Top 10 pest control tips for businesses

Commercial pest control can save a business time, money and their reputation. With the influx of social media reviews on hotels, restaurants and retail stores, a consumer’s post about discovering a pest on your property is a mess most property managers would like to avoid.

Western Exterminator understands how important it is to protect your brand. We provide commercial pest control services to a variety of establishments, such as, warehouses, hospitals, food processing plants and even cruise ships.

If you have discovered pests on your property, it’s recommended you call a professional pest control service. But to prevent them in the future, focus on these areas on your property as a part of your pest control plan.

1. Door sweeps

Often times, property managers believe pests come through inconspicuous cracks from the walls or foundation, but doors are easy entry points for pests as well. Door sweeps are an economical and efficient way to keep pests out of your facility. They prevent insects and rodents from crawling through small gaps under the door.

2. Floor drains

When food waste goes down the drain, we like to think it simply disappears. But residual food particles can create odors that attract pests. Your maintenance or janitorial team should ensure drains, especially those not used as much, are inspected with p-traps regularly serviced.

3. Landscaping

Landscaping ( like the great service our friends at Ambius offer) can transform your building, but it can also increase the attractiveness to pests. Certain species of flowers, plants and trees can attract a variety of unwanted insects and wildlife. We recommend asking the landscaping company to minimize the use of these types of plants and trees. If you have any questions about which plants to avoid, you can call Western Exterminator and we can give you suggestions.

4. Trash and recycling bins

If there are any areas pests love to invade and hide, it’s in garbage and recycling bins. Traces of food and drink can accumulate at the bottom and sides of these bins, even with the use of liners. Trash and recycling bins on your property should have self-closing lids and should be emptied regularly.

5. Standing water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, rats and cockroaches can swim, so you can see why we highly recommend you look around your property and remove standing water. Look for birdbaths, plant pots and parking lot potholes. You should also check sprinklers, hoses and other automatic watering systems to make sure they aren’t overwatering your yard.

6. Minimize rotting food in storage and processing facilities

If you have a food storage or processing facility on your property, practice the First In, First Out rotation. That means, whatever you bring in first, you use first to reduce the amount of rotting food in your facility. This is especially important for produce because fruit flies are attracted to rotting organic material.

7. Soda fountains and bar drip trays

Having an ant fall into your drink from a soda fountain or bar drip tray is a great way for a customer to lose their appetite.  With the amount of sugar in soda and beer, it’s not surprising insects like ants and fruit flies flock to these areas. We recommend cleaning these daily to reduce the likelihood of pests making their way into your soda machines and bar drip trays.

8. Mop heads

Many property owners don’t suspect this area to be an issue but it is. Dirty mop heads or damp mop heads provide an optimal environment for fruit flies. To prevent a fruit fly infestation, hang mop heads upside down so the head can dry properly. Changing mop heads regularly is another way to prevent pest problems.

9. Rooftops

This is an area that is easy to neglect because it may be inaccessible for property managers, but it should be inspected regularly to ensure of no pest infestations. When inspecting rooftops, you should look for pooling water, dirty gutters, deteriorating seals around doors or skylights or any other damage that could allow for pest entry or habitation.

10. Moisture

An excessive amount of moisture indoors can contribute to pest problems. One way to prevent this on your property is by using a commercial-grade floor fan after cleaning floors each night. These fans can dry hard-to-reach areas, which typically act as collection points for moisture.

Partner with the best

Western Exterminator Checking these areas on your property is a great way to practice pest prevention, but sometimes pests make their way in even with your best effort. Professional pest control is the surefire way to eradicate pests from your property. Call us at 888-727-0454 or fill out our online form to schedule your free initial inspection.