Novel coronavirus also known as Covid-19 have dominated the news. It is difficult to know how to protect yourself and others from Covid-19. Whether you are are on the front lines battling the virus or doing your best to avoid it, the personal recommendations are the same. The pest control industry has moved from the background amidst the chaos as we work to:
- keep pests from spreading pathogens from place to place and person to person
- reduce the pressure on the health care system due to pest born sickness and inuries
- reduce harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria through education and antimicrobial control efforts
It is a community effort to beat this virus. Here is how to protect yourself and others from Covid-19.
Understand The Virus
There is always misinformation that flies in the face of a social problem. Knowing that it is a serious situation and how it is spread is important to protecting yourself and others from it.
This virus spreads through respiratory droplets via person to person contact or through the air from someone sneezing, coughing, or simply talking. It can even be spread by people not yet showing symptoms. Keeping a safe distance minimized the chance of allowing the virus to enter your person.
Distance Yourself From Others
Social distancing has become the buzzword. With such frequent use, few are considering what it truly means. Many are doing a great job avoiding social gatherings including entertainment, religious endeavors, work, etc. The interesting part is where social distancing is lacking. Many grocery stores are full of people exchanging air as they pass by touching the same things. Grocery store workers are doing a great job cleaning between customers, but those roaming the aisles and standing in line seem to be forgetting about the social distance.
Our tendency to fear line cutters may be the driving force behind forgetting the distance, but it remains important. Wherever you find yourself, consider the recommended distance of 6 feet. Don’t be afraid to encourage others to pay attention around you. Also, don’t be afraid to extend that distance.
Wash Your Hands Often
Soap and water is the number one savior in this realm. Plain soap is just as good as antibacterial soap at breaking down the lipids that protect viruses. Hand sanitizer is good in a pinch, but utilize soap and water whenever possible. Frequent washing is the best route to take.
Cover Up
Sneezes and coughs should definitely be covered. Covering with the elbow is preferred to the hand, but putting anything in the way that can be washed is far better than nothing. In addition, wearing some kind of mask or face covering when we are around others will add an additional layer of protection. If you use a tissue or hand to cover a cough or a sneeze, discard the tissue and wash your hands.
Clean and Disinfect
Besides cleaning surfaces that are apparently dirty, keep close tabs on surfaces frequently touched. Regularly used surfaces require regular cleaning regardless of a clean appearance. If you are wondering what the best products are for disinfecting surfaces, the EPA has a helpful list here. 
Disinfection Services
Many of us share workspace and living space with others that we cannot control. Fortunately, antimicrobial treatments are part of the pest control industry service list. Antimicrobial treatments are larger scale disinfection services targeting bacteria, fungi, and of course, viruses that are harmful to people. Applications of the leading product to non-porous surfaces mitigate the spread from one to another. Reach out to an antimicrobial expert at Rove Pest Control to see how you can further protect your home against anything from microorganisms to insects and rodents.