6 Things That Accidentally Invite Pests to Your Business

A pest infestation is unwelcome just about anywhere, but it can be especially bad news for a business. Pesky rodents and bothersome bugs have no place in your establishment. However, you, your employees, or your tenants might have accidentally invited them in through a series of absent-minded behaviors and neglectful mistakes. 



If you've noticed an increase in pest activity in your commercial establishment, take a look around to make sure you and your associates are not guilty of these common, pest-friendly practices and oversights.

1. You Have Unsealed Entry Points

Thanks to their small size, pests can find their way into buildings through a variety of means. Your building may have gaps in the foundation, worn-out weather stripping, holes near windows and doors, broken screens, or open drains and gutters that provide easy pathways for pests. 

Inspect the perimeter of your building and look for any obvious ways that pests might travel inside, but pay special attention to small holes, cracks, gaps, and spaces that tiny bugs could crawl through. 

2. You Don't Always Clean Up Crumbs and Spills

If you've ever dropped a piece of food at a summer barbecue only to discover large numbers of ants on it only moments later, you've witnessed just how enticing food scraps can be for hungry pests. It doesn't take much to draw bugs, spiders, and rodents into your building. In fact, just a few crumbs or messes can be enough to attract dozens of bugs to your space. 

When pests sense food, they're more likely to invade your space to hunt for their next bite — and they may just stick around for more once they are inside. 

3. Your Building Contains Excess Moisture

Many bugs look for dark, moist areas to call home, which can mean trouble for your business if you have any leaking pipes, unused drains, dripping AC units, or clogged spouts. These areas can provide a valuable water source for invasive pests. If you've noticed that various bugs or rodents seem to be attracted to your building, look around for any areas that tend to stay damp or moist for clues. 

4. You Don't Inspect Shipping Boxes

Businesses that receive frequent deliveries may also be the involuntary recipients of hitchhiking pests. Many pests make a home of cardboard and shipping boxes, particularly mites, bed bugs, spiders, and cockroaches. These insects often lay eggs in these containers, which may then hatch in your establishment and wreak havoc on your business. Make it a habit to checkboxes upon delivery, and throw them out away from your building after you and your team unload them.

5. Your Garbage Bins Need Attention

Many pests can make a meal out of just about anything, which means your garbage bins are especially vulnerable to pest invasions. Whether your trashcans need a tighter lid or need to be emptied more often, any food smells that waft from your garbage areas may function as magnets for a host of unwelcome pests. 

6. Your Storage Spaces Are Cluttered

Pests largely try to stay out of sight, and many species take up residence in areas that allow them to stay concealed and away from view. As expected, cluttered areas provide excellent hiding spots. These areas not only help pests to remain hidden, but undisturbed storage areas also provide pests with safety and security, which can invite them to stay and reproduce undetected for some time. 

The moment you notice the signs of a pest infestation, it's time to call in the professionals. The specialists at American Pest Professionals have the skills and knowledge to treat your commercial building and keep pests of all types away from your space. Protect your business from harmful pest infestations and call today to make an appointment for our commercial pest control services.