• Disinfection is the process, which is performed to fight germs, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa.
• Disinfestation is the complex process, which is carried out to fight cockroaches, mosquitoes, fleas, mites and other insects, which can cause infections through the supply of germs and allergenic microorganisms. Disinfestation is often confused with disinfection.

Various places, such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, homes and the food industry, have a high degree of risk for pathogenic microbial infections, so they need disinfection and disinfestation on a regular basis.

DISINFECTION PROCEDURES

The disinfection of a space concerns two basic processes: the cleaning and the sanitation of the space. Specifically: Cleaning includes the process in which contaminants are removed from the surfaces and this removal is done either mechanically or chemically, using soaps, detergents and of course water. Sanitation is a chemical process in which the population of pathogenic microbes is reduced as long as the space is considered safe for use. Read more about natural ways to protect spaces from pests and the friendliness of the preparations.

DISINFECTION METHODS

Various methods are used for disinfection, which are divided into three main categories: physical, chemical and physicochemical.

Specifically:

• Natural Methods
  Natural disinfection methods use sunlight, heat and pulses. Heat and sunlight, through ultraviolet radiation have a germicidal effect. In both cases the basic proteins of the microorganisms are destroyed so that the latter do not survive. Sounds, ultrasounds and ionizing and non-radiation work in a similar way
• Chemical Methods
  Various chemicals are used for disinfection. Suitable are those that combine specific features. These are the wide range of action of the product (control of many germs), maintaining its stability and good activity in acidic and alkaline environment. In addition, it is important that it is non-toxic, does not cause allergic reactions and does not corrode the surfaces to which it is applied. Such properties include products containing chemical compounds, such as alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, heavy metals, halogens (chlorine), surfactants, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
• Physicochemical Methods
  These disinfection methods combine the use of physical and chemical methods and often prove to be highly effective. An example of such a method is the application of hot formaldehyde vapor to contaminated surfaces.

Areas and Methods of Disinfection

Disinfection can be carried out in the equipment of a space, which may include tools, utensils, storage areas, work surfaces, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, etc. The preparations used during disinfection are approved by the EOF (National Medicines Agency) and for their implementation the Community Legislation (Directive 98/8 EC) and the National Legislation (PD 205/2001) are followed. The choice of disinfection method is critical and needs to be made carefully. The application of disinfectants is carried out by various methods, such as residual sprays and sprays, cold (nebula production) and hot (smoke production) for which special devices are used respectively.