Rodents

Rodents are mammals, characterised by their incisors, which are kept sharp by constant gnawing. On an anthropomorphic level some rodents, such as water voles, are rather nice and have the full protection of the law.

However rodent pests must be controlled as they carry disease, cause damage to products and premises and further more there is a legal requirement to do so.

Failure to comply with current legislation such as “the food safety regulations” can result in a prison sentence.

Check the FSA (Food Standards Agency) house rules www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/cshrpestcont.pdf

Insects

Insects are the most diverse and numerous of animals and, as all fans of science fiction will know, are waiting in the wings to take over the earth. In the mean time however, they need to be controlled.

Insects are a hazard for many industries but particularly for those involved in the catering, hospitality and medical sectors.

The most common ways in which insects can damage your business are by:

  1. Spreading disease and infection.
  2. Damaging your products or premises, either by physical destruction or by contamination.
  3. Causing loss of reputation.
  4. Having legal proceedings against you through non compliance with current legal and regulatory requirements.

Birds

In the UK all wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However, birds that are recognised as pests can have that protection removed.

The species that are most commonly identified as pests are:

  1. The feral pigeon
  2. The collared dove
  3. Certain species of gull

The common problems caused by bird pests are:

  1. Contamination, particularly of stored grain.
  2. Spread of disease and infectious agents.
  3. Sources of insect infestation.

Glossary of terms

CHAS                  Contractors health and Safety Assessment Scheme
CIEU                    Chartered institute of Environmental Health
COPR                 Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
HACCP               Hazards Analysis Critical Control Point
EU Directives    Requirements for nation states to adapt their laws so as to achieve a specific requirement
FSA                     Food Standards Agency