Pest Control - Legislation

Pest Control Legislation

Pest Facts

Rats & Mice

Why We Need Pest Control - Legislation

Apart from the obvious public dislike, associated diseases and the nuisance factor of having pests around us, many pieces of legislation relate to the Pest Control Industry. Below are some of the more important Acts of Parliament that may affect you personally or your business.

Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 - Effectively makes it an offence to knowingly have an infestation and not take the appropriate action.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - All premises must be kept free of health hazards.

Agriculture Act 1947 - Makes it the responsibility of the landowner to control rabbits (all of England and Wales is a rabbit exclusion area).

Food Safety Act 1990 - Makes it an offence to sell food infested or so contaminated that it would not be reasonable to expect it to be eaten.

Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 - These regulations, made under the Food Safety Act 1990 require food businesses to practice a high standard of food safety in many different areas. The parts of the regulations specifically related to pest control are:

Chapter l - Permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against cross contamination between and during operations, by foodstuffs, equipment, materials, water, air supply or personnel and external sources of contamination such as pests.

Chapter ll - In rooms where food is prepared, treated or processed (excluding dining areas) windows and other openings which can be opened to the outside environment must where necessary be fitted with insect-proof screens which can be easily removed for cleaning.

Chapter Vl - Refuse stores must be designed and managed in such a way as to enable them to be kept clean, and to protect against access by pests.

Chapter lX - Adequate procedures must be in place to ensure pests are controlled.

The last requirement is known as ‘Due Diligence’ and can be used as a defence if an offence is committed.

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Useful Sites

Food Safety Regulations

Wildlife & Countryside Act

CIEH

Natural History Museum Entomology

Natural History Museum (Picture Library)

Other Links

Sentry Pest Control - Sheffield UK. Pest Control Services for rats, mice, flies, fleas, ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, wasps, wasp nests, pest birds including pigeons, squirrels, moles and rabbits to Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Chesterfield.