How To Keep Healthcare Facilities In The Sacramento Region Pest-Free

Healthcare facilities have the strictest sanitation guidelines, but even the cleanest, most sterile hospital or medical center is not necessarily immune to pests. Certain pests routinely take up residence in healthcare facilities. The issues that these pests cause are even more severe in medical settings, as many patients are at greater risk for infections and viruses.

Keeping healthcare facilities pest-free is crucial to safeguarding the health of patients and staff. It is important that Sacramento healthcare professionals know which pests to be especially aware of, the risks that they pose, and how they can protect their patients from pests.

Top Five Pests In Sacramento Healthcare Facilities

While any pest could be found in a hospital, medical center, or other healthcare facility, some are much more likely than others. The most common pests in Sacramento healthcare settings are ants, cockroaches, flies, bed bugs, and rodents.

• Ants - Ants, particularly Pharaoh ants, are a common nuisance in hospitals. They are also a serious health risk as they will enter patients’ wounds, IV bottles, and even people’s mouths in search of moisture. Pharaoh ants spread several dangerous pathogens, including salmonellosis, streptococcus, and staphylococcus.

• Cockroaches - Cockroaches are not unusual to find in hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation clinics, and more. They are a danger to the sensitive populations within these facilities as they spread disease, cause allergies and asthma attacks, and contaminate food.

• Flies - Several fly species, including house flies, cluster flies, blow flies, and fruit flies, are commonly found in healthcare facilities. Flies carry numerous pathogens, including salmonellosis and malaria.

• Bed Bugs - Healthcare facilities are hotspots for bed bugs. Bed bugs feed on human blood, typically when their host is asleep, making resting patients easy prey. Fortunately, bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but they do leave itchy bites and can cause loss of sleep.

• Rodents - Rats and mice are attracted to healthcare settings as they have plenty of water and food sources, as well as hiding and nesting spots. Rodents are vectors of several diseases, including leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis, all of which are especially dangerous to ill or injured patients with weakened immune systems.

How To Protect Your Patients From Pests

The best way to protect your patients and staff from pests is to take action before there is a problem. Once an infestation takes root, your patients can quickly come into contact with unsanitary, disease-carrying pests. It is even more important to be proactive about pest control in a healthcare environment, as many patients are immunocompromised and will be more susceptible to potentially life-threatening diseases. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Professional pest control can protect your vulnerable patients before ants, flies, roaches, bed bugs, or rodents invade your facility. Regular inspections and preventative treatments are highly recommended for all hospitals, medical centers, rehabs, etc. Additionally, if staff members or patients report signs of any pests, be sure to contact a pest control professional immediately to treat the facility before the problem gets out of hand.

Proactive Pest Control For Sacramento Healthcare Facilities - HomeShield Pest Control

A pest issue in any setting can be serious, but the risks are exacerbated in healthcare facilities. Keep your patients healthy and relaxed as they recover from illness or injury by protecting them from potentially dangerous pests.

Whether your facility has a current pest problem or not, it is important to schedule regular visits with a pest control professional. HomeShield Pest Control is Sacramento’s source for effective pest control solutions in healthcare facilities. To get started with quality pest control services for your facility, contact HomeShield Pest Control today.