Pest Control Considered Essential Service During Coronavirus Pandemic

Discover the Importance of Pest Control & Why it is an Essential Service

Recent events surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak have left many business owners and employees wondering if their line of work is considered essential.

To clarify, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published a memo identifying essential infrastructure workers and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic within days of several states shutting down all but essential businesses.

Essential businesses, as described by the government, are allowed to stay open during nationwide restrictions.

Other essential services include, but are not limited to, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities.

The memo also confirms that pest control is an essential service.

This news comes at an important time, if the Federal Government issues a shelter-in-place, Catseye Pest Control will still be able to help homeowners and business owners.   

Why Pest Control is Important Every Day

The importance of pest control as an essential service for our communities, the surrounding areas, and the nation cannot be understated.

Pests, rodents, and nuisance wildlife have the ability to spread bacteria and diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis.

The importance of pest and wildlife control goes far beyond removal and exclusion services. 

“Pest Control is extremely important as it is critical in protecting the structures that we live and work in as well as the food that we consume.,” said Catseye Pest Control President Joe Dingwall. “Without pest control, our crops would suffer, our buildings would be at risk of costly damage from wood-destroying insects and rodents, and insects such as mosquitos and ticks would spread more disease.

“It’s a must that we remain operating.”

Problems Caused by Pests & Wildlife During Pandemics

There are a lot of potential problems stemming from pest control.

Rodents contaminate or consume upwards of 20 percent of the world’s food supply. Stinging insects send people to the emergency room and sometimes into anaphylaxis. Cockroaches can induce asthma attacks, and bed bugs can also cause allergic reactions.

These concerns merely scratch the surface of the issues caused by pests and wildlife.

Whether it is a single-family home, multifamily building, warehouse, or medical facility, society cannot afford to have these buildings inhabited by pests and nuisance wildlife.

This is particularly important if the government mandates citizens to stay home.

In situations like what we are currently facing with the coronavirus pandemic, grocery stores, restaurants operating with curbside pickup or delivery, and medical centers cannot afford to fall victim to a pest or wildlife infestation.

Safe Pest & Wildlife Control That’s EPA Regulated

Effective pest control may seem like a DIY solution is the best course of action, however, it could mean the difference between a proper cleaning and disinfecting process, or potentially spreading disease or bacteria.

Catseye technicians are trained, certified in their field, and use personal protection equipment (PPE) that conform with safety requirements established by the EPA and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Using respirators, eye protection, gloves, and other protective gear Catseye is ready to help business owners and homeowners continue the fight against nuisance wildlife and pest infestations.

To learn how we can protect your home or business from a pest infestation and diseases spread by pests, contact our pest and wildlife control technicians today.