If there is one thing all business owners agree on, it is that pests are not welcome. There’s nothing worse than fighting off an invasion of ants, flies or even mice in your business. A pest infiltration is a big deal. It may force you to close your business while removing the infestation, or it may affect your business licensing. So what do you do when you discover a pest infestation? Here are some tips from the EPA.
- Look for the source of the infestation. Usually, pests come into a business when they have a clear pathway. For example, food scraps and waste not correctly disposed of can lead to a fruit fly infestation. Or standing water can bring in flies or other creepy-crawly creatures. Check for leaky plumbing, standing pools of water, holes in the wall, rotten wood, garbage or clutter piles. Make sure you clear up problematic areas, seal off any entryways and fix any problematic plumbing or wall issues.
- Seek pesticide treatment. We recommend choosing a professional pesticide team for your business needs, but if you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you:
- Follow the directions on the pesticide product.
- Use ready-to-use products, and avoid fogging devices unless necessary.
- Use chemical products that are safe for your business. Keep customers, employees and children away.
Taking care of a pesticide infestation on your own is more complicated than you think. If you don’t find the source of the infestation, you may just be prolonging the problem. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and knowledge to find the root of the problem and safely remove it. But, if you’ve never hired a pest control company, here’s what you need to know.
- Ensure the company is appropriately licensed and has the correct classifications for the work you need. Then, check with your local state pesticide regulatory office to see what may be required.
- Ask about their safety and training practices. Make sure you know what products and techniques they intend to use and how the treatment may affect your business.
- Seek references and ask for their relevant experience to ensure they know how to deal with your pest problem.
- Get multiple estimates and ask about guarantee options.
- Always go over their safety practices. Make sure you understand the toxicity of their products and techniques. Remember, you may be liable for anyone who may react to their products or methods.
If you need help finding the right pest control company for your business, call us. We offer complete facility management services and can connect our customers with pre-screened local vendors, including pest control companies. When it comes to a pest problem in your business, you want to ensure that it’s taken care of quickly and correctly! And remember that we can help with cleaning and disinfecting afterwards, too.
