Report on Rat Infestation
On the 20th August 2013, a serious situation was alarmed due to rat infestation being discovered invading the kitchen. Immediate actions are to be taken, knowing that there were several evidences that caused the infestation to occur. In lieu of the recent discovery of rats in the kitchen, urgent attention will be required to form effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and to also engage external parties to control situation and to resolve the housekeeping issues.
The first main point that was evident, was due to the improper disposal of food as well as the difficult to clean areas. This is often the main issue of pests invading the kitchen. At the dry food storage areas, such as the pantry, numerous rat urine and droppings that was as long as 12mm were found lying around the items. Some of the items in the pantry were also discovered to be damaged, showing rat gawnings on the non-food materials as well. As for the difficult to clean areas, footprints and tail swipes are found on muddy and dusty surfaces. There were also smear marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur. Burrow entrances which were of at a diameter of 7-120mm, were discovered in behind the refrigerator, pantry and also at the end of the drain cover surrounds. The trail for the burrow were followed and at the end of the burrow entrance, it led to the waste areas. To resolve such situation, ensuring good housekeeping is essential. Stored materials and items should ideally be at least nineteen inches off the ground to make the rats much harder to access which will prevent presence of urine and droppings and also damaged products. This will definitely make identification of infestation much easier. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and also in good repair, to prevent the rats from creating the burrows. The waste areas should not be left piling up, as it may give potential to the rats to get it. Food and wastes should be...