Integrated Pest Management Plans for Businesses

Homes are often considered to be our biggest lifetime investment. Yet, if you own a business, you know how critical it is to protect this investment – essentially your livelihood! From building a positive reputation to increasing your revenue, your clients and customers are at the heart of what you do. The incidence of pests and rodents in your place of business can affect the way your customers view you and your company. Further, pests and rodents can pose serious risks to the health of your employees and the safety of your property. Even though many pests are small in stature, their effect on your business bottom line can be enormous.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a common-sense way for a commercial business to address its pest problems. This method of pest control focuses on three basic techniques:  

1. Inspecting for pests
2. Identifying pests
3. Treatment by pest control professionals

A more complete approach to pest control, IPM bases its recommendations on each individual business' unique needs. Pest control professionals do not use a "one size fits all" approach. Whether sealing cracks, removing a food or water source or employing product treatments, integrated pest management is about finding the best options to get rid of pest-associated problems. 

Pest-Proofing in Businesses 

Follow these tips to keep pests from causing more than just a headache for your business:

• Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
• Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Look for rodent droppings in undisturbed areas, including closets, attics, and along floorboards, which indicate a pest problem.
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your business, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the building.
• Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the building’s foundation and windows.
• Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation; install gutters or diverts, which will channel water away from the building.
• Be sure your employees keep food sealed and stored properly.
• Clean high-volume areas daily, such as public eating areas and kitchenettes, where crumbs and trash are more likely to build up.
• Call a local pest management professional to identify the problem, survey for, and control the pest(s) using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

View some addition tips to minimize the chance of an infestation by clicking here. To find a licensed pest control professional in your area, visit our zip code locator.