Restaurants and hotels at greatest risk from seasonal rodent infestations

Aside from the seasonal trend for rodents to move indoors as the colder weather sets in, there are a number of other factors combining to lead to this predicted increase. The infrequency of rubbish collection and strikes in some cities means rubbish is left to fester on the streets and further sustains the UK's rodent population. The country's throwaway culture, and the fact that an estimated 6.7 million tonnes of food is thrown away every year, also adds to the problem. Sharp teeth enable rodents to gnaw through cables, plastic, wooden doors and even mild steel, leading to costly repairs and destruction of stock. If signs of an infestation are not spotted and dealt with at an early stage, the rodents can destroy a business' inventory and, ultimately, its reputation. On a rodent's underside, wet fur soaked in urine can transmit diseases to work surfaces, table tops or anywhere the rodent has climbed, contaminating any food products they come into contact with. The effect of the pests will therefore be most serious for those businesses serving or selling food. These organisations must be particularly vigilant to prevent a negative effect on their Scores on the Doors food hygiene rating, which is published online and accessible to anyone. Businesses with large storage areas, where rodents can find suitably quiet areas to nest over the winter months, should also be extra vigilant. Advising businesses on the appropriate steps to reducing the risk of a rodent infestation, Technical Director of Rentokil Pest Control, Savvas Othon, said: "Last year, Rentokil saw a 34% rise in rodent-related callouts and we are anticipating a similarly high callout rate this winter amongst both businesses and homeowners. "Hotels, restaurants and retail outlets should be particularly careful to look out for the early signs of an infestation as any sighting by a customer can destroy their reputation." Advice to businesses on preventing rodents: • Thorough, regular cleaning is vital to avoiding infestation. • Crates and boxes should be stacked 70cm away from the wall to ensure you can check what's behind them. • Set up a contractual relationship with your pest controller, rather than hiring them on a reactive basis to ensure there is no risk of recurring infestations. • Staff need to be educated on the risks of infestation and act responsibly. • If you do spot a pest on your premises it is essential to seek professional advice immediately. • If you own a property that is standing empty for any period of time, make sure you inspect it regularly to look for any signs of rodent activity. • Seal up holes in the building to keep rodents out. • Ensure refuse is kept in closed bins. • Ensure all pipe-work is in good working order. • Look after your drains, clean them regularly to avoid infestations and unblock gutters and water gullies.