Pests are bad news for your commercial property. Not only are they an unwelcome distraction, but they can pose a health hazard to staff and visitors. That’s why it’s imperative to not only contact pest control professionals when issues arise, but also implement measures that can reduce the chance of an infestation in the first place.
Check out the list below for techniques on how to prevent common pests from invading your property. And keep in mind that for bird control, spider control and more general office maintenance, the professionals at Clean and polish are here to help.
1. Spiders
This eight-legged creepy crawly may just be a nuisance in the Mid-Atlantic region – this isn’t Australia after all – but it’s still important to take steps to prevent them from entering your commercial property, as they can be distracting, leave webs and frighten employees. Perhaps the most effective strategy to keep spiders out is to caulk any gaps on the property – big or small – the Independent stated. Gaps typically appear around the edges of windows, doors and other entry points.
For a truly effective and professional caulking job, contact the experts at Clean and Polish. Our team has many years of experience sealing joints in buildings, which not only helps to keep spiders out, but also the elements. It should also be noted that another benefit of caulking is that it improves the energy efficiency of your building, by preventing warm or cool air from escaping.
Other effective strategies include dusting and cleaning hard to reach or high up areas, as well as vacuuming, The Mirror advised. It’s could also be a wise idea to take time to make some natural homemade deterrents. For example, peppermint sprays are a great way to scare away spiders, and they can be easily made at home. Simply mix up to 15 drops of peppermint oil with water and then spray. Have your professional cleaning service do this, or tackle the job yourself if you run a smaller operation.
If you notice that you already have a spider control problem through the presence of multiple cob webs, Clean and Polish can help with that too. Our professionals use a non-toxic formula to blast away webs from your property and prevent them from recurring.
Spiders are a common pest found in commercial buildings.2. Rats and mice
Rodents are not only a nuisance, but they can also pose a significant health threat to your employees or patrons. According to the Humane Society of the United States, rats can carry a whole host of diseases and bacteria that can be a threat to humans. Disease is typically communicated via droppings or urine that the rats leave behind on your property. The most effective prevention method is again sealing all cracks – no matter the size. This is because rats can squeeze through holes of just an inch wide, the source explained. And mice can squeeze through holes even smaller than that. In addition to checking for cracks in the walls or windows, ensure that the edges of heating and air vents are also sealed.
“Ensure that the edges of heating and air vents are sealed.”
It’s also necessary to keep in mind that mice and rats are attracted to environments where there is plenty of food. An important preventative strategy, therefore, is to keep your commercial property as clean as possible at all times. Clean down kitchens, vacuum often and deep clean carpets on a regular basis. This is because carpets can hold dirt, grime and food detritus deep within the fibers. A deep clean, like the kind provided by the professionals at Clean and Polish, is effective at removing bacteria, mold, fungi, as well as more general dirt.
Another strategy to keep mice and rats at bay is to ensure that parking lots are clean and clear of trash or other detritus. Mice and rats are attracted to exposed trash cans, so it’s important to keep them sealed and outside only for a minimal period of time, the Humane Society of the United States explained [link?]. To keep your parking lot extra spic and span, consider enlisting the help of Clean and Polish. We can provide comprehensive parking lot cleaning, using an economical system that powerfully strips away embedded dirt and oil.
3. Flies
According to The Health Site, flies carry up to 60 different types of disease, meaning that this seemingly benign insect could actually pose a threat to the occupants in your commercial building: Think cholera, dysentery and typhoid. Prevention, therefore is again key. When it comes to flies, be sure to keep all windows closed and sealed – no matter the time of year. Rely on the HVAC system to maintain an ambient temperature indoors. Also ensure that all trash is kept sealed and unexposed, and your cleaning service wipes down all surfaces with an anti-bacterial solution on a routine basis.
5. Birds
In a similar vein to rodents and flies, birds are primarily attracted to food debris on your property. They are also attracted to areas around your roof, where they can build their nests. It’s important, therefore, to maintain the cleanliness of your parking lot, as well as consider bird control strategies, such as deterrents like netting, spikes and coils. If your business is situated in the Mid-Atlantic region, Clean and Polish can help install humane and effective bird control measures.
