Sanitation is the Key to Dodging Pests

Landscaping is an important part of helping keep the premises clean and pest-free. Trim back vegetation and thin out thick bushes, which can host mosquitoes and other flying pests if left too thick for air to pass through. Make sure branches don’t make contact with the structure to provide a bridge for pest access. If planting something new, try to keep it at least a foot away from the building, or risk creating a natural jumping off point. Consider a barrier of rock around the perimeter as pests will find this less hospitable. Rodents will often hide under bushes and shrubs until they can find an opening in a building’s exterior, so don’t give them the chance to lurk around.

Anywhere there’s standing water, pests will accumulate—especially mosquitoes. Rodents and flies will use standing water for nourishment as well. If allowed to sit for too long, standing water will be a pit stop for pests on their way inside of a building. Any spots where flooding occurs regularly will be a pest hot spot, so make sure to have proper runoff to take the water away.

While these proactive pest management tips will help to reduce the chances of pests, it’s still possible they might find a way inside. But working with a pest management professional to establish a tailored plan focused on preventive tactics, careful monitoring, and quick action after an issue is discovered will help keep pests out and protect a business.

If still encountering a pest problem despite these proactive pest management tips, a pest management professional will be able to recommend the fastest and most effective course of action.

Although there are a lot of different approaches to prevent pests, the most important thing is to clean and sanitize as regularly as possible. If pests don’t have a food and water source and a safe place to harbor, they can’t survive. Simple as that.

Ramsey is technical services manager for Orkin. He is a board-certified entomologist and provides technical support and guidance across all Rollins brands in the areas of training and education, operations, and marketing. Reach him at [email protected].