Spring is right around the corner, and for many, this season is characterized by blooming flowers, warmer temperatures and longer days. Unfortunately, the change in seasons also means heightened pest pressures and new pests to be wary of. To create a pest-free spring season, it is crucial to start taking preventative actions now.
While pest activity may vary depending on your location, a few common springtime pests you may start to see include ants, flies and rodents.
Ants
Ants live in colonies, and the sight of just a few can signal that there are many more. They can cause food contamination, threaten hygiene standards and are unsightly to customers.
Carpenter ants typically nest in decaying wood, but they can expand into sound wood and be found in structural voids. Be sure to remove any wet sticks or rotting wood near the exterior of your facility in the spring to deter carpenter ants.
Odorous house ants move their nests in response to seasonal temperature changes and rainy weather. They are known to enter buildings when they have a limited food supply.
Want to learn more about the different types of ants and their behavior? Click here.
Flies
Because of their rapid reproductive nature, flies can become a larger problem if they are left untreated. It is important to use preventative measures to deter flies from your facility.
Odors and temperatures attract house flies to buildings in the spring. These flies can potentially pose a health risk, as they are known to be the carrier of many diseases.
Read more about fly biology and behavior here.
Rodents
Rodents may pose a serious risk to the health and safety of your employees and your customers. A rodent’s unique body shape allows it to access buildings through small openings, such as gaps under the door, cracks in foundations or walls, etc. Once inside a facility, rodents may transport diseases, such as hantavirus and salmonella, through their saliva, urine and droppings.
To keep rodents out this spring, it is crucial to inspection your facility and be sure there are no openings that could allow rodent entry. Even though temperatures are starting to warm up, make sure to keep all doors and windows closed.
How can I protect against spring pests?
Now that you are familiar with common spring pests, you may be asking what you can do to get ahead on your pest prevention efforts. Here are a few things you can do starting now to protect your business for the coming months:
- Remove any wet debris. Remove any wet sticks, leaves or debris from lawn areas. These will act as harborage for many pest bugs. In particular, wet and decaying wood attracts termites and carpenter ants.
- Don’t allow standing water. Pay attention to any collecting water as the snow melts. Remove any chance of standing water and allow proper drainage by sloping the ground away from your building foundation.
- Be mindful of landscaping. Be sure that any bushes, shrubs, tree branches or other vegetation are trimmed and are not touching the building’s exterior. Plants and trees can act as a bridge for many pests.
- Check building gutters. It is important to make sure building gutters are unobstructed. Clogged gutters could channel water into other areas of a building, potentially leading to water damage and wood rot which can attract pests.
- Engage in spring cleaning. Keep clutter from accumulating and take out the trash frequently to deter pests. Take a look at your current cleaning schedule and make sure high traffic areas (bathrooms, breakrooms, food processing stations, etc.) are cleaned daily. Additionally, be sure to schedule regular deep cleaning of all equipment and machines.
Engaging in pest prevention now will reduce the risk of pest infestations at your facility this spring. Want to learn more about springtime pest prevention? Contact us!