Spring

Spring brings pests out of hibernation and into your business

Pests usually take the winter off, as cold weather forces many species into hibernation. But as the weather starts to warm they start to emerge from their hiding spots and head straight for your business.

Spring can be a difficult time for business-owners as they battle pests who are on the hunt for food, water and shelter. But there are things you can do to stop pests from infesting your premises.

Read on below to find out about some common springtime pests and how you can combat them.

Ants

In spring, a whole range of ants can infest your business. More than just a nuisance, ants can cause structural damage and some species can even carry and transmit pathogens.

From structures on your premises to the sidewalks outside of them, ants of all kinds can be a real nuisance to your organization. At best they are a nuisance, at worst they could actually damage your property or put off customers.

To prevent an invasion from ants this spring:

• Seal openings around doors, windows and the foundation with weather resistant sealant.
• Clean up spills and food debris immediately.
• Rinse food containers prior to disposal.

Termites

When the temperature rises, termites often swarm inside businesses before moving outdoors to search for food and water.

Once they have taken up residence in your organization they can be extremely destructive, able to completely excavate through wooden floors, furniture, window frames, doors, panelling, and other important structural components of buildings.

To turn termites away from your business this spring:

• Look out for piles of discarded wings, a sure sign that you might have a termite infestation.
• Regularly inspect lighting fixtures and window sills which are common places for termites ot congregate.
• The key to preventing termites invading your facility is to reduce moisture levels.
• Fix any leaky plumbing and gutters, ensure all drainage is free flowing.
• Trim back shrubbery and trees to stop them from getting easy access.

Mosquitoes

The farther south you are, the earlier the mosquito season will start, the longer it will last, and the more of a nuisance they will be.

At best mosquitoes can be annoying for your clients and customers, at worst they can be hazardous to their health.

These critters can be hard to control, but there are still steps  you can take to prevent them from infecting your business this spring:

• Remove any standing water around your facility.
• Fill redundant ditches or holes.
• Keep ponds, fountains and water features clear.
• Trim back all tall vegetation.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches may be emerging after overwintering in your business, or perhaps they are new arrivals, seeking the warm, damp shelter close to food and water your facility has to offer.

Once there, cockroaches can cause a real issue for your organization. Not only are they unsanitary, but they can also shock customers and cause untold damage to your reputation.

To stop cockroaches invading your business:

• Follow a strict daily sanitation routine.
• Seal entry points around your facility.
• Inspect incoming supplies, especially any corrugated boxes.
• Periodically inspect and clean employee lockers.

Fruit Flies

Fruit fly populations tend to grow during the warmer months, entering businesses through open windows and doors, following the odours of ripe fruit, or by hitchhiking on your produce deliveries.

Though these flies don’t bite, they do cause a nuisance to commercial operations.

To protect your business from fruit flies this season:

• Reduce the presence of ripe fruits and vegetables.
• Keep fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator.
• Remove all rotting, decomposing produce.
• Be sure to close the lids on all garbage and waste containers.
• Move dumpsters away from the building.
• Ensure a strict sanitation schedule that focuses on cleaning drains.
• Perform upkeep to replace broken tiles, remove standing water, and seal any crevices or cracks that may provide entry points.

Spiders

In spring, you may see spiders emerging after spending the winter keeping warm in your business. They usually infest basements, garages, or undisturbed corners of your facility, after gaining entry through cracks and crevices.

The presence can be alarming for many people, particularly those affected by arachnophobia, while their webs are also considered unsightly by many customers.

To prevent a spider infestation in your business this spring:

• Seal cracks and crevices in your facility’s exterior.
• Replace broken window and door screens.
• Keep your business clean and free of insects.
• Ensure your facility is well ventilated.
• If you do see spider webs, remove them.

Wasps and Bees

Wasps and honey bees make their debut this time of year and can easily be mistaken for one another.

Both insects are capable of giving painful stings, and their presence can put even the most committed customers off of your business, not to mention upsetting your employees.

To help keep wasps and bees at bay:

• Keep a light on in areas where wasps may nest around your business, as they prefer to rest in the dark.
• Paint, stain, or weather-treat wood structures.
• Seal all potential entry points to your premises and trim back bushes and vegetation surrounding them.
• Reduce potential nesting sites, food, and other pests.
• Crucially, do not disturb nesting sites or provoke bees and wasps. If you do find a bee or wasp nest on your property, call a professional pest control service to ensure it is safely destroyed.