Pest infestations can be hard on a business’s bottom line and reputation. A survey of companies across the globe shows that ongoing pest infestations cost nearly $10 billion to mitigate and contribute to twice that amount in lost revenue. With this guide, businesses can take practical steps to ensure a pest-free space for employees and customers. 

Identify Common Pest Hangouts 

Pests have specific places where they prefer to spend their time or build nests, and they require access to food, water, and protection from the elements. Common pest hangouts include: 

• Pools of standing water 

• Rubbish 

• Landscaping 

• Stacks of boxes or wood 

• Basements, attics, or crawlspaces 

• Damaged or unmaintained areas of the exterior structure 

If pests cannot enter the building, they may infest nearby areas like eaves, gutters, or cracks in the foundation. They may also take advantage of overgrown landscaping to find places to hide outside that provide convenient access to building amenities. 

Seal the Structure 

The best way to keep pests out is to discourage them from getting inside in the first place. The National Pest Management Association notes that many indoor pests prefer to hide in areas that are dark, damp, and close to exits. Sealing the structure is an effective tool to prevent pests from entering or re-entering once they have been removed. This involves: 

• Replacing caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors 

• Sealing holes around entrances for utility lines and pipes 

• Identifying and sealing air gaps around the roof, including the roof decking, soffits, and eaves 

Create Rigorous Sanitation Protocols 

Once the building has been sealed against outside entry, the goal should switch to removing enticing sources of food and water for the pests that are already inside. Pests tend to gather around food waste, shredded or loose paper, or standing water. Management should create and implement regular sanitation protocols, including: 

• Use of sealed containers for waste 

• Daily garbage removal from the premises 

• Regular sweeping and decluttering of storage areas and basements 

• Seasonal cleaning of little-used areas like attics and crawlspaces 

• Regular sanitizing of floors and hard surfaces to remove traces of pests 

Prioritize Building Maintenance 

Since pests do not always build nests inside the building, exterior building maintenance is also a vital component of a pest control program. Pests may find housing in deteriorating areas of the building, according to the National Pest Management Association. The organization recommends repairing damaged siding, fascia, and roofing shingles to keep away pests that are drawn to rotting wood. Making repairs to a cracked foundation or replacing loose mortar around basement windows decreases entryways for pests and helps to maintain property value by preserving structural integrity. 

Provide Regular Training for Employees 

Business leadership may not notice the early warning signs of a pest problem, but proper training to employees can encourage prompt action. Workers need to know proper sanitation procedures to discourage pests, but they should also be able to identify: 

• Damage to the structure that creates entryways or possible living spaces for pests 

• Signs of pests, such as tracks, discarded wings, or droppings 

• Contaminated food or other supplies 

Employees should receive training on the types of pests they are likely to encounter by the region and time of year. Empowering workers to find these issues can increase the success of a commercial pest control plan. 

Pest control is not just a service that businesses may request on occasion. It is a practice that business leaders must employ to keep their storefronts pest-free. A consistent pest prevention plan helps ensure your storefront remains reflective of your commitment to quality and customer confidence.