Bed bugs, termites and ants, oh my! Get answers to common pest control questions, including which pests you’re most likely to encounter at your commercial sites, the steps you can take to help prevent issues with pests, and why it’s important to have a proactive pest control program in place.
Trust Chain Store Maintenance for
Reliable, Immediate Commercial Property Services
Are there certain risk factors for commercial properties when it comes to pest control problems?
Commercial pest problems can vary based on a number of factors, from the type of business and its location to the season. Climate change has even been determined to play a role, increasing not just pest populations in general but also the number of affected geographic areas and frequency. But the common thread is that commercial pest control is an issue for virtually every type of business, and being proactive is critical —especially if food is present, even if it’s just candy bars at the front register.
What are the most common pests, and what problems do they cause?
Commercial properties have to contend with many types of pests, but rodents tend to top the list, followed by ants and other bugs. Less common pest infestations include gnats or drain flies, cockroaches, termites and bed bugs. On occasion, local wildlife like birds, snakes, lizards and raccoons can also cause problems. Damage from pest control issues can affect a commercial property on multiple fronts, from creating public health concerns and destroying inventory to harming their reputation.
What are some signs that you have a problem that requires commercial pest control?
Pest control issues are often evident, and you’ll learn about them by someone bringing them to your attention (hopefully an employee and not a customer). This is why rodents are the most common pest issue, due to their visibility. But there are signs that can point to an issue, including rodent droppings or nest building. Mice and rats also tend to leave bite marks on everything from wood, furniture and wires to plants and even brick or improperly cured concrete as their calling card. Grease tracks can also be clues to where rodents are coming and going as their tails often leave marks along their routes.
Why do certain business sectors need to be especially mindful?
While all businesses are at risk for pest control problems, sectors like hospitality, health care and food service are at greater risk for issues due to their likelihood of attracting pests with food as well as the potential for creating a public health issue. These sectors are also required to remain pest-free, and are therefore more closely regulated and monitored by local health authorities.
What can you do to prevent commercial pest control problems?
The most effective way to deal with pest control issues is by preventing them from occurring (or from growing, if they do occur). Detailed cleaning should be your first line of best defense as it can prevent any food present at your business from becoming a food source for pests. Frequent cleaning can also aid in the discovery of a pest problem, catching it early before it becomes a more serious issue. Regular inspections via a proactive pest control program are also key to prevention and detection.
What does a proactive pest control program look like?
As part of a typical program, your pest control provider will visit monthly, conducting a walkthrough to check for potential issues and note any pest-proofing work (also known as exclusion) that might be needed. If they notice any escalations or issues in a particular area, they may recommend adding more traps or additional spraying. They may also recommend additional cleaning to resolve issues, particularly food-related ones.
But a truly successful program should focus not just on a current infestation but on determining its origin, which will require your provider to investigate the “why” behind the problem. For example, is there a specific food source luring pests in? Are pests coming in through a certain entry point? Are they inadvertently being brought in via shipments to your business? Taking this bigger-picture approach will be required to resolve your commercial pest control problems for the long term.
How can I choose a good commercial pest control company?
As with selecting a trusted provider for any service, when it comes to commercial pest control, you’ll definitely want to do your homework well beyond the cost of services based on your type of business, location and any other specific requirements. Find out not just what they do but how they do it (spraying, trap, etc.) as well as how much experience they have, the licenses they hold and what their customers say about their work.
Turn to Chain Store Maintenance for Commercial Pest Control
Looking for a trusted commercial pest control provider for your sites? Chain Store Maintenance - an MCS company, can help, whether it’s stepping in to maintain existing pest control protocols for your sites or working with you to create a custom proactive program based on your specific needs. Contact us today at CSMsales@ChainStore.com to learn more.
