The sight of pests at your business will deter customers and stress out your employees, ultimately impairing the potential of your business’ success. Pests are a nuisance, and depending on the creature, can cause a range of harm to humans and destruction to your property. In order to protect the health of your staff, customers, products, and structure, you need to implement a plan to keep pests away.
“Many types of pests can establish large infestations surprisingly quickly, so when workers know how to recognize early signs or are trained in best prevention methods, your business can be ahead of the curve,” according to Terminix.
Call in the professionals
Usually a professional pest control company is called in after you or your employees see bugs or signs of an infestation. Although that is a reasonable and smart response to pest control, calling in a professional pest control company before you see signs of bugs can be more effective in protecting your business. A professional pest company staffs experts who can educate you and your employees on ways to keep bugs out, how to safeguard the work environment, and what to do if bugs are present.
“An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, using multiple methods in surveillance-based targeted pest management, is essential in the workplace. This approach can help prevent pests, thereby potentially reducing the need for pesticides,” according to Stephanie L. Richards, PhD., medical entomologist.
PestWorld.org says this method breaks down into three steps: pest inspection, pest identification, and treatment to remove pests.
If you seek professional assistance whether to prevent or eradicate bugs from your workplace, it is important to research each candidate, gather multiple estimates, and inquire about pet-safe products, if necessary, advises the Better Business Bureau. It is imperative to review the contract so you are clear about what products the company will use, where they will be applied, how bad the situation is, how the company will handle the infestation, and details about the warranty or any liability insurance, adds the agency.
Secure the perimeter
Most pests are tiny, but all are crafty at finding their way into your business. An effective way to keep them out is to block all entrances like gaps in windows (especially holes in screens) and doors, advises the BBB.
Don’t leave crumbs behind
Bugs gravitate to food, and even a miniscule crumb can bring them running (or crawling). If your business has a kitchen, it’s important to keep it clean and free from trash, litter, and crumbs. If your employees (or you) tend to eat at your desk, make sure there’s nothing left behind that will entice bugs.
Pay attention to recyclables, too. The Spruce writer Lisa Jo Lupo suggests rinsing out recyclables, especially if they are not stored in a bin with a lid.
Be sure to clean your kitchen area every day, store trash in lidded receptacles, and take out the garbage on a regular basis, advises PestWorld.org. Any food brought into your place of business should be in sealed containers and stored according to recommendations, it adds.
These tips will help you and your employees protect your business from bugs and handle an infestation if necessary.