Commercial pest control services

The most common types of pests found in commercial buildings can vary depending on various factors such as the location, climate, building structure, and surrounding environment. However, some of the typical pests encountered in commercial buildings include:

1. Rodents: Mice and rats are frequent pests in commercial buildings. They can cause damage to property, contaminate food, and spread diseases.
2. Cockroaches: These resilient insects thrive in dark, warm, and moist areas. They can contaminate food and surfaces, trigger allergies, and spread pathogens.
3. Ants: Different ant species may invade commercial buildings in search of food and water. They can be particularly problematic in food service establishments.
4. Flies: Common fly species, such as houseflies, fruit flies, and drain flies, can be a nuisance in commercial buildings. They can contaminate food and transmit diseases.
5. Bed bugs: Although commonly associated with hotels, bed bugs can infest any commercial building. They are challenging to eradicate and feed on human blood, causing itchy bites.
6. Stored product pests: Beetles, weevils, and moths are examples of pests that infest stored food products, including grains, cereals, and packaged goods in warehouses and food processing facilities.
7. Birds: Pigeons, sparrows, and other birds may roost or nest in commercial buildings, especially around ledges, roofs, or ventilation systems. Their droppings can cause damage and carry diseases.

It is essential for commercial buildings to have effective pest management strategies in place to prevent infestations and promptly address any pest-related issues. Consult with Rentokil today to develop an appropriate prevention and treatment plan based on the specific needs of your building.

The frequency of pest inspections in commercial buildings can depend on several factors, including the type of business, the building's location, and any specific pest-related risks. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to have regular pest inspections at least once every quarter.

Regular quarterly inspections help identify and address any pest issues promptly before they escalate into significant infestations. These inspections allow pest control professionals to assess the current pest situation, identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement preventive measures to minimize the risk of infestations.

However, certain industries or businesses may require more frequent pest inspections. For example:

1. Food service establishments: Restaurants, cafes, or food retail stores that handle and store food should consider more frequent pest inspections. Monthly or bi-monthly inspections may be necessary to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a pest-free environment.
2. High-risk environments: Buildings located in areas prone to specific pests, such as warehouses near grain fields or buildings near bodies of water, may require more frequent inspections. This helps to address the unique pest risks associated with the surroundings.
3. Sensitive industries: Certain industries, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare facilities, or laboratories, may have stricter pest control requirements due to the sensitive nature of their operations. These businesses may need more frequent pest inspections to ensure the integrity of their products, research, or patient care.

Preventing pests in commercial buildings requires a proactive approach and a combination of strategies. Here are some top ways to prevent pests in commercial buildings:

1. Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean and sanitize the building, paying close attention to high-risk areas such as kitchens, break rooms, and storage areas. Proper sanitation reduces the availability of food and water sources that attract pests.
2. Seal entry points: Inspect the building for any gaps or openings that pests can use to enter. Seal cracks in walls, windows, and doors, and ensure utility openings are properly sealed. Install door sweeps and weather stripping to prevent pests from sneaking in under doors.
3. Proper waste management: Establish a robust waste management system that includes proper storage, disposal, and regular removal of garbage. Use sturdy, sealed trash containers and schedule frequent pickups to avoid attracting pests with odours and food waste.
4. Educate employees: Train your staff on best practices for pest prevention, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, and proper food storage, and promptly report any signs of pests. Encourage them to be proactive in maintaining a pest-free environment.
5. Regular inspections and professional pest control: Schedule regular pest inspections conducted by professional pest control services. These inspections help identify early signs of pest activity and vulnerabilities that need attention. Develop a partnership with a professional pest control company that can provide ongoing preventive treatments and guidance.

By implementing these preventive measures consistently, commercial buildings can significantly reduce the risk of pest infestations and maintain a clean and pest-free environment.

Pest control starts with the design and construction of the building; the internal and external layout as well as construction materials. The design and construction should prevent pests' harbourage - denying access through doors, windows, vents, pipework, drains etc. and minimising the risk of access during business operations.

Rentokil plans the actions needed to prevent a pest infestation, including physical, cultural and chemical methods and will provide recommendations to specify:
 

• physical controls: maintenance of buildings to prevent access;
• cultural controls: change operating procedures to prevent infestations, specify the frequency of monitoring, responsible persons, monitoring activities, reassessment and document of activities; 
• sanitation controls: removal of food sources such as waste, spills and inappropriately stored food; removing harbourage;
• chemical controls: how to eliminate pests with safe and approved pesticides suitable for use around businesses storing, preparing and displaying fresh and packaged foods and where members of the public are present;
• an inspection regime to detect the presence of pests as early as possible, around and in buildings, in fittings, equipment, stored and displayed products and incoming supplies;
• training of personnel;
• document the control measures specified; to be made available for a review team and auditors/ inspectors

Implement the control measures that provide the most effective results and ensure safety:

• appoint trained personnel to be responsible for each area of the control measures. This can include the appointment of internal or external experts for monitoring pests;
• assign adequate resources to implement the measures;
• implement the control measures and inspection regime according to plans;
• recording actions and results in accordance with standards and legislative requirements

In the event of a pest outbreak, clear identification of the pest is essential to determine the most appropriate control methods and preventive actions needed to avoid re-infestation. 

• pest species - Different species of closely related pests have different behaviour and biology that will require tailored treatment for best results
• origin - Has the pest been introduced in delivered goods or gained entry due to structural defects, poor maintenance, poor hygiene, decaying goods etc.
• potential damage - Does it pose a food safety risk to fresh, prepared or packaged goods; can it damage equipment, fittings or building structure
• potential harbourage - Conduct an inspection of the building and surroundings to identify harbourage places
• quantity - Estimating the number of pests will provide an indication not only of the extent of the problem but how long they have been established on the premises
• conducive conditions - Pests could be present due to supplier or transport issues, or environmental conditions which encourage or trigger pest infestations

Evaluate the effectiveness of the pest control programme, this can include:

• examining pest control operations;
• reviewing operating procedures to reduce food sources, harbourage and contamination;
• review preventive maintenance procedures;
• documentation of the review;
• recommend changes and improvements to the IPM program;
• implement the recommended changes to the IPM program