1-855-633-6260 Call us for a free quote Contact us

7 industries at risk for pest activity

Regardless of the type of business being managed and the industry it falls under, every facility comes with its own set of pest problems. 

Hospitality, non-food and food retail, warehousing and logistics, healthcare, food processing, and property facility management are all industries that are traditionally at higher risk, and frequently infested by pests such as rodents, birds, cockroaches, and flies. As these pests move in and around spaces, they bring with them a myriad of health and safety issues – impacting a business’ reputation and becoming a major liability.

Providing your customers and employees with a pest-free environment while protecting your business is not an impossible task, especially when you take preventative measures.

Exploring industry risk maps

Highlighting the seven major industries, Rentokil has compiled a library of pest risk maps to help with your prevention efforts. These industry-specific maps reveal the most notorious pests, the potential issues they pose, and where they commonly invade. Discover where your business is at risk now and gain insights into how you can reduce activity.

1. Hospitality

The hospitality industry encounters a large variety of pests, ranging from rodents and bed bugs to birds and ants. Pest risks for this industry significantly increase during busy travel seasons. The spaces these businesses provide for their customers and guests typically offer cozy interiors and expansive exteriors – the perfect environments for pests to hide, reproduce, and thrive. Hot spots such as bedrooms, kitchens, storage closets, pools, outside dining, and lounge areas often see the most pest activity and should be regularly monitored.

Hospitality

2. Food processing

Food processing facilities must comply with strict guidelines when it comes to pest infestations. If rodentsstored product insectsbirds, or other pests contaminate goods or products, it can cause foodborne illness, lead to audit failures, slow production, negatively affect business operations, or the worst case scenario, result in facility shutdowns. Identifying high-risk areas for pest activity – in and around the business – can help with early detection and prevent an infestation before it has the opportunity to spread. A pest introduction could be brought in on other shipments or on employees, making the areas where products or personal belongings are stored more at risk for undetected pest activity.

Food processing

3. Food retail

Food retail businesses may experience ongoing issues with rodents and flies; however, stored product insectscockroaches, and birds can also cause major concerns. Varying in size from small convenience stores to mega food clubs, food retail businesses all have areas that are hot spots for pests. These pest-prone spaces include garbage and receiving areas, food storage shelves, produce departments, and parking lots. Reduce pest activity by keeping these areas free of food debris, standing water, and trash. Also, be sure to continually monitor them for signs of pests.

Food retail

4. Non-food retail

Non-food retail businesses exist in consumer areas with high foot traffic. More times than not, this means they’re located in large malls, strip malls, or shopping centers that provide some sort of food element – be it fast food, casual dining, or a coffee kiosk – increasing the potential for pest activity. The pests that invade these spaces will be some of the same ones food retailers battle: birdsfliesrodents, and cockroaches. These pests may seek out hiding places that are nearby a food or water source, such as inside a utility closet, restroom, recycling area, or storage room. Monitoring and keeping these areas clean and free of debris will help minimize a surprise encounter or undetected infestation, which can easily occur via deliveries.

Non-food retail

5. Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are perceived as providing patients with some of the most sanitary conditions. That’s why an encounter with a pest such as a bed bugrodent, or cockroach requires sensitive and immediate measures to ensure the problem is contained. As patients, visitors, and employees come and go, so will pests; sometimes hitchhiking their way in – the preferred method of transportation for bed bugs and cockroaches. Training personnel in areas where pest sightings often occur: patient rooms, break and locker rooms, waiting areas, emergency rooms, cafeterias, kitchens, and reception areas, will help ensure people’s health and safety is a primary concern.

Healthcare

6. Facilities management

Property facility management buildings are located just about anywhere. And, like other industries, they provide break areas, working spaces, garbage areas, waiting areas, reception/lobby areas, and storage rooms. Employees and customers who are coming and going may unknowingly introduce bed bugs or cockroaches into these spaces. While pests, like rodentsflies, and birds may be lured by stored food, garbage areas, or access to water. Monitoring high-traffic areas and spaces that are out of sight (boiler rooms, server rooms, utility closets) is a good practice for preventing pest activity.

Facilities management

7. Warehousing and logistics

Warehousing and logistics is an industry that is constantly on the go, especially in today’s climate as consumers and businesses become more dependent on e-commerce for supplies and short delivery times. To meet customer demand and optimize productivity, it’s essential to keep costly disruptions to a minimum by maintaining a pest-free environment and protecting the products coming through on a daily basis. Pests like rodentsbirds, and cockroaches can easily invade open warehouse spaces and hide just about anywhere. Prevent pest infestations, by pinpointing where pests may be invading the facility and identifying areas that are common hot spots for activity.

Warehousing and logistics

Rentokil: The world’s largest pest control company

As you review your pest management for 2023, consider implementing an integrated pest management plan that takes into account the ecosystem of your business. Avoid costly disruptions and experience pest-free with Rentokil. We design our pest control programs to eliminate existing pest infestations and proactively prevent future problems.

Experience is everything.

  • Don't just imagine your business with no pests...experience pest-free with Rentokil.
Claim your FREE consultation!

Related posts