As any business owner will know, you are legally responsible for the control of vermin on your premises. Vermin can cause serious problems for any business and in some cases, may force its closure until the infestation is effectively dealt with. This can cause untold damage – both financially and to your reputation.
Recent reports demonstrate the damage rats cause to local businesses
In January 2014, the owner of an Indian restaurant in Hastings, East Sussex, was fined £2,500 and had to pay costs of £1,450 when he appeared before magistrates. This followed his conviction for a number of environmental health offences including a rat infestation that had previously forced the closure of his restaurant.
In a second, similar incident in April 2014, a popular seaside restaurant in Worthing was given the worst possible hygiene rating by health bosses – a year after it closed with a rat problem.
Both incidents demonstrate how easy it can be to fall foul of these disease ridden critters and are just two examples of the severe consequences that can result when good hygiene and rigorous pest control is not maintained.
So what can you do to take control?
As the owner of a local business, it is crucial to ensure that you can maintain ‘business as usual’. The most effective way to stay on top of any potential infestation is with a regular pest control contract. This will provide the peace of mind that you have properly complied with the laws and regulations that govern the control and eradication of pest-borne diseases. If the worst does happen and rats are identified on your premises, a pest control agreement will ensure that any infestation is dealt with immediately and in the correct way. For more information about our pest control contracts, click here.
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