In a hospital setting, cleanliness is critical — and pest issues are unacceptable. Media exposure, negative publicity, potential litigation, and associated costs are just a few of the issues hospitals may face if pest control issues aren’t resolved. 
Pests can gain access to hospitals in a number of sneaky ways. Here are nine areas that you may never have thought about that can be at the root of pest problems.
Dry Floor Drains
When floor drain p-traps dry out, sewer odors can develop and attract large cockroaches, such as the American cockroach.
Trash and Recycling Cans
On the exterior, trash cans can attract rats, mice, ants, flies, and stinging pests. Indoor trash and recycling cans are more likely to be a source of small fly issues, such as fruit flies, due to the accumulation of organic debris.
Landscaping
Some ornamental pests secrete a substance called honey-dew as they feed on plants. Like its name sounds, honey-dew is a sugary substance…and those sugars can attract ants.
Elevator Shafts
Debris, food, liquid, and other materials can fall in the small gaps between floors and elevators. This waste accumulates at the bottom of elevator shafts. This can provide food for pests such as large and small cockroaches, small flies, ants, mice, and even large flies.
Loading Docks and Receiving Bays
With doors that stay open for long periods of time, these areas allow rodents, birds, flies, cockroaches and other pests to literally walk or fly into your hospital without obstruction.
Surgical Suites and Surrounding Surgery Support Rooms
Surgical suites and their supporting areas have a host of conditions that attract pests such as cockroaches, flies, small flies, and rodents: medical waste, autoclaves that sterilize equipment, and dumbwaiters that transfer materials and tools, to name three of the most common.
Waiting Rooms and Lobbies
People may unknowingly be carrying bed bugs on themselves or their belongings. This means bed bugs can easily attach themselves to chairs and couches in waiting rooms. These areas are often furnished with upholstered furniture and are some of the highest trafficked areas in the hospital. Western Exterminator pest specialists are trained to perform bed bug control services for commercial clients, as well.
Janitor or Housekeeping Closets
These closets provide the perfect opportunity for pest intrusion. A water supply, moist mops and rags, and even trash left undisturbed can all be attractive to pests.
Kitchens
Hospital kitchens, like any other foodservice environment, have a food supply, drains, and plenty of areas for harborage. Pests of all types can take find these things attractive.
How Can Western Exterminator Help?
From bed bugs to mice, your local Western Exterminator pest specialist will devise a comprehensive pest control plan to eradicate pests and prevent them from returning in the future. Contact Western Exterminator to protect your healthcare facilities by filling out our online contact form or give us a call at 888-444-6138.
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