Optimize Your Facility for Winter: Protect Against Pests

Inspect and Maintain Your Property

All warehouses, office spaces, and other properties experience wear and tear over time. As temperatures begin to drop, it’s crucial to inspect your facility for structural deficiencies that can let the cold air creep in and allow pests to settle in for free. Implement a routine maintenance schedule to protect your property from the cold this winter.

Prevent Pests from Invading

Just like us, pests seek shelter indoors to escape cooler weather. Sealing up your building before any unwanted visitors make a surprise appearance can ensure your facility is fully equipped to defend against a potential pest infestation.

Routine Inspections Are Key

Regularly inspecting each building’s exterior for cracks, gaps, crevices, and other structural deficiencies can lessen the chance of a pest infestation reappearing in the spring. If pests get the chance to settle in over the winter, they will come out of hibernation when warmer weather approaches. An isolated pest problem can quickly turn into a swarm of activity as hibernating pests begin seeking new breeding sites.

Take Action Now

When monitoring for pest activity or conducting routine facility maintenance this fall, be sure to check these areas for structural deficiencies and follow our quick tips to help shield your property:

  • Doors and Windows
    • Small cracks can form as weather stripping wears down around exterior-facing doors and windows, providing the perfect entryway for persistent pests. Gaps below doors and tears in door or window screens can also allow crawling or flying pests to enter.
    • Tip: Replace weather stripping and repair window screens before the cold creeps in. This will also help protect your building’s energy efficiency when the heater turns on.
  • Exterior Walls
    • Cracks in exterior walls offer pests plenty of room to sneak into your building. Cockroaches can enter through cracks less than 2 mm wide, while pests like rats can fit through a gap the size of a quarter.
    • Tip: Use caulk or other sealants to repair any cracks, gaps, or crevices around your facility and keep pests from hibernating inside this winter.
  • Roofs
    • Trees and other foliage can act as a bridge and provide rodents with an express lane into any building. Other holes or gaps in roofing can also allow pests to easily sneak inside.
    • Tip: Trim foliage at least 3 metres away from exterior walls to limit pests’ access to walls, windows, or rooftops.

By addressing these key areas and implementing preventative measures, you can ensure your facility remains pest-free and energy-efficient throughout the winter months.