Educate
We were called in by a local hospital to help address a severe rodent problem that had developed in their waste management area. The main culprit was a large waste compactor, which was attracting rodents due to the significant amount of food debris being processed through it. Additionally, the surrounding container units offered the rodents ample space to nest. We took time to educate the hospital staff, particularly those in the waste management area, about the factors contributing to the infestation and what steps were needed to mitigate these risks. Our focus was on the importance of housekeeping, reducing food sources, and maintaining rodent prevention measures.
Evaluate
Upon evaluation, it became clear that the rodents were nesting beneath large storage containers near the compactor and emerging to feed. The infestation had worsened to the point where rodents were frequently seen during daylight hours, indicating a significant population growth. To combat this, we developed an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, which involved a thorough assessment of the rodent activity, identifying key areas of infestation and high-risk zones.
Our evaluation showed that both immediate and long-term measures were necessary. Strategic bait stations containing Selontra were placed around the compactor and container units. Additionally, we recommended removing unused containers that provided shelter for the rodents and ramping up cleaning and waste management protocols to reduce the food sources available to the pests.
Eradicate
With the IPM plan in place, we focused on eradicating the infestation. As food debris was cleared and the bait stations became more effective, the uptake of bait increased significantly. The Selontra bait quickly brought the rodent population under control. We made regular visits to replenish the bait and monitor progress, ensuring a steady decline in rodent activity.
Through a combination of removing food sources, eliminating harborage areas, and using targeted baiting, we successfully eradicated the rodent problem. The waste management team has since been trained to maintain these efforts, with bait stations permanently installed and cleaning standards upheld. While the area remains vulnerable due to its nature, these ongoing measures have significantly reduced the risk of a recurrence, ensuring a healthier, rodent-free environment for the hospital.