Owning a business is no easy feat. Between hiring and managing staff, running payroll, and performing various other administrative tasks, the last thing you want to deal with is an annoying pest infestation.
Many office buildings and businesses are bound to deal with pests at some point, especially if you share an office building or reside in a rural or urban location. The larger the building, the more difficult it can be to keep pests away, especially when so many are skilled at making their way through even the most minor cracks and crevices.
Fortunately, there are simple office pest control tips business owners can follow to eliminate pests and ensure a safe work environment.
Dangers of Pests for Businesses
There are many reasons not to want pests infiltrating your business, from the many diseases they carry to simply being downright creepy.
Many common pests are known to be dangerous due to the diseases and bacteria they can spread to those who come in contact with them. Some of the biggest culprits include cockroaches and rodents. These pests carry a variety of illnesses, including cholera, listeriosis, typhus, and plague.
Having a pest infestation in your business can also negatively impact your employees and anyone who visits your building. If word spreads that you have pests of any kind, it can destroy your local reputation and even cost you significant revenue until it’s cleared up.
It’s wise to be proactive with your office pest control to avoid the scarlet letter of having a dirty or unkempt business by your customers. That’s why we’ve provided six tips to help you prevent and eliminate pests in your office before they spread or can be spotted.
How to Eliminate Pests from Your Office
Office pest control is often seen as a grudge purchase, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Here are six tips to get started.
1. Invest in Professional Cleaning
Any professional business or office building should invest in a regular professional cleaning service. Professional cleaning companies can be found either through word-of-mouth or by doing a quick Google search to find reputable companies in your area.
The frequency at which you have your office professionally cleaned will depend on the needs of your business and the nature of what you do in your office. While some businesses hire cleaners to visit daily, usually in the evenings after everyone has gone home, others can get by only having cleaners come once a week.
2. Seal All Entry Points
Pests like cockroaches and rodents tend to find their way into office buildings through even the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Because of this, it is important that you identify and seal any possible entry points these pests may be using to gain access to your building. You can do this by using inexpensive store-bought caulk or another kind of sealant and applying it to any cracks in your walls, floors, or windows.
3. Perform Routine Pest Inspections
Performing routine pest inspections is another way to eliminate and keep pests from returning to your office. While you can perform these inspections yourself by looking for certain telltale signs of an infestation, a thorough inspection performed by a trusted pest control professional is always the better option.
4. Eliminate Food Sources
Pests are typically in search of one main thing- food. By eliminating any potential food sources, you will give pests less of a reason to stick around your office.
Pests often hang out in break rooms, where they can find crumbs from food, standing water from spilled drinks, and leaky faucets. By tidying up your office daily and removing any possible food sources, you can significantly reduce your chances of a pest infestation.
5. Keep Dumpsters Sealed
Trash attracts various pests, and open or overflowing dumpsters behind buildings are extremely inviting for cockroaches, rats, and other unwanted pests. If your business has a dumpster on the premises, keep the lid closed when not in use and have it emptied regularly to avoid overflowing.
6. Invest in Commercial Pest Control
As a business owner, one of the best investments you could make is in quality commercial pest control services. Most exterminators, like The Pest Rangers, offer monthly commercial pest control plans with inspections and treatments to keep your office pest-free year-round.
FAQs
What are some common signs of pest infestations in an office?
Some telltale signs of a pest infestation in an office include pest or rodent droppings, a strange or foul smell in the air, unexplained noises, gnaw marks on food and furniture, and damage to property. When spotting a possible pest infestation, a good rule of thumb is that if something seems strange or unusual, it’s worth looking into.
Are there any natural remedies for controlling office pests?
There are several natural remedies for controlling pests in your office, with some of the most popular being the use of neem oil and diatomaceous earth. These products are considered some of the most natural pest control solutions and are not typically harmful to humans when used correctly. You can also try diffusing essential oils that pests are known to dislike the smell of, such as lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil.
Can office pest control methods affect indoor air quality?
Using insecticides indoors can affect the air quality, which is why it is important to do your research and understand the pest control products you are using. If you plan on taking a DIY approach to pest control, it is imperative that you carefully read the instructions to ensure you are correctly following each step and keeping yourself and your office mates safe. If you plan on utilizing the services of a pest control professional, they may advise that everyone leave the building during the duration of treatment, depending on the specific chemicals they are using.