Vessels face infestation at their peril

Pest prevention systems help vessels remain safe

Rodents and insects remain a major cause for concern on ships where no pest prevention systems are in place, creating an unsafe work environment, not only for the crew on board, but also for the ship owners’ assets.

“Rats don’t discriminate,” warns Steve van Gylswyk of Enviro Health Solutions (Pty) Ltd, adding that these rodents are found globally and “even in the poles”.

“They operate in the smallest to the largest ports and thrive wherever human activity occurs. They also spread and populate quickly to become a major problem for ships,” he says adding that, once on board, they can become a serious challenge to eradicate.

Enviro Health’s Francois Engelbrecht emphasises that most “DIY” attempts to get rid of infestations are not that successful, he believes that preventing their access remains the most effective way to manage longer term problems.

“Mooring line rat guards, rodent stations and traps all provide an effective elimination solution,” he says emphasising that the maritime industry is widely exposed to pest and insect infestations mostly as a result of ignorance relating to managing the problem properly.

Securing vessels for health and wellness

Enviro Health recently introduced the EHS rate guard – a product that was specifically designed to inhibit the ability of rodents to access vessels via mooring ropes. Explaining what makes these devices more effective than other products on the market, Van Gylswyk points to the flange design.

“This ensures that it sits correctly in the upright position and stops the wind from blowing them off the mooring lines,” he says adding that they are manufactured from recycled plastics which prevents buckling and folding.

But rodents can also access vessels via incoming cargo, containers, equipment and provisions being delivered to the ship while in port. “These goods are brought from on shore storage areas such as warehouses and shipyards where rodent occurrence and infestations can also be a problem,” he warns.

Enviro Health provides a comprehensive pest management system to provide safeguards as well as controls against infestation with their on board offerings.

“Our other rodent prevention and control systems implemented on board vessels directly safeguard, control, and eliminate rodent infestations on board vessels,” adds Engelbrecht, highlighting their important contract with Mercy Ships – a hospital ship that cannot afford to be plagued with disease carrying vermin.

“Our mission is to ensure that the maritime industry becomes more aware of the importance of pest management and to provide information on current available solutions to these issues,” he says.