Rats and Mice

There are over 1500 rodent species worldwide. Like bacteria, they only need basic commodities to live and reproduce – (food, water and harbourage). The food safety risks posed by rats in a food premises are very serious, some of the organisms associated with rodents include Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter and E.coli O157. Rats also carry the bacteria that cause the illness Leptospirosis (Weils Disease).   Mice in particular urinate and defecate randomly which can also cause serious health risks to food and non food items alike.

Premises affected by rats and mice can cause serious risks to food safety and in some circumstances can lead to compulsory closure of affected premises by Environmental Health.

It is important to ensure you have effective rodent controls. Some easy basic precautions can be taken to prevent an infestation.

Food and Water

The standard of cleanliness in your premises must be kept very high. Unattended food left out in kitchens for periods of time, sources of water such as dripping taps and accumulations of food debris under and behind equipment and around refuse storage areas provide an attractive food source to rats and mice.  Removal of food sources is essential.

Harbourage

Areas containing stacked equipment and general unused items connected or unconnected with your food business can provide harbourage. Rodents prefer to move in cover. Signs of an infestation (usually droppings, damaged packaging or nibbled foods) tend to be found amongst general clutter and the junction between floor and walls, which may be concealed by equipment stacked against the wall.

You must ensure kitchens and storage areas are maintained in a neat and tidy condition. This makes monitoring for pests much easier.

Proofing

It is important to prevent rats and mice entering your premises. Gaps under doors and around drainpipes provide easy access and should be filled in with a suitable mortar. Rats and mice are good climbers so remember to proof any holes on the outside where you think they might be able to gain access.
Remember a mouse can squeeze through a gap the width of a small finger.

Contractors

It is a legal requirement that any sign of pests in a food business are controlled. Adequate controls would include pest proofing measures and monitoring for signs of an infestation. The first signs of an infestation are from chewed packaging and rodent droppings.

If you suspect you have a problem with rodents a way to confirm an infestation is test bait in all food rooms. Foods like a biscuit or a few blocks of chocolate are placed on the floor in corners and are checked every 3 or 4 days to make sure that it is still there (i.e. not eaten completely) or nibbled by rodents. When these tests prove positive, it is advisable to employ a professional pest control operative to remove the infestation and advise on proofing points.  Should you decide to try and resolve the problem yourself, extreme care is required as the inappropriate use of poisonous baits can pose addition health and safety risks to yourself,  employees and members of the public.  Calling in the services of a professional pest contractor at an early stage may well safe time and money in the long term.   

For further advice contact us on Telephone: 01202 454876