At Sprague Pest Solutions, we believe that protecting people, businesses, and the environment from pests is about more than just handling pest threats —it’s about safeguarding public health. That’s why we align our approach with the One Health movement, a collaborative framework that recognizes the deep connection between human health, animal health, and environmental health.
What is One Health?
One Health is a global initiative that brings together experts from public health, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and pest management to address health risks that arise at the intersection of these fields. The Washington State Department of Health describes One Health as an effort to promote collaboration between sectors to prevent and respond to health threats shared by people, animals, and the environment (DOH One Health).
Pests play a significant role in spreading diseases that impact all three areas. That’s where Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a science-based, environmentally responsible approach—comes in. At Sprague, we use IPM strategies to prevent pest infestations before they become public health crises, protecting businesses, food supplies, and communities.
Pest Control’s Critical Role in Public Health
Pests aren’t just a nuisance; they are known carriers of diseases that affect people and animals alike. Here are some examples of how pests’ impact public health:
- Rodents: spread bacteria like Salmonella and can carry hantavirus, posing a risk in both urban and agricultural settings.
- Mosquitoes: transmit West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases, especially in warmer climates.
- Cockroaches: contribute to respiratory issues, including asthma, particularly in urban areas.
- Flies: contaminate food by transferring pathogens from garbage and sewage.
Without effective pest control, these risks can increase, impacting businesses, homes, and entire communities. Sprague’s proactive pest management programs focus on eliminating these threats at the source, using targeted strategies that minimize environmental impact while maximizing protection.
One Health in Action: How Sprague Supports Healthier Communities
As a leader in commercial pest management, Sprague is on the front lines of the One Health movement. Our Field Team works closely with food production facilities, healthcare providers, and businesses to develop custom pest prevention strategies that align with public health priorities.
- Protecting Food Safety: Sprague’s services help keep food processing and distribution facilities free of contamination from pests like rodents, flies, and stored-product insects.
- Reducing Disease Risk: We implement strategies to mitigate vector-borne disease threats from mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents in commercial environments.
- Minimizing Environmental Impact: Our IPM approach focuses onprevention first, using non-chemical and sustainable methods whenever possible.
By taking an active role in pest prevention, Sprague is helping businesses and communities support One Health principles—ensuring that the world eats safer foods and lives and works in healthier environments.
Looking Ahead: Pest Control’s Role in a Healthier Future
The One Health movement continues to gain momentum, with organizations like the Washington State Department of Health hosting events such as the 2025 One Health Conference to foster collaboration across industries. As pest control professionals, Sprague remains committed to advancing public health through smart, sustainable pest management.