Toggle Nav
01702 525 202
What is a Building?
What is a building?
Seems like there should be a pretty obvious answer, doesn’t it? The Cambridge Dictionary defines a building as “a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house or a factory“
Well, that’s that then… but for pest control technicians, this question needs a more in-depth answer, as knowing the definition can be the difference between a successful job and a massive legal headache.
What is a building, in pest control terms?
In the July 2024 CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK) Code of Best Practice, the HSE defined the definition for a number of terms, such as building.
When it comes to pest management, a building is considered to be a permanent fixed structure forming an enclosed area which provides protection from the elements.
They are usually erected on foundations, largely enclosed and constructed from wood, brick, concrete or metal.
Temporary or easily removed structures are generally not classified as buildings – Erecting or moving these structures into open areas would not provide a valid reason for baiting using rodenticide not permitted in these areas.
Buildings can be used to exclude certain non-target animals and birds from taking bait placed inside.
During practical rodent pest management operations, it’s understood that these definitions may not directly address all situations that are encountered.
However, it’s recognised that rodenticide products are only for use by trained professionals, who should be entrusted to take all factors into account and make a correct and fair judgement of the situation and which products are appropriate to use.
Why is this important to know?
The word “building” is included in the phrases “In and around buildings” / “Outdoors – around buildings”. These phrases refer to the same thing and are listed interchangeably on rodenticide products to define what their application is and where they can be used.
According to the July 2024 Code of Best Practice, these phrases refer to the entire building that is the subject of the treatment, or those areas of it that are or may become infested. It also includes the infested area around the building that needs to be treated in order to deal with the rodents that are potentially moving into the building, causing damage to the building or property, or presenting a risk to the health of people or other animals.
Other listed applications you may find on rodenticide products include:
- Indoors
- Open areas
- Sewers
- Waste dumps
Each of these applications has its own defined use scenarios. Under the most recent set of rules, different rodenticide products may carry the same active substance but be authorised for different applications. This means that products that seem similar may not be permitted to be used in the same areas. Therefore, it is essential to read labels carefully and to apply rodenticides only in those areas where their use is permitted by the product authorisation.
Don’t know if your job qualifies as “In and around buildings” or not? We’ve got you covered…
Products listed for use in “Open Areas” can be used in a range of scenarios and are ideal if you’re unsure of which rodenticide to use near buildings. Here are some of our favourites:
- Harmonix Rodent Paste is an innovative rodenticide bait that uses Cholecalciferol as an active
- Rascal Difenacoum Whole Wheat is a ready-for-use bait formulated using food-grade micronized wheat
- Rascal Difenacoum Wax Blocks are ready-for-use bait formulated with wheat, cereals and proteins, bound together by edible waxes
If you’re unsure whether or not to use bait, you can talk to our trusted sales team at 01702 525 202, or email us at sales@1env.co.uk
Related Products
What Our Customers Are Saying
View All Reviews
“ It could always be a little cheaper, and besides, the staff is nice and always helpful, there is nothing to complain about, because let's not forget that we all make some mistakes. ”
“ Definitely the best pest control supplier. I have dealt with over the last 34 years, the service is exceptional from start to finish and nothing is too much trouble. The staff are always very knowledgeable and delivery always lands the next day. I run my own pest control company and would definitely recommend 1ENV Gareth @ Pest & Property Solutions ”
“ Always fantastic customer service from the 1Env team. In addition, product knowledge and support is exceptional - with industry experts going above and beyond to help, with genuine support, rather than it being sales focussed. We look forward to working with 1ENv for many more years to come. ”
“ I recommend this company to anyone who is looking for anything for pest control and training ”
“ Have used the guys at 1ENV since they began and have to say the service is spot on - yes, there is the odd delivery issue, but we need to remember this is usually down to the couriers and the company! Great UK products at good prices. ”