Tips to Prevent and Treat Insect Infestation at a Massage, Spa, Salon or Cosmetology Establishment

Infestation is the presence of an unusually large number of insects, parasites, rodents, pests, etc. - in one place, typically so large that it could cause damage or disease.  An infestation could result in fines, bad press, unsanitary work and appointment service conditions plus it could close your massage or cosmetology establishment until the infestation has been eliminated - so it's best to try to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Some of the best ways to prevent against infestation is to eliminate food sources.  Empty trash regularly and use thick plastic or metal garbage cans (with tight lids).  Keep trash cans at least one foot off the floor. 

Helpful tips to prevent infestation are to seal any gaps or holes where pests could gain access in the workplace.  The CDC recommends[i] to seal gaps and holes with “steel wood” then caulk around the steel wood.  Just be sure that you do not block access to vital air supply, ventilation, water drainage or other important access areas for your practice. A licensed rodent control professional can help with this process.  Consider areas such as:

• Inside, under, and behind work stations, mirrors, hot towel cabis, furniture and appliances
• Inside closets near the floor corners
• Around windows or doors
• Around the pipes under sinks and washing machines (this includes around pedicure tubs)
• In laundry room floor drains
• Around the pipes going to hot water heaters and furnaces
• Around floor vents and dryer vents (check any fans used for manicure or pedicure drying)
• Inside the attic or basement
• Between the floor and wall juncture
• Around holes for electrical and other utility lines

Being clean and sealing up are some of the best ways to prevent infestation!

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

[i] “Rodents.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 July 2010, www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/seal_up.html.

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