When people hear “pest control”, many might think of putting traps out for mice that get into the shed every spring or someone coming to spray the house for bugs. However, commercial entities of all kinds also need pest control programs. A common misconception of the industry is that pest management professionals (PMPs) simply check traps and kill bugs. While this is certainly part of the process, there is much more involved.
Effective commercial pest management utilities Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the industry best practice-driven approach that exhausts all non-chemical methods of control prior to considering the use of chemical pest management materials. The practice of IPM is rooted in inspection, the key to identifying the source of an issue, which may be corrected with exclusion and other non-chemical techniques for longer-term control. IPM attempts to find and eliminate the root cause of the pest problem rather than solely treat the symptoms.
Even though each building is different, every business is vulnerable to pest pressures; therefore, every business can benefit from a pest management program. Here are some key reasons to consider adding a pest management program, regardless of the products or services you provide:
Pests present health risks. Many pests carry diseases and pathogens that can transferred to food and food surfaces, leading to contamination. Even if you are not a food-handling facility, there are still health risks involved and caution must be taken. For one example, birds can transfer diseases to humans when someone inhales airborne spores from their dried droppings. Implementing a pest management program is an effective strategy in protecting your employees and your customers.
Pests put your brand at risk.
The sight of a single fly within your restaurant or a mouse running in your store’s garden center can be detrimental to your brand reputation. Especially with social media, news of infestations and pest sightings can be spread faster than ever. Having a preventative program in place will help ensure that you are aware of any pest-conducive conditions and will help keep pests out in the first place.
Pest management protects your products and equipment.
Rodents and birds can chew through packaging in an attempt to access the food inside, leading to product damage and lost revenue. In a similar fashion, birds may damage a building’s structural integrity by dislodging roof riles, destroying insulation or blocking drain systems with their nests. These situations can lead to flooding, fire hazards and costly repairs.
Preventative programs lead to identification of other issues.
Pest management technicians are trained to look for anything out of the ordinary and inspect for any problems that could lead to pest pressures. As a result, technicians may identify plumbing, construction or employee behavior issues that management was not aware of, and that once resolved will help the business run more efficiently.
Working with a pest management professional takes it off your to-do list.
Pest management professionals are specialists in pest behavior and biology, so your mind can be at ease that your building is being serviced by an expert.
Our best practice-driven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and services are designed to fit the unique needs of your industry and can be customized to your business. If you have questions about commercial pest control or would like to learn more about how Copesan can help you in your prevention efforts, reach out to us!