As Thomas Adams stated in 1618, "Prevention is so much better than healing, because it saves the labour of being sick," this still rings true today.

A pest infestation in your workplace would have a disastrous impact on your business...

For many businesses, health codes require it, and for others, the risk of losing customers and employees due to roaches, rats, or other pests is too great to ignore. Not to mention the disruption to your day-to-day operations, damage to property and the negative impact on your business' reputation. Preventing an invasion is better than having to heal from one.

Here are nine tips that can help prevent a pest invasion at your workplace:

1. Keep Doors Closed 

You can’t do anything about doors opening and closing to let people in and out, but you can avoid propping doors open or keeping them open longer than needed. Door sweeps and weather stripping around doors along with a vestibule door entrance can help keep pests out.

2. Fix All Leaks and Remove Moisture

Most pests need and seek water to survive, so even droplets and small puddles can be attractive to them. Inspect all pipes, drains, appliances and drink dispensers for leaks. Fix any problems as soon as possible. Clean up all spills right away. It’s also important to pay attention to potential moisture sources outside of your workplace. Make sure your property has adequate drainage and keep outdoor drains clear to help prevent water from backing up in close proximity to your business.

3. Empty Garbage and Trash Frequently

Pests love garbage and trash, therefore implement a regular schedule to empty the trash cans around your workplace, multiple times each day, especially those with food scraps in them. Where possible position the big bins well away from your workplace's entrances.Keep the dumpster area clean and maintained, not allowing items to be stored in the dumpster area. It’s also a good idea to have someone routinely inspect the grounds around the structure for trash that accumulates around landscaping.

4. Store and Dispose of Food Properly

Even if you don't sell food products, customers or employees may bring them inside. Make sure all uneaten food and scraps are thrown out immediately. Make sure that there isn't any food scraps left in the drains. Use containers with tight lids. Always store food products off the floor on shelves or in cupboards. Never leave unsealed food out, as it can attract flies and other pests.

5. Fix All Structural Insufficiencies

Any gaps, holes, cracks or crevices in walls, floors, ceilings or the foundation should be sealed immediately. Also inspect openings where wiring or utility pipes connect for any gaps that need to be closed off. Rodents and insects can squeeze through tiny spaces, so any openings that lead to the exterior can serve as an access point for pests.

6. Clean Thoroughly

Clean thoroughly as even workplaces that seem clean may still have pest problems, however good cleaning practices can help you avoid infestations. Regularly clean break rooms, dining areas and kitchens, and pay special attention to areas behind furniture and appliances, where crumbs and food particles can hide. Cleanpro's commercial cleaning services can save you the hassle of doing this yourself.

7. Maintain the Landscape Outside Your Workplace

Overgrown landscaping outside your workplace can hide some pests, like rodents, who are waiting to get inside. Removing branches, tall weeds and keeping grass mowed near your workplace will help prevent pests from living around the perimeter of your building, and it also helps them to be seen a little easier.

8. Check Deliveries and Shipments Before Bringing Them Inside

Pests can get into your workplace via packages, boxes, containers and shipments. If possible, receive deliveries outside your workplace or in a space away from the main part of your workplace, where all deliveries can be inspected for signs of pests. Look for rips, tears and holes, as well as for droppings, actual pests and larvae in the packaging. If you notice signs of pests, remove the delivery from your workplace as soon as possible. Break down cardboard or packages as soon as they’re unloaded and discard them away from the building to help prevent pest harbourage areas.

• Restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and food processing and manufacturing facilities that receive foodstuff deliveries can be particularly vulnerable for unwanted pests arriving via boxes and containers.
• Clothing shipments can be susceptible to fabric eating pests, such as moths and beetles.

9. Use Pestpro's Preventative Maintenance Program

Custom solutions for your business, your industry and your specific pest problems, including cockroaches, ants and spiders are offered through our fully managed services.  These managed services including regular pest checks, control and treatment aligned with your business’ requirements. 

• Protect your assets and occupant health with a preventative maintenance program
• Pest prevention limits the use of pesticides
• Services are tailored to your needs
• All programs comply 
• All work is reported and tracked
• Pestpro is also a provider of pest control services that meet the requirements of the food processing and food & beverage facilities operating in accordance with HACCP based food safety programme.

No matter what industry you are in, you cannot afford not to have dependable commercial pest control for your property.

If you’d like more information about how to help prevent pest problems in your workplace, contact Pestpro on (08) 9336 6944 today. Our trained pest control professionals can help you spot conditions that may be conducive to pest activity to help you avoid infestations before they start, as well as treat and control existing pest problems.