Cockroaches are the worst enemy to food premises in the UK
Cockroaches are the worst enemy to food premises in the UK, according to a study released by the University of Southampton.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, found that cockroaches cause an estimated annual loss of £310 million to the food industry in the UK. This is due to the fact that cockroaches are known carriers of foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness in humans.
The study also found that the presence of cockroaches can lead to increased levels of food waste, as well as increased costs associated with pest control. In addition, the study found that the presence of cockroaches can lead to a loss of business for food premises, as consumers are likely to avoid establishments that are known to have a cockroach infestation.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Dara Stanley, said that the findings of the study should serve as a wake-up call for the food industry in the UK.
“The impact of cockroaches on the food industry is significant, with an estimated annual loss of £310 million,” said Stanley. “This is a problem that the food industry cannot ignore.”
Stanley added that the findings of the study highlight the importance of taking steps to prevent cockroach infestations in food premises.
“The best way to tackle this problem is by preventing cockroaches in the first place,” Stanley said. “Effective prevention relies on good hygiene practices, like avoiding to leave food out overnight and thorough cleaning of the premises.”
Stanley also added that cockroach numbers can be drastically reduced by taking these preventative measures.
“Cockroaches are incredibly resilient and resistant to many forms of control,”Stanley said. “However, by taking steps to prevent an infestation in the first place, pest control professionals can limit the number of cockroaches and reduce the risk of illness among staff and customers.”
The study also raises questions about how effective high-tech devices are when it comes to detecting cockroach presence. Some have claimed that these devices are able to detect the presence of cockroaches by analysing their faeces, but the results of this study seem to suggest otherwise.
“We are not saying that these devices are pointless, as they could play a monitoring role for businesses,” said Dr. Stanley “However, it’s unlikely that robots or sensors alone can accurately detect the presence of cockroaches.”
The study, which was funded by the European Union, also involved researchers from the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands. Dr Sujana Sankarapu, who worked on the study as a visiting researcher at the University of Southampton’s Life Sciences division, said that it is important to have a full understanding of the implications of an infestation.
“Cockroaches live in a wide range of environments,” said Sankarapu. “It is crucial that we have a full understanding of the implications, not only to food safety and health, but also for businesses.”
Hiring a Pest Control Services Is a Must
It is always a good idea to have a pest control company on standby, especially if your home or place of business has been invaded by cockroaches. These critters can be tough to get rid of, and can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time.
Pest control professionals are trained to know the best methods for getting rid of cockroaches, and will be able to eradicate a cockroach infestation in no time.
If you’re looking for a reputable pest control company, Bon Accord pest control is your go-to company for all your pest eradication needs.
