Reducing rodent risks

James Campbell, Business Unit Manager, Kiwa Independent Pest Consultancy offers advice on tackling the risks of hantavirus and rodent infestations at source

News reports in the spring were dominated by the story of the MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak tragically claimed the lives of several passengers.

The outbreak was attributed to the Andes virus, a rare strain of hantavirus endemic to South America, with the outbreak believed to have emanated from a passenger who was exposed to the virus in South America before boarding the ship. Hantavirus is usually caught from inhaling contaminated, airborne particles of urine or faeces from infected wild rodents.

The rareness of the Andes Virus, and its geographical distance from the UK, means this outbreak on its own is not necessarily a cause for alarm for UK businesses.

However, it did serve as a timely reminder of the risks posed by rodents when they access areas inhabited or used by humans.

HEALTH HAZARDS

The presence of rodents in any building is far more than just a nuisance or a pest control issue. Left unchecked, their presence represents a major compliance risk, especially in settings where food is stored or handled.  This means almost any business can be affected, but especially the food & beverage, logistics, retail and hospitality sectors.

The presence of rats and mice is a catalyst for the spread of infectious and potentially deadly diseases. Rodents are known to be responsible for transmitting many separate diseases to humans. Pathogens are typically spread directly through inhalation or physical contact with infected urine and droppings or indirectly through bites and parasites like fleas and ticks.

Diseases caused by rodents range from rat-bite fever, characterised by fever, vomiting, and joint pain, to Weil’s disease (also known as leptospirosis) which in the worst cases can lead to jaundice, kidney failure and liver damage.

The issue of food contamination is of course a key one. Rodents are not fussy about where they excrete, and the presence of urine or droppings around food, or in food storage or preparation areas, represents a significant health risk for anyone working there, or who later consumes a contaminated item prepared in that environment.

In poorly maintained buildings, droppings, urine and nesting materials accumulate over time, especially in undisturbed areas. Workers charged with cleaning these areas or accessing them for other reasons may unknowingly inhale viruses.

BUILDING ISSUES

Plumbing faults, sewage leaks and poor sanitation also attract rodents, with contact with infected urine a major issue for workers, especially if they already have open cuts or skin abrasions. The issue can be heightened in complex built environments where exposure can be prolonged, hidden or difficult to detect.

The incessant gnawing necessary for rodents to control the continuous growth of their teeth can cause other serious issues. The impact of gnawing on wood, drywall and electrical cables can impact structural stability and even result in electrical fires, endangering all building users and further jeopardising business continuity.

The ramifications of failing to take appropriate measures in this area are therefore significant and business critical, going well beyond purely reputational damage to associated loss of revenue. They can even lead to criminal charges in the most serious instances. One recent instance saw a Birmingham supermarket fined £50,000 plus costs after rat and mouse droppings were discovered in food.

BEST PRACTICE

All of this means organisations must go beyond purely reactive or periodic approaches to pest control and instead embed proactivity and best practice from the outset if the risks posed by rodents are to be addressed.

Leaving it until a rodent is spotted is never enough, the sighting of one rat or mouse almost inevitably means there are many more hidden away in and around the building, all doing their own share of damage while rapidly reproducing.

The focus should be on prevention rather than cure and that means preventing rodent access in the first place.

Understanding and blocking the potential entry points is key, always being mindful that these can be just a few millimetres wide for mice, as is knowledge of any local issues surrounding the resistance of local populations to rodenticides.

A review of overall hygiene and storage practices within the building will also be integral to making environments less attractive to rodent pests.

Pest control providers that focus solely on remedial solutions to existing problems, may not offer a comprehensive strategic approach needed to minimise or ideally prevent infestations which is why seeking specialist advice is essential. A qualified consultant brings an independent and analytical perspective that can yield significant benefits. Using a thorough audit, they can identify crucial issues and develop a detailed, itemised action plan to achieve best practice through a consistent, proactive approach.

For newly established facilities, an audit can help detect potential issues early on, fostering best practices within overall operations from the outset. This strategic approach ensures that pest management is handled as part of an overall, proactive risk management strategy rather than mere routine maintenance, protecting occupant health while preserving compliance, business continuity and reputation.