5 Preventative Pest Control Tips For Small Businesses
It is understandable to be unnerved when you find your office space has been invaded by uninvited pests. Whether you find ants marching across your kitchen counters or roaches scurrying into dark corners of the supply closet when the light is switched on, like most small-business owners, you want a solution to your unpleasant problem. Ignoring pests in your home or office can lead to a serious insect infestation, so it makes sense to take preventative measures to make sure you aren’t actually laying out the welcome mat and making your space a welcome retreat for them.
While any sighting of more than a few stray critters here or there requires immediate intervention from the experts at Legacy Pest Control, there are some simple steps your office staff can take to prevent and discourage them from choosing to get comfortable in your working environment. Here are five effective ways to make your business less attractive to multi-legged pests:
Store food, drinks, and supplies properly
Ensure that all items on your kitchen shelves and in desk drawers are stored in tightly sealed containers. Keep pantry items stored in plastic zippered bags, plastic lockable containers, or glass jars with tightly-fitting lids. Keep sweeteners such as honey and sugar, creamers and other coffee and tea supplies in sealed containers, and keep their surfaces clean from spills and drips. In supply closets, store any paper products that aren’t used regularly in large plastic storage bins to keep roaches out.
Keep dirty dishes where they belong
Discourage eating at desks by designating specific spaces, such as lunch rooms or break rooms, as eating areas. Promptly take all dirty dishes and utensils to the kitchen to be cleaned properly. Allowing dirty dishes and containers to sit out even for a couple of hours can be enticing to pests.
Keep your office space clean
Wipe desks and counters daily to remove crumbs or food residue. Sugary treats are a favorite of ants and cockroaches. Wipe up sweet spills, such as juice or soda immediately. Make sure water spills are wiped up quickly as well – insects need a source of water to thrive. Don’t allow any plants to sit in saucers of water, and watch for spills or leaks at water coolers. Remember to empty restroom trash bins daily and to keep bathroom counters and floors clean of toilet paper and tissue scraps. Report any kitchen or bathroom water leaks to your office maintenance or management company.
Dispose of all office waste properly
Empty trash receptacles in high-traffic food-related areas such as kitchens and break rooms on a daily basis. Line trash bins with plastic bags and dispose of them every day. If employees snack at their desks, dispose of wastebasket contents daily as well. Even paper is attractive to cockroaches, so store any shredded documents in double bags if they are stored prior to disposal. If you have a recycling area, clean it regularly – insects enjoy residue left in bottles and cans.
Keep your kitchen appliances clean
Wipe down any greasy splatters or crumbs from stovetops and ovens, microwaves and toaster ovens on a weekly basis. Remove old food from the refrigerator weekly, or at the end of the week if your office is closed over the weekend.
Commercial Pest Control from Legacy Pest Control
Taking the time to prevent attracting insects will minimize the chances of them moving into your office space and treating it like their personal feeding station. However, once you see a pest or two, there are likely hundreds of their friends and family lurking in corners, cabinets and drawers. Spotting more than one or two is a good indication that it’s time to call the professionals in. Legacy Pest Control is here to resolve your office invasion issues. You can count on our team to perform a thorough inspection of your office space and surrounding property to determine the source of your bug-related issues. We offer a wide range of pest control services for your office or home. Contact us here, or call us at 801-779-3131 today to schedule an inspection.
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