Types of Pests That Can Be Found in Hospitals

As we all know, hospitals need to be in absolutely pristine shape. Cleanliness is paramount for the health of the hospital workers as well as the patients. Anything less than perfect is supremely risky.

Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained facility is susceptible to parasites and pests of different kinds, which is why preventative measures are important. It is hard to keep every nuisance out of a few key areas in the hospital, such as the patient room lobbies, cafeterias, restrooms, etc. Here are a few of the pests you need to keep at bay if you work in a healthcare facility.

Bed Bugs

These are truly the Beelzebub of the pest world, since their presence are not easy to detect straight away, nor are they easy to eradicate. They are tiny insects that nest in and around beds, and they feed on the blood of those sleeping. Not only are they difficult to find, but they can be transported by individuals in bags, clothing, and so on. Bed bugs are painful, and once an infestation makes its way to one piece of furniture, it will end up in everything – a true nightmare for patients and healthcare workers alike.

Cockroaches

Roaches are the hardest pests to get rid of, and they multiply quickly. They are especially horrific since they also serve as bacteria vectors, and can carry the most dangerous forms of bacteria with them, such as E. coli and Salmonella. If there is an infestation, then only a commercial pest control service can be charged with eradicating them from the premises entirely. If cockroaches show up anywhere in the hospital, their mere presence can trigger all sorts of allergic reactions in patients. Furthermore, they can hide in nooks and crannies throughout the building, so it’s important to pull out the big guns in terms of pest control as soon as possible.

Fruit Flies

Flies are not only incredibly irritating, they can contaminate food, equipment, and are capable of spreading foodborne illnesses. Since they can enter the hospital through anything from open windows, doors, and other openings, it is remarkably easy for them to infiltrate the premises right away. They are also hard to control when the weather gets warmer, so try to get them under control early on before their presence becomes overwhelming.

Mice

As with any other structure, mice can infiltrate a hospital far easier than imagined. This is dangerous because they tend to carry pathogens that can lead to disease, and of course, they leave behind deeply unsanitary droppings. Besides, they end up chewing their way through pretty much anything – hospital food, packaging, equipment, buildings, and so on. They can make their way via doorways, pipes, and any other open pathway. Since they can also multiply with stunning speed, preventative care and bringing in the professionals when necessary is important.

Unlike homes and other buildings, hospitals have a very specific set of criteria and needs. There can be no compromise in any area since that can put people’s lives in danger, and compromise the recovery of patients who have worked hard to heal from any ailment they are combatting. The only way to get rid of them completely is to invest in cleaning crews and call in professional pest control whenever necessary.