Pest Management

Pest Management

Introduction

The Scout Hall and associated structures are the most valuable physical assets the association holds. Many of these are older wooden structures, that require regular maintenance to keep in a usable condition. In recent times there have been some examples where extensive damage was caused, and in some cases entire buildings lost due to termite infestation. The extent of this damage may have been avoided through appropriate pest management.
 Furthermore, as a public building we have an obligation to ensuring our buildings are maintained to an appropriate cleanliness and hygiene standard. 
Pest Management should be included in every formation: Facility Maintenance and Development Plan.  

This is reinforced as many of our existing structures are in nature settings being a perfect environment for many unwanted pests. The purpose of this document is to provide Formations with guidance on Pest Management. 


What is required:

The most critical service is the Termite Inspection, this should be done at least annually, by a licenced and insured contractor and in accordance with AS3660. 
(AS3660 should be listed on the documentation they provide)
While the contractor is onsite, we would also recommend they provide treatment for:
• Cockroaches 
• Ants
• Silverfish
• Spiders

They should provide a warranty of service for up to 12 months for each of these pests. This means that should these pests reappear within that 12-month period, the contractor should come back and re-treat at no cost to the formation.  In addition, ad-hoc pest treatment may be required for
• Termites
• Vermin

Note that in some cases, pest treatment will be included as a lease requirement for your facility. There are a few fortunate groups where this service is provided by their local council, but please verify this with your local Council Sports and Community Facility Officer. Do not assume that someone else is arranging this.
If there is ever evidence of termite activity, never delay, arrange treatment immediately and notify facilities@scoutsqld.com.au.

When is the best time to perform a Pest Inspection/Treatment?

There is an ideal time of year to perform your Pest Treatment/Inspection. Pests will often lay dormant in the cooler months and be less active in the heat of summer. For the best outcome arrange your treatment/inspection during Spring, from September to November


Can you perform the Pest Treatment yourself?

There are some very effective domestic grades pest treatment systems available, and while this is a good way to save costs in the short term, you will need an experienced contractor to perform the Pest Inspection - this cannot be avoided. If they are onsite to perform an inspection it is only a relatively small additional cost for them to provide the treatment.

An appropriate licenced contractor will also provide a warranty of service where a domestic solution cannot. We would always recommend Formations only use appropriately licenced and insured contractors and make an allowance for this service in their annual budget. 

When arranging a contractor always:
• Ensure they are appropriately licenced, this is mandated by the Pest Management Act 2001.
• Ask for copies of their insurance certificates of currency
• Ask for copies of the safety data sheets for any chemicals used

As a way of saving money, it can be worth approaching other Formations within vicinity of your hall and combined to get better buying power with your service providers. 

Should you need any further advice or assistance please contact The Facilities and Risk Support Team at facilities@scoutsqld.com.au 


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