Pests can quietly wreak havoc on your business in various ways. Before you realize it, they may damage your inventory, HVAC systems and overall productivity.

This blog highlights how pests can harm your operations and shares practical tips for effective pest control for commercial properties.

How Pests Can Impact Your Business

Health and Safety Concerns

A pest-infested workspace can be detrimental, especially for sensitive industries like healthcare and food and beverage production. Pests can contaminate kitchens and storage areas, compromising the quality of your products. Likewise, they can spread diseases to employees, increasing absenteeism and disrupting workflow.

  • Rodents: Rats and mice are notorious carriers of diseases such as Hantavirus, Leptospirosis and Salmonellosis. They contaminate food and surfaces through their urine, feces, and hair. They’re also hosts to ticks and fleas, which can transmit diseases to other animals and humans.
  • Cockroaches: Their feces and saliva can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and aggravate respiratory issues. They are also carriers of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
  • Mosquitoes: They are known vectors of diseases like Ross River Virus, Dengue, Malaria and many more. Mosquito bites can also lead to intense itching and discomfort.

Hospitals, pharmacies and food-processing facilities employ antimicrobial pesticides registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage these pests effectively.

Damage to Property and Infrastructure

When left untreated, pest infestations can cause:

  • Wiring Damage: Rodents tend to chew on wires, potentially causing fire hazards and electrical failures.
  • Wood Damage: Termites, carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles can damage wooden structures, leading to sagging floors, weakened beams and even structural collapse in severe cases.
  • Plumbing Damage: Rats and mic may gnaw on pipes, leading to leaks, mold growth and water damage.
  • Air Duct Damage: Pests can infiltrate and damage HVAC systems and air ducts, spreading allergens and contaminants throughout a building.
  • Insulation Damage: Rodents may use insulation materials for nesting, damaging the insulation in walls and attics. This can reduce energy efficiency and increase utility costs.

Structural damage can impact your building’s aesthetics and functionality. Investing in pest control for commercial properties is not just about avoiding downtime and inconvenience but also protecting your business from financial setbacks.

Impact on Reputation

Ensuring a clean and pest-free environment is crucial in protecting your brand image. In today’s era of online reviews and instant communication, a pest infestation can rapidly damage your brand’s reputation, driving potential customers away.

You’d want to avoid associating your business with poor hygiene and negligence at all costs. Prioritizing pest control for commercial properties is critical to fostering customer trust and sustained business growth.

Pest Control Tips for Commercial Properties

Practice Proper Waste Management

Pests are attracted to organic waste and food residue. Follow these tips to minimize the risk of infestations:

  • Schedule regular waste removal services to prevent the accumulation of garbage. The longer waste sits, the more attractive it becomes to pests.
  • Use sturdy, sealed waste bins to prevent pests from gaining easy access.
  • Regularly clean and sanitize garbage storage areas to eliminate food residues and odors that attract pests. Pressure washing or disinfecting these areas can deter pests from establishing breeding grounds.
  • Clear out dense vegetation. Keep grasses short and branches trimmed away from buildings.

Implement Effective Inventory and Storage Practices

A pest infestation in your inventory doesn’t just mess with product quality. It also disrupts the whole supply process, causing delays and unhappy customers. Keeping pests out is crucial to ensuring smooth operations.

Follow these tips for a pest-free storage area:

  • Keep materials or dry goods in durable containers with secure lids.
  • Elevate stored items by using shelves, pallets or racks. This makes it more challenging for pests to access and nest within storage spaces.
  • Implement the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to rotate inventory. This ensures that older stock is used first, reducing the likelihood of products expiring and attracting pests. Regularly check expiration dates and dispose of expired items promptly.
  • Conduct routine inspections of storage areas. Watch for signs of pest activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and take corrective action before the infestation worsens.

Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines and requirements businesses in the US must follow. There may also be other local, state and federal pest control mandates that companies need to comply with.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal consequences. Beyond the financial penalties, the damage to your brand image can be irreparable. Adhering to rules and investing in pest control for commercial properties is a crucial aspect of responsible business management.

Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

Early detection and intervention by professionals can prevent minor issues from turning into major infestations.

Skilled technicians are trained to identify and block entry points for pests, including cracks and openings in walls, foundations and vents. They use safe and professional-grade treatments tailored to the type of pest, severity of the infestation and the property’s unique characteristics.

Additionally, pest control professionals are well-versed in regulations governing pesticide use. This ensures that treatments are applied in compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.

Control the Pests in Your Commercial Property with Pest Control Unlimited

At Pest Control Unlimited, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we tailor the best pest control plan to suit your needs.

Whether you oversee a retail store, franchise or rental property, we’ve got you covered. We offer quarterly programs for commercial and residential clients, helping you maintain pest-free properties all year.

Our team serves the areas of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Contact us now to get a free quote.