Why cameras are an imporant part of a Pest Control Officers Toolkit
The pest control industry has undergone a significant evolution in recent years. Digital solutions are an example of this, leverage Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), remote monitoring, AI and data management technology to help pest control officers (PCOs), and their clients stay on top of infestations and address health and hygiene risks.
Another example is cameras, which are powerful assets supporting the exclusion, restriction, destruction and monitoring tactics within integrated pest management strategies.
Cameras and thermal imaging technology can enhance detection, provide continual monitoring and create a more thorough view of infestations. This gives businesses and their pest control partners peace of mind amid a pest outbreak.
Here, we discuss why cameras are an important part of a PCOs toolkit.
Early detection and 24/7 remote monitoring
Vigilance against infestations is a 24/7 activity. Traditionally, PCOs have relied on physically inspecting infestation hot-spots and monitoring stations.
However, infestations can change rapidly, which highlights the importance of reliable, easily accessible remote monitoring solutions.
At Pelsis, we have embedded camera technology into our insect light traps (ILTs) range. Cameras in ILTs allow for remote, 24/7 monitoring of multiple sites from the convenience of a tablet, smartphone through the Pelsis Digital app, or laptop.
Coupled with the convenience of instant alerts around insect activity, PCOs can access immediate data on flying insect activity levels, allowing for more timely, effective interventions.
When deployed to high-risk settings such as food manufacturing and catering sites, more timely interventions are a powerful asset to help manage flying insect infestations and prevent the accompanying health and safety concerns.
Improving investigations
At Pelsis, ensuring PCOs benefit from reliable, accessible and effective solutions is a significant aspect of our R&D activity. Camera technology plays a key role in this and is a significant asset when investigating pest infestations, including in areas difficult to access.
For example, the Ferret Pest Camera allows PCOs to use their smartphone as a wireless inspection camera to capture and record pests and evidence of infestations. When combined with the Ferret stick, PCOs can inspect dark and difficult-to-reach areas of rodent and crawling insect activity. Additionally, the Ferret wristband gives the pest control officer the ability to check the feedback from their camera at the same time as inspecting the problem.
Once detection has been established, the video footage can provide detailed insights into pest behaviour and harbourage.
This includes entry points, pathways, nesting areas and high-traffic zones. Businesses can then work with their pest control partners to pinpoint the extent of an infestation and strategically place traps, baits, and other treatments for maximum efficiency.
Once a treatment method has been established, PCOs use their cameras to monitor the impact of their interventions, and make any necessary adjustments.
Having the camera’s footage to hand as tangible proof of pest activity is useful for business owners to understand the scope of their problem and to allow PCOs to demonstrate the effectiveness of their solution.
Thermal cameras in pest control
Thermal imaging technology is an increasingly essential aspect of a PCOs camera toolkit and is an active R&D area at Pelsis. The HikMicro handheld thermal camera and the Pocket2 thermal imaging camera empower PCOs to see beyond blocked off or hard-to-reach areas. This could be beneath floorboards, inside air vents, down drains or on top of rooves.
PCOs can also unlock the benefits of thermal imaging technology from their own Android smartphones or tablets thanks to the HikMicro Mini2.
Thermal imaging is particularly beneficial for detecting the temperature variations seen in infestations from warm-blooded rodents in a non-invasive and minimally disruptive way.
Capturing activity on a thermal display means PCOs limit the damage, and need for costly repairs, which can come from ripping up a building’s fabric to investigate infestations.
It also means rodents aren’t displaced following the disruption created by physically searching for them, reducing the risk of false negative investigation results for PCOs.
Additionally, as many rodent species such as rats and mice are nocturnal, PCOs are not reliant on visible light or daytime investigations to capture pest activity, allowing for better insights.
Partnering with experts
Cameras and thermal imaging technology are a new step forward in empowering the pest control industry to enhance their integrated management strategies.
By harnessing Pelsis’ new and extensive range of cameras and thermal imaging solutions, pest controllers and their clients can prioritise health, safety and hygiene to provide peace of mind. If you need to discuss our products or learn more, contact our technical support teams.