A Clean Home is Good for your Health and your Wallet!
03 April, 2008
Rentokil Ireland welcomes the findings by Safefood resulting from the organisations research into the economic Impact of Gastroenteritis on the Island of Ireland. The survey reveals a cost to the state of €135 million per annum or, broken down, the cost to an individual of €24.50 per person.
Rentokil takes this opportunity to remind homeowners of one of the ten Golden Rules for Safe Food Preparation, according to the World Health Organisation: protect food from insects, rodents and other animals!
According to the experts at Rentokil, general hygiene and cleanliness are vital in tackling pest problems, as most pests prefer to reside in undisturbed areas where food sources are plentiful. One of the simple steps to reduce the risk of food being contaminated by rodents and insects is to (a) remove the source of food and (b) harbourage that would encourage them to become established and multiply, (c) then pest proof your premises. Finally, continue to reduce the risks by implementing a strong pest prevention programme. The risk of having a pest problem is greatly controlled by following the basic steps.
A. Maintain good housekeeping as this discourages pests.
B. Implement good storage management as this prevents pests from establishing.
C. Pest proof your house as this helps keep them out in the first place.
Ten simple tips to achieve this:
1. Bins should ideally have lids and waste should be kept within the confines of your bin -this discourages foraging pests from becoming interested in your home or premises.
2. Remove water and food spillages promptly - this not only discourages pest from visiting but also from staying in your building.
3. Keep refuse bins as far away as possible from your premises – this protects your perimeter and discourage pests from coming any closer.
4. Remove overgrowth surrounding your premises as this can shelter and encourage a variety of pests - again, this protects your perimeter.
5. Sort through junk, especially junk that has a ready supply of food, water and warmth – pests are happiest in undisturbed areas.
6. If possible, move presses and machinery that hasn’t been moved in a while and clean - this discourages pests from settling in.
7. Seal gaps under doors, in damaged air bricks and air vents to prevent rodents and insects from entering.
8. Repair damaged windows to prevent entry of pests.
9. Cracks in walls and tiles should also be repaired to prevent pest movement and establishment.
10. Consider fitting fly screens or strip curtains to openings leading into food preparation areas to help keep flies out.
“Although there are many other causes of gastroenteritis it is very possible that a proportion of people suffering from this condition may have been infected from eating contaminated food resulting from a rodent or insect infestation.” Rentokil Ireland Manager, Michael O’Mahoney, points out.
“While we as experts can help reduce the risk of exposure to other pest associated diseases by controlling a problem, total exclusion and restriction of pests can only be achieved with the support of the home or business owner. In many cases this can be easily done by taking some rudimentary steps to address housekeeping, proofing and basic hygiene.”
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Rentokil
Around the world, Rentokil is the leading provider of pest control and specialist hygiene services. The company protects homes and commercial premises from the damage, health risks and nuisance that pests cause. While flies, insects and rodents might be the first that come to mind, Rentokil technicians also provide specialist treatment against woodworm. Whatever the pest, Rentokil can deal with it.
For information about Rentokil services, visit www.rentokil.ie or call 1890 869 869.
For further information, please contact:
Maeve Governey
Heneghan PR
01 6607395
maeve@hpr.ie