Rodent infestations can cause serious hygiene, health and safety problems, as well as damaging buildings and infrastructure. For this reason, in Italy there is an obligation for rodent control, in particular for some categories of commercial and productive activities. In this article, we will look in detail at what the Legislative Decree 193/07 regarding the obligation of rodent control and what are the responsibilities of plant managers and the sanctions envisaged.
Legislative Decree 193/07: an overview
Infestation prevention
Legislative Decree 193/07, better known as the "Consolidated law on food safety", aims to prevent risks linked to the presence of rodents and other pests, establishing specific rules to guarantee the safety and hygiene of environments. These rules include the obligation of rodent control for activities that may be at risk of infestation, such as food industries, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools and shopping centres.
Responsibilities of plant managers
Legislative Decree 193/07 provides that plant managers are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the environments, as well as for the adoption of preventive measures to avoid the presence of rodents and other pests. Among these measures, the obligation of periodic rodent control, the frequency of which may vary based on the type of activity and the requirements established by the local health authorities.
Sanctions and controls
In case of failure to comply with the rodent control obligation, plant managers may incur administrative and criminal sanctions, as well as possible consequences in terms of civil liability. The checks are carried out by the health supervisory bodies, which can also order the temporary closure of the business until safety and hygiene conditions are restored.
The phases of the rodent control process
Problem identification
The first phase of the rodent control process consists of identifying the presence of rodents and assessing the extent of the problem. This may include visual inspections, listening for suspicious noises, looking for traces of excrement and signs of damage.
Intervention planning
Once the infestation has been identified, it is necessary to plan the rodent control intervention, taking into account the characteristics of the environment, the species of rodents present and the safety standards to be respected.
Rodent control intervention
The rodent control intervention may involve the use of various techniques, such as the use of traps, bait, repellents and capture systems. It is essential to choose the solution best suited to specific needs and to respect the safety regulations for the use of chemical products.
Monitoring and prevention
After the rodent control intervention, it is important to monitor the environments to verify the effectiveness of the measures adopted and prevent new infestations. This may include periodic checks, maintenance of physical barriers and the adoption of good hygiene and cleaning practices.
How to choose a rodent control company
It is essential to rely on a company with experience in the manufacturing sector Deratization, who is able to deal with different situations and solve problems effectively and safely. A good company should have specific certifications and offer guarantees on the performance of its services, in order to protect customers and ensure compliance with current regulations. Finally, it is important to evaluate the breadth of services offered by the rodent control company, which should be able to provide customized solutions based on the customer's needs and the characteristics of the environment to be treated.
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