MONEY MATTERS
Call to check for cockroaches as heating goes on Heating ducts and pipes can be prime
cockroach and they cluster around pipes, stoves, the back
spots for cockroaches as the heating goes
of refrigerator motors and sinks, especially in humid areas,
on in the autumn, a national trade body has warned.
B
and will often remain hidden during the day.” The
BPCA
always
recommends
proactive
pest
management approaches. Proofing businesses from cockroaches, rather than trying to deal with an infestation
ritish Pest Control Association (BPCA) has issued
is always more effective. Tips to prevent cockroaches
a guide with advice for food businesses on
include:
preventing the humidity-loving insects getting into premises.
The pests can also be found near stoves and sinks, where
they can contaminate food, utensils and preparation surfaces as they forage. And they can be vectors of disease, capable of carrying the organisms which cause food poisoning in humans and many other bacteria. Cockroach control is a difficult task, so preventative
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly to remove any food residue - Keep bins covered, clean and emptied regularly - Regularly clean areas such as the top and bottom of the fridge, where it is warm and food residue may collect - Make sure you inspect any new products or equipment delivered to your business as this is how the German cockroach sometimes enters a building
measures are an important step in keeping premises pest-
- Sewer covers should be kept in good repair
free.
- Proactively monitor for cockroaches by using sticky
Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA Technical Manager, said: “The two most common species of cockroaches are the German and Oriental cockroach. They will both feed on almost anything, including refuse, faecal matter and food
traps with a food lure – pest management companies provide this service Dee added: “Control of cockroaches is seldom easy because of the difficulty of getting to the insect.
for human consumption. They also require access to water
“For any cockroach infestation, we would always
and will be generally found in inaccessible harbourages,
recommend contacting a professional pest control
close to water and food.
company, preferably a member of the BPCA.
“Cockroaches are rarely able to survive out of doors
“They are trained in cockroach control and will have
in the British climate but thrive in areas where the
access to a range of professional use products which are
temperature is more forgiving. For Oriental cockroaches,
not available to the public.”
this may be around the heating ducts and boiler rooms
For more advice about proofing your business against
of large, centrally heated buildings such as hospitals,
cockroaches, the new online guide is available at: bpca.org.
bakeries, hotels and restaurant kitchens, and blocks of
uk/cockroaches.
flats. When Oriental cockroaches are present, they can sometimes be tracked back to the sewers. “German cockroaches are smaller than the Oriental
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Fastfood Professional • December and January 2020-21
To find a BPCA member near you visit: bpca.org.uk/find
December and January 2020-21 • Fastfood Professional
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