Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 89
Make pest prevention part of
your maintenance schedule
For owners and managers of heritage buildings, the on-going list of maintenance and repair work can
often omit pest control. In this article, John Horsley, Technical Support Officer at British Pest Control
Association (BPCA), explains how professional pest control can play a key role in the protection and
preservation of our heritage buildings.
This is particularly pertinent for heritage homes and
buildings, where features such as Victorian drainage
systems, thatched roofs, little-used attic spaces, areas of
disrepair, and older fixtures and fittings in kitchens and
bathrooms, can provide harbourage for pests.
Firstly, three quick benefits that can come from taking
an integrated approach to pest control and building
maintenance:
•. Reduced risk to human health
•. Reduced risk of damage to building
•. Reduced risk to reputation of organisation/property/
business.
Risks to human health
Certain species are classified as pests when they come into
conflict with people and pose a risk to human health
because:
• Pests may contaminate food with droppings, urine,
egg cases, hair etc
• Some species are vectors of disease
• Certain pests may bite or sting, which can result in
allergic reaction or transfer of disease.
BPCA is a not-for-profit national trade body for pest professionals and represents member companies that work
strategically to defend public health and protect natural
environments.
Our members work with property owners, businesses and
other organisations to promote a ‘prevention is better
than cure’ approach to pest control.
As an example, cockroaches move from sewers and
drains into dark, damp spaces in human habitats and are
known to carry bacteria harmful to human health, like
salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus.
We believe pest control needs to be included in any
rolling programme of works designed to maintain and
repair homes, public spaces and businesses, because
proofing against pest activity – and early identification
of potential problems - is crucial in swift and effective
pest management.
When foraging for food and water, they contaminate everything they come into contact with, dropping faeces and
disgorging portions of partially digested food at intervals.
Above, Statue: Pigeon droppings are acidic and can corrode metals, stone and brick
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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