'Pest control critical in Milton Keynes during coronavirus'

A national trade body is calling for urgent action to ensure pest control management can continue to be carried out in Milton Keynes during the pandemic.

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the activity remains as essential as ever for protecting public health.

But in the UK, pest management professionals are not explicitly listed as key workers, despite the fact they have been in the USA, France, Germany and Italy.

Ian Andrew, chief executive of BPCA, said: “There are many ways pest control underpins safe communities and facilities, which are critical to the way we live. That does not stop due to the pandemic.

“For example, from stopping pests destroying seeds, to protecting supermarkets from infestation, no part of the food supply chain goes untouched by professional pest management companies.

“Pests destroy and contaminate food and disrupt and close down food businesses."

He added: “It’s our job to keep our food safe and plentiful for British citizens. During this pandemic, it’s as important as ever that we help food manufacturers and distributors minimise waste.

“Our work also protects other essential workers.

“Hospitals, supermarkets, care homes and key public services need support, as well as local and national Government, transport, utilities, communication and financial services.

“Pest infestations put these organisations, their employees and users, at risk and have the potential to close the services completely and it is our job to stop them.

“Furthermore, with much of the nation in effective lockdown in their homes, the impact of a mouse, rat or insect infestation in their property would create a great deal of mental anguish.

“Being trapped inside homes with an acute infestation is unacceptable."