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PEST MANAGEMENT Why Institutions Still Need These Services in an Economic Downturn A lthough current economic conditions may lull decision-makers into viewing pest management services as "expendable" for cost-saving measures, facility managers for specialized properties such as schools and hospitals must be well versed in the threats posed by pests and rodents as well as be fully prepared to articulate the importance of pest prevention and control in the overall maintenance of properties. Within the current economy, schools and hospitals are challenged to continually find areas to "save" money and as such, ancillary expenditures such as pest control emerge as likely candidates for budgetary reductions, and even elimination. Arguments such as these will continue to be made at budget meetings across the nation in 2010: "What is one mouse? All properties
struggle with one or two mice, right?"
At first, these may seem like rational and legitimate
arguments, especially when considering a yearly budget. For
many, pests and rodents are viewed as simply a "nuisance"
something to be dealt with seasonally. However, when
reflecting upon your own experience and your past work with
professional pest management services, facility managers
well know that pests and rodents can pose serious health
threats and risks for property damage. Consider these
thought-provoking statistics: At a time when decision-makers are consistently asked to weigh the benefits and costs of working with third party professional services, it is critical to either develop and/or maintain a working relationship with a pest professional who not only brings expertise to a school or hospital but also has the best interest of the facility in mind. When the top priority is protecting the health and safety of the individuals entrusted to your care as facility managers, the full understanding of your facilitys specialized needs that a pest management professional can bring may far outweigh any associated costs from utilizing a third-party. And in the long run, it may save valuable funds due to the proactive preventative measures implemented by pest professionals in a school or hospital. The above addresses the importance of maintaining pest management in a down economy. Yet, what if your school or hospital has ceased its relationship with a professional pest management firm in the interest of budget? How do you find a professional and how do you know who to trust, especially when making a financial investment as budgets continue to tighten? By employing common sense and exercising sound judgment, facility managers can ensure the hiring of a trustworthy, efficient and expert pest professional. A professional that will engage in a partnership with you and will strive to meet the ever-changing needs of your school or hospital in a cost-efficient manner. The following recommendations can assist you should you need to make this investment for your school or hospital. Evaluate Pest Management Firms Ask Questions Buy Value, Not Price Regardless of the economy, but always in conjunction with a pest management professional, there are many pest prevention tips that facility managers should consider in their consistent attempts to thwart pest infestations in schools and hospitals. Here are just a few simple, straightforward and cost-effective pest prevention measures to help keep pests and rodents outdoors: Clean high-volume areas such as
cafeterias daily where crumbs and trash are more
likely to build up; Dispose of garbage in clean,
sealed containers and regularly empty recycling
bins. Ultimately, continuing an investment even when the economy poses certain constraints in maintaining a professional pest management program can prove to be far more cost-efficient in the long-term. Further, making a public commitment to pest prevention, even in the face of an economic downturn, can demonstrate to students, patients and staff that their health and safety is of the utmost importance to you as a facility manager for a specialized property. And in any economy, the peace of mind such proactive facility management offers is often priceless. Missy Henriksen is the vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. For more information on pest prevention and treatment, please visit www.pestworld.org.
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American School & Hospital Facility magazine and FacilityManagement.com are educational tools that teach institutional facilities professionals and the building team to operate, maintain and design structures efficiently, economically, safely, securely and green. The editorial mission is to report on the topics, issues, trends and products that impact facilities management. |
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