What problems do pests cause for businesses in Nottingham?

Located in the heart of England, Nottingham is a bustling city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving business community. However, like any city, Nottingham is not immune to pest problems. Pests such as rodents, insects, and other unwanted creatures can wreak havoc on businesses in the area.

Pests cause problems in many ways: they can damage property, contaminate food products, spread disease, and even harm people who come into contact with them. These are all things that you want to avoid!

Common Pests in Nottingham

There are a number of common pests that can be found in Nottingham. These include:

• Rats and mice
• Wasps
• Bedbugs
• Cockroaches
• Birds 

Health Risks Posed by Pests

Pests can cause a variety of health risks to your employees and customers, such as: 

• The spread of disease - Rats can transmit diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever through their urine, faeces, and bites. Birds, such as pigeons, can carry diseases like ornithosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms in humans.
• Asthma attacks - Cockroaches produce allergens that can trigger asthma attacks in people who suffer from this condition.
• Allergies - Bedbugs can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and itching, which can lead to discomfort and sleeplessness.

Damage to Property

Pests can cause structural damage to your property. If a pest infestation is left unchecked, it could lead to a hefty repair bill. This can be especially dangerous if you have an old building that's not up to code or has been neglected by previous owners.

Pests can also contaminate goods with their droppings and saliva, which can lead to food poisoning or other illnesses if consumed by humans or pets. In addition, pests may chew through furniture and fixtures such as chairs and tables--and sometimes even walls--making them unusable for customers who visit your business.

Impact on Businesses

Pests can cause a number of problems for businesses in Nottingham, including:

• Loss of Revenue - For example, if a restaurant has a pest infestation, it could lead to a temporary closure, causing a loss of income. Additionally, customers may not want to return to a business that has a pest problem, which could damage its reputation and result in a long-term loss of revenue.
• Reputational damage - If customers see pests on your premises or hear stories about them, they may lose faith in your business and go elsewhere.
• Legal and Regulatory Issues - Businesses are required to comply with health and safety regulations, which includes keeping their premises pest-free. Failure to do so can result in legal and regulatory issues, including fines and legal action. 

Preventative Measures

The best way to stop pests from becoming a problem is by taking preventative measures. This can be done by regular inspections and pest-proofing, as well as hygiene maintenance.

• Regular inspections - You should make sure that your premises are inspected regularly for signs of infestation or damage. This will help you identify any problems early on, so they don't become bigger issues later.
• Pest-proofing - Pests can enter your business through several different entry points, including vents, drains and gaps in walls or floors. Identify and seal off any of these possible routes in your property, and also ensure to remove any sources of food and water which can be attractive to pests. 

Signs of Infestation

If you think you may have a pest infestation, look out for some of these signs:

• Sounds - such as scratching or scurrying noises that you can hear at night.
• Odours - such as an unpleasant smell coming from the ceiling or wall cavities where pests have made their homes. 

If you notice any of these signs and suspect that your business has a pest problem, you may need to invest in some pest and bird control solutions.

Our local Nottingham pest control team at NBC can assist you promptly with any pest problems you may have. Our fast 24-hour service guarantees quick and reliable advice. We offer detailed risk assessments and discreet surveys, followed by a comprehensive report that includes pest control recommendations to resolve your issues. Our services cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring compliance and minimizing the risk of future infestations.

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin