control in healthcare facilities?

Preventive measures include regular inspections, sealing entry points, proper waste management, maintaining cleanliness, storing food and supplies in pest-proof containers, educating staff on pest control practices, and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

5. Can healthcare facilities hire professional pest control services?

Yes, healthcare facilities can and often should hire professional pest control services that specialize in commercial pest management, including healthcare facilities. These professionals have the expertise and knowledge to implement effective pest control strategies while adhering to regulatory requirements.