Let’s get one thing straight: any pest is bad for business, regardless of its species. Whether you run a bustling restaurant or work in a packed office, pests bring health risks and structural damage to every place they invade. Let’s see which pests are the worst for any business and why they are so destructive.
Cockroaches
Roaches are some of the most vile creatures on Earth. They can spread over 30 diseases and contaminate every surface they touch. Their bodies also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in people who spend a lot of time around the pests. Since roaches need a lot of moisture to survive, they’re usually found in dark spaces with a plumbing leak or extra puddles. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas are often the targets of a roach infestation.
Ants
When you think of food pests, you probably think of ants. Worker ants forage for enough food to sustain their colony, and they lead their fellow workers to a safe food source by leaving a pheromone (scent chemical) trail on their way home. Ants can invade buildings through tiny cracks and gaps, especially near plumbing. Once ants find a reliable food supply in your business, they will never leave on their own – especially if their nest is right outside.
Rodents
Rats and mice bring a world of new problems to the businesses they invade. From chewed electrical wires to food contamination, rodents are not a friend to any industry. Mice and rats are both scavengers who use their found resources for nest materials and food sources. They also reproduce fairly quickly, so a small problem quickly grows into a major infestation. Rats average about 6 litters a year, while mice produce up to 10 litters a year. Talk about a big family!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs aren’t just a problem for hotels. They can survive in any place that’s dark and warm. Since they can flatten their entire bodies, bed bugs prefer to press themselves into tight quarters, like in mattress seams and behind wallpaper. While they prefer to eat every day, bed bugs can go a year without feasting on our blood! You’ll know if you have a bed bug problem if your guests or staff start finding red, itchy welts on their bodies after staying in your building.
Stinging Insects
Since stinging bugs prefer to live outdoors, they may not seem like a major issue compared to the other pests. But bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are very defensive of their nests, and any perceived threat is at risk of being stung. These pests are more aggressive in the heat, so you may see more of them in the summer. It’s not fun for anyone to get stung, but if a customer or employee is allergic to bee stings, a wasp nest becomes a major safety risk.
Protect Your Business With Presto
Professional pest control doesn’t have to break your budget. At Presto Pest Control, we solve stressful pest problems as safely and efficiently as possible. Between our customized treatment plans and thorough inspections, your business is in good hands when our licensed technicians are on the scene. Contact us for more information on our preventative pest control services!