As commercial facilities begin gearing up for the spring and summer market, focus shifts toward the common pests that threaten business owners with heavy infestations. Among the more common springtime pests are stored product pests, rats, mice, ants and termites.
The presence of these pests is a troublesome threat to businesses. Heavy infestations can cause an extreme financial hardship with the loss of product from consumption and contamination, physical deterioration of the structure of buildings, the threat of spreading diseases and damaged reputations due to bad publicity.
The age-old idiomatic expression, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” certainly proves to be true with the threat of pest infestations. It is so much easier to keep pests out than it is to eradicate them. While it is important to develop a year round partnership with your Copesan commercial pest control company, there are a few preventive measures business owners should implement to reduce the risk of pest infestations.
Preventative Pest Measures
1. In a general approach, remember that pests must have food, water and shelter to survive. Often times, simply removing any source of food and water will distract the pest from taking up residence within the facility. Keep food products sealed and stored properly. Inspect all sink drains and water lines and repair as needed. A slight leak is sufficient water source to satisfy the moisture needs of springtime pests.
2. Inspect the facility, looking for any points of entry through which pests may gain access. Seal any cracks and holes on the outside of buildings, including utility line and pipe entrances.
3. Caulk around windows and doors, keeping in mind that many pests can fit through even the tiniest of openings. Repair or replace any torn or damaged screens.
4. Garbage is a great attractant to many pests. Properly dispose of all garbage on a regular basis, using sealed containers. Make sure your garbage dumpsters are a safe distance from the facility.
5. Remove any chance of standing water by landscaping around the building, sloping the ground away from the foundation for proper drainage. Install guttering and downspouts to channel all water away from the building.
6. Initiate a policy ensuring daily cleaning in all high-traffic areas. This should include bathrooms, all eating areas and any food processing stations. Even the slightest of crumbs and spills will attract ants, rodents and other pests.
Following these simple prevention tips, along with regular inspections by your local pest control company, will drastically reduce the risk of pest infestations.