NATIONAL REPORT—Pest control is a necessary part of running a hospitality business, both practically—in removing vermin—and legally in terms of meeting regulations. Unfortunately, as the EPA highlights, many of the practices commonly associated with pest control are harmful to the environment. This is true whether it’s the emissions associated with producing chemical poisons and pesticides, or the actual ecological impact of those poisons being distributed out and applied. This is made all the more painful due to the fact that there are ways to control pests in an ecologically friendly and environmentally sustainable manner—if the effort is there.
Tackling Mice & Rats
Rodents are some of the most detrimental pests, and especially in the hospitality industry. They can wreck the stay of any visitor and lead to citations with sanitation and environmental health control. Unfortunately, the main way in which rodents are controlled is through poison, which can be extremely harmful to the local environment and create hazardous waste through the buildup of rodent waste laced with the compounds. The best way to push back against vermin is through prevention, according to nature conservators the British Barn Owl Trust. Removing food sources, ensuring that areas are kept very clean, and insulating small access areas with caulk that uses metal inclusions are all great measures. This is especially prudent around wires, to mitigate the risk of vermin chewing on wires and causing fires. Use a supplier that prevents, rather than simply kills.
Reducing Pests, Improving Emissions
Other pests that can be detrimental to the running of a hotel are less obvious than rats and mice. The many varied species of insects that damage plants can damage the image of a green lodging, and in the case of educational cooperative lodgings, destroy valuable vegetable and other plant growth. However, a return to nature is exactly what is required according to the International Food Policy Research Institute, who cite studies which show ladybugs fight disease, pest insects, and protect crops. An entirely natural solution to plant pests, this is something to be considered when hiring groundwork firms to maintain the lodging—a natural approach is best.
Removing Chemicals Altogether
Chemical products are easily the most detrimental single factor when it comes to pest control. Phasing out the use of chemicals entirely is crucial to reducing emissions and ensuring that the local ecosystem is protected. There are easily accessed and potent biological detergents and cleaners that can be used instead of harsh chemicals, and they should be used at every juncture. Cleaning teams and product suppliers alike must show they can provide green solutions to chemical cleaning to protect that fragile ecosystem and present a unified front when it comes to planet-friendly pest control.
It is entirely possible to have effective and affordable pest control without needing to resort to medieval tactics. Finding partners who can supply that is crucial, but with added interest from hoteliers and their ilk, there’ll be more competition to pick from.
