How To Pest-Proof Your Office: Best Practices
Offices are just as susceptible to pest infestations as residential buildings. Pests like mice and cockroaches can quickly invade your workplace, bringing diseases with them and wreaking havoc. Therefore, business owners should take the time to dedicate resources toward proper pest prevention. With these pest control tips, pest-proofing your office will be a quick and easy process for you and your team.
Pest Control Tips for Your Office Building
Pest-proofing your workspace is just as crucial as pest-proofing your home. Office buildings and other commercial properties offer food, shelter, and warmth—which is why pests will do whatever it takes to get inside. Regardless of what type of building your business is based in, taking these steps will help keep pests out.
Locate Popular Pest Areas
Proactive pest control is a must for all business owners. To prevent pests from taking over your office building, the best first step of action is to identify the places they’re likely to take shelter. Dumpsters, trash cans, break rooms, utility rooms, and storage rooms are all typical pest hotspots. Basically, check any space that offers small hiding places. Indoor lights may also be hotspots for pests that are attracted to the warmth.
Once you locate the popular pest areas, monitor them for unwanted activity. Also, keep an eye out for common signs of pest infestation, such as droppings, nests, or suspicious buildup.
Eliminate Entry Points
One of the most important pest control tips we can offer is to stop pests in their tracks. Minimize the ways pests can enter your establishment by patching any gaps, cracks, and holes. Cockroaches, spiders, and ants can fit through tiny openings. So, you should make a point to inspect your building foundation and make repairs where necessary. Regular inspections will keep your office pest-free all year long.
In addition, don’t forget to inspect your outdoor landscaping. Pests often use vegetation as a way to get inside. Therefore, you should keep all trees, shrubbery, and other plants trimmed back at least 12 inches away from the building. Stopping an outdoor pest problem early is the best way to keep it from spreading indoors. If you’re struggling to control the infestation on your own, you may want to supplement your efforts with professional assistance. Commercial and industrial pest control experts will protect your property and your reputation.
Pest-Proof Your Windows and Doors
The most obvious entry points for pests are your doors and windows. Opened windows and window screens are perfect for letting pests sneak in. Ants, mosquitoes, spiders, and stink bugs can easily enter through cracked windows and gapping door frames.
Begin by checking for any physical damage to your windows and doors. Be thorough—inspect screens, looking for small openings and gaps. Insects and spiders can fit through gaps 1/16 inch in diameter, and mice and rats can fit through gaps as small as ¼-½ inch diameter.
Ensure your door frames and windows are securely in place. If there are any cracks or holes, you can use caulk to seal them up. When installed correctly and in good condition, doors and windows should be airtight and difficult for bugs to penetrate. You can also consider installing a heavy-duty threshold under your door. This can even be combined with a door sweep for added protection against bugs.
Step Up Your Cleaning Game
One of the best pest control tips is to simply tidy up. You’ll want to implement a strict cleaning and sanitation plan that specifically targets pest hot spots. Doing so will make the inside of your building unappealing for pests (and appealing for everyone else). Take out the trash daily, vacuum and mop floors regularly, and make sure to clean up any leftover food, spills, crumbs, or debris as soon as possible.
As mentioned before, places like drains, trash cans, dumpsters, and storage rooms are especially popular pest areas. Sanitize and declutter any space that could provide shelter for pests. If you don’t have the time or manpower to thoroughly clean your building, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.
Invest In Professional Pest Control
Professionals are usually equipped with the latest pest control equipment and high-level technology to provide the best pest management possible. They work fast and efficiently so you can go back to living a pest-free life.
If you need a local exterminator that can deliver rapid, effective pest control services, look no further than Coastal Spray! As a leading commercial property maintenance company, our experts are trained to fix even the worst pest control situations. In addition, we also offer industrial spray programs, commercial landscaping, and erosion and sediment control.
To learn more about any of our commercial pest control services, contact us online or give us a call at (877) 824-4577 today. We look forward to working with you!