Pest Control for Office Buildings and What to Look For

The Cost of Uncontrolled Pest Issues

We’ve heard many people over the years, both in business and residential situations, state that they can’t afford pest control services. Sadly, most folk don’t know how affordable it is to get help for these taxing issues. Keeping bugs and vermin at bay isn’t that expensive, especially when you consider the time and effort, as well as supplies, it takes to do it on your own. First, most people want to run to the local hardware store to buy supplies when they see any infestations.

Sure, it seems like a logical plan, and it will certainly save money, or so most people think. The problem is that so many businesses wait until it’s too late to try these band-aid methods and end up with a situation beyond their control. While some chemicals can undoubtedly care for some cases, there’s no comparison to giant vermin or things like termites and roaches.

Here are some common issues we see caused by letting pest control issues go uncontrolled in a place of business:

• Loss of inventory
• High turnover rates in apartment buildings resulting in revenue loss
• Unbudgeted and costly structural damage and repair
• Possible compensation claims

Whether you have birds roosting on your ledges and causing a commotion, or you’ve got termites chewing away at the very structural integrity of your building, we can help.

Health and Safety Concerns

There are certain insects and critters that frequent commercial establishments more than others. It also depends heavily on the location of your building, as one next to a cornfield will have a more challenging time controlling mice and rats than one in the city. 

It’s dangerous to have any pests in your place of work. Here are some common downsides to having any pests in the building:

• Spreads unwanted pathogens
• Triggers allergies in sensitive people
• They can bite or sting and cause deadly reactions
• Increased fire risk if they chew through electrical cords
• Physical hazards when chewing on supported structural elements

Common Workplace Pests and What to Look For

Now that you know what damage can be caused, it’s time to identify your most significant threats. Below are the most battled creatures in a commercial setting, and we’ve also identified the signs for you to note there’s an issue.

1. Flies

Flies are pests that ramp up in the spring and then die down and come back around during the fall. These insects are a nuisance and can be very distracting to workers constantly trying to shew them away. Another thing that many people don’t consider is how dirty the fly is because of the places they travel.

For instance, flies like to frequent feces from dogs and other animals, and let’s not forget that they’re often seen along the side of the road eating away at carcasses. After they eat, they fly inside the building and land on food and other surfaces. They spread harmful bacteria, so many people don’t even realize it. You can’t use fly strips or sprays from the hardware store for your most challenging fly problems, as you need professional help.

What to look for:

Fly issues are easy to spot as these little insects love to buzz around you. You may see them congregate in windows and find dead ones lying about, as their lifespan is relatively short.

2. Birds

Birds are lovely creatures and sing the most beautiful songs, but their excrement is dangerous. The fecal matter dropped by birds can cause erosion on both metal and stone. Another common problem we see is that HVAC systems get clogged by feathers, and there are many health hazards from having larger birds constantly hanging around.

What to look for:

It’s easy to see if you have a bird issue as they congregate along the wires and roof lines. You may also see large splatters of excrement and hear their loud chirping noises. Some birds, like pigeons, tend to be more menacing than others. You usually don’t have significant issues with smaller birds like finches or cardinals.

3. Roaches

Roaches are one of the filthiest insects around. When they first come into your building, you might not notice them. However, due to their ability to reproduce so quickly, a few soon turn into 100s. Roaches leave behind fecal matter that’s easy to spot, especially in large numbers.

They’re dangerous around your workplace as they spread disease and can cause sickness. It’s best to get a handle on these insects the minute you see any, as soon you will have a war on your hands.

What to look for:

Roaches do their best work at night, so you might see them when you first flip on the lights. They like to scurry about and go into hiding. They also want to frequent areas around the plumbing with dampness and decay. You’ll find them in kitchen areas invading refrigerators, and any food stored in cabinets. In a warehouse setting, it’s like a buffet if any dried goods are stored there.

4. Rodents

Both mice and rats love to get into office buildings for shelter, especially if you have food for them to eat. They seem to be a more significant threat in warehouses and places with ample nourishment options. Mice are more commonly found where people are more so than rats, but either rodent will set up shop in your business.

What to look for:

If you have mice or rats in your building, you will hear chewing and the scurrying of little feet. You will also see droppings and fecal smears along the walls. Rats don’t see as well as mice, so if you have rats, the trails will usually follow along the walls or the places they frequent. The dropping size significantly differs between a mouse and a rat, but finding any droppings indicates a problem.

5. Ants

Ants are undoubtedly annoying. However, many people don’t view them to be as menacing as roaches. Consequently, ants are drawn to your space because they find nourishment and water. A few ants can quickly become an all-out infestation where you feel you’re fighting a war.

What to look for:

You don’t have to play detective to see an ant issue. A couple of ants here or there doesn’t mean you have an infestation. When there’s a significant problem, you’ll see ants traveling together in groups. You’ll find them in abundance in your food, coffee creamers, and around kitchen and bathroom areas. When you have a major issue, it’s more than just a couple stragglers passing by.

Quarterly Pest Control Helps Prevent Issues

The best way to stay ahead of the seasonal changes, and the creatures they bring with them, is to have quarterly pest control. As the owner or manager of the building, you know what pests you commonly battle. We can put together a plan to combat them long before you’re met with an infestation.

It’s imperative to have a good pest control company that you partner with to handle such matters. A preventative maintenance plan is just the first step, but you need someone to call when the battle becomes more than you can bear.

Call us today and discuss how we can reduce the frequency of pest issues with a preventative maintenance plan. You’ll be surprised how much better things can be when you’re proactive instead of reactive to an out-of-control situation.

More comparison articles:

Boxelder bugs VS Stink bugs
Mice and rats: What’s the difference?
House Mice and Deer Mice: What’s the difference?
Termites and flying ants: What’s the difference?
Carpenter bees and bumble bees: What’s the difference?

To learn more:

Our service area
Our carpenter bee control services
Our wasp control services
Our hornet control services
Our yellow jacket control services
Six Common Ticks Found in And Around New Jersey