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5 Types of Pests in Commercial Establishments

5 Types of Pests in Commercial Establishments

Businesses will benefit from regular pest inspections.

Because of its climate and environment, pests are common in Australia, both in rural and urban areas. When not attended to, pests can cause costly damage to properties and your health. Worse, some carry diseases and can even cause allergies.

Pests can also bring heartbreaking damage to business establishments. In some industries, the presence of one critter can destroy the credibility of a business. For many, building a good reputation can take years to achieve. However, a pest infestation can instantly ruin a business’s good name.

Every business owner must ensure the health and safety of their patrons. One accident can bring an expensive lawsuit and a ruined reputation. Moreover, a simple mistake or oversight can cause losses, and no business wants that.

Common Pests Business Owners Should Watch Out For

If you are a business owner, or planning to become one, it is important to be aware of common pests in commercial establishments. Here are some of them.

1. Rodents

A rodent infestation is a nightmare for every business owner. Rodents are infamous for their ability to burrow, fit into, or swim through, impassable areas. They are a particularly fearsome pest because of their resilience, fast reproduction, and wariness of traps.

A single rodent sighting on the premises is bad for business. However, in the world of social media, it can quickly blow up. One video or photo uploaded on the Internet can go viral in a few hours. It can lead not just to a ruined reputation but a possible shutdown.

Common Pests Business Owners Should Watch Out For

Rodents are also notorious for chewing through inventories and properties. They can damage stocked products, storage containers, electrical wirings, walls, and insulation.

Worse, rodents are known to spread diseases through their urine, droppings, saliva, and blood. One rodent can carry various bacteria and diseases, such as Scrub Typhus, Hantavirus, and Leptospirosis.

Therefore, taking quick action is essential when addressing a potential rodent problem.

2. Ants

While you may think ants are generally harmless, they can bring serious issues to some businesses. Ignoring ants can cost your business and can even be a safety hazard.

Ants can be quite destructive when they start multiplying. They can damage appliances, textiles, electronics, and even structures. They can even cause problems to the electricals of a building when they build their nests.

For businesses in the hospitality industry, ants can also cause patrons serious problems. Some people are allergic to ant bites. Though rare, ant bites can even lead to anaphylactic shock.

Ants can also cause food poisoning when they crawl through food supplies and transmit bacteria. While they do not usually carry diseases, they can spread food-borne disease organisms.

3. Ticks

Out of the 900 species of ticks worldwide, 72 are found in Australia. While ticks live in grasses and bushlands, they can latch onto any animal passing by. Ticks in hospitality businesses such as hotels may also be brought by pets of patrons.

Like with ant bites, tick bites are usually harmless. However, it can lead to allergies or even serious illnesses. For example, children may develop tick paralysis. In addition, ticks can spread diseases, such as Q fever, Flinders Island Spotted Fever, and Queensland tick typhus.

4. Fleas

Like ticks, fleas can get into commercial establishments through pets. A flea infestation can occur rather swiftly if not immediately prevented. Tiny flea eggs can fall from pets and stay undetected in carpets, soft furniture, drapes, and bed linens.

One problem with fleas is that they can be difficult to eradicate completely once they get inside. Therefore, you should immediately call a professional flea control service provider when you suspect a flea infestation in your establishment.

Fleas can spread diseases, such as typhus disease. They can also carry tapeworm larvae.

5. Termites

This list will not be complete without termites. Termites are damaging to any structures, whether residential or commercial.

Termites are social creatures. They build large nests in wood or soil. They can destroy structures by feeding from the insides of posts, beams, and walls. Hardwood floors are also not safe from termites. They weaken structural components in the process and can make a building unsafe. These pests can cost you and can even cause business interruption.

How to Prevent a Pest Infestation in your Business Establishment

How to Prevent a Pest Infestation in your Business Establishment

Being proactive is the key to avoiding a costly pest infestation. With pests, it is always better to be ahead of the game. However, taking action when the infestation is known may be a little too late. When the infestation and damage are obvious, the problem may already be serious.

Here are some tips for preventing pests from taking over your business.

Keep your establishment clean and tidy

Pests can easily keep their presence when there is clutter. Organisation and cleaning up can help prevent an infestation from occurring. Arrange equipment, organise supplies, and position furniture properly. This way, you can easily spot if some critters have started to take up residence in your business.

It is also important not to leave food everywhere. Some pests, such as rodents, need food, and leaving scraps of food is a good way to invite them in. Keep pantries and kitchens clean and clear at all times. Always wipe all surfaces and tables clean.

Seal possible entry points

Identifying the possible entry points of pests is essential in keeping them out of your establishment. The four common entry points of pests are pipes, windows, ceilings, and walls. Some pests can also enter through cracks, so it is important to ensure that walls and ceilings are not compromised.

Wash linens, drapes, and carpets regularly

Fleas and ticks can stay in drapes and carpets, so make sure that you clean and change them regularly. Doing so also avoids dust and mould build-ups which can cause allergies to your employees and customers.

Schedule a regular pest inspection service

Regular pest inspection service allows you to identify pest infestations that are just starting and are still easy to fix. These thorough pest inspection services provide comprehensive reports and recommendations on what you should do.

Contact Vital Building Inspections Sydney If You Suspect a Pest Infestation.

If you have not performed a regular pest inspection, it’s not too late to start one. We are a Sydney-based company that has helped businesses maintain their establishments pest-free for over two decades. We are compliant with the Australian Standards for Building Inspection and Pest Inspection. Call us now on 0401 012 074, and let us talk about how we can assist you.

Contact Vital Building Inspections Sydney If You Suspect a Pest Infestation