Pest Control for Warehousing and Logistics

Professional Pest Control For Your Commercial Warehousing & Logistics Facility

In today’s age the role that warehousing plays in the distribution of goods may be greater than ever. Products shipped in from all over the globe land in warehouses for re-distribution. Due to the amount of product travelling in and out of various building openings, and the amount of time those entry and exit points spend open to the outdoors, pest control can be difficult.

Pest management in warehousing associated with food storage is typically thought to be of the greatest concern. In fact, most indoor spaces can offer something of interest to various pests.

• High ceilings and open grid work can offer a source of shelter to many birds. Birds will make nests in warehouse spaces as they are protected from wind and rain in what is often a climate-controlled space. These luxurious roosts found in warehouses also provide an excellent defence against predators and often supply abundant food sources. Droppings can cause health and safety issues due to air quality contamination and can also damage packaging and equipment.
• Mice and other rodents are the pests that can cause the most significant damage to stored goods. While rodents seek out food sources, like any animal, they can also be extremely destructive to wood, fabric, and paper products. All of these products can make excellent contributions as nesting material. Having rodents come into contact with food items can mean harmful contamination and loss of considerable amounts of goods.
• Warehousing provides excellent areas for insects of all kinds to hide. Insects can multiply very quickly and generate a veritable army in a very short period of time.

Allowing any of these pests to remain uncontrolled in warehousing can cause dramatic increase of costs in the replacement of damaged goods. Factoring in the additional costs associated with potential lawsuits, loss of customers, and overall impact on the reputation of a logistics business and the results of unchecked pests can be disastrous.

A pest management program can help in many ways.

• Determining common access points permitting pests to gain access and recommend how best to correct them.
• Locating areas where pests are gathering and prevention of their return.
• Educating staff on preventative measures

Warehouse facilities are an attractive environment for pests. Offering an easy entry point through open dock or exit doors, vast amounts of open space to roam freely and depending on the products being stored, can also provide food and water sources. With beetles, cockroaches, birds, flies, rats, and mice being the most common problems for any commercial warehouse facility operator. Here is what you need to know about pests in your warehouse facility.

Beetles

Beetles are among the most frequent pantry pests encountered in warehouses that commonly store food. Flour beetles, sawtoothed beetles, merchant grain beetles, drugstore beetles, cigarette beetles are among the most common types of beetles you can find in warehouses. Pancake mix, cereal, macaroni, crackers, pet food, birdseed, and other grain products are more favourites for beetles. If these pests get into the food product being stored in the warehouse, they will contaminate the product by breeding inside.

Rats & Mice

Warehouses can be an ideal place for rodents, such as rats and mice. In the cold weather, the commercial warehouse environment provides a warm escape with plenty of space to nest and hide. Rats and mice may enter your facility through small cracks or even through an entrance that has been left open for too long. As rats and mice breed rapidly, resulting in growing rodent populations in your warehousing facility. The presence of rats and mice in your commercial warehouse facility also means urine and droppings will be left behind. This can contaminate products, and put the health of your employees and end consumers at risk because of the pathogens associated with these pests.

Birds

Birds can be a nuisance both outside and inside of warehouse facilities, however, they are usually a far greater hazard if found indoors. Most warehouses will have large beams that are ideal for roosting and nesting, creating a situation where it is harder to manage the situation easily. Not only can birds disrupt operations by distracting employees, but like rodents, they also contaminate products and transmit pathogens. If you are looking for professional bird control, Orkin Canada is there to assist you, contact us today!

Flies

We often just think of these pests as an accepted annoyance, but these pests can carry and transmit a variety of diseases. Flies are commonly found near any waste receptacle or floor drains, as these areas are ideal for breeding. An influx of flies can invade your warehouse when doors are left open, likewise unsanitary conditions in staff lunchrooms or kitchenettes can lead to increased fly activity as well. Additionally, warehouses that handle canned products are also prone to small flies because damaged cans that go unnoticed become breeding sources; common flies associated are phorid flies, fruit flies and cheese skippers. As flies can be difficult to control because of their size and their habits, it is important to have a team of fly control experts professionally managing your fly problem.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common “hitchhikers” that enter warehouses through deliveries and transportation services or by nesting in the personal belongings of staff members. Once inside, they will usually remain elusive and hidden among dark corners. They are also attracted to many of the materials found in warehouses, such as cardboard. While they can be seen as an unsightly nuisance, they can in fact spread viruses and leave droppings behind, contaminating products in the process.

Resources

• How To Keep Your Facility Exclusive
• Understanding The Impact Of Pest Birds On Your Business