Rodents are considered public health pests by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They infest commercial businesses around the world and pose a threat to business owners. The CDC states that rodent infestation can spread diseases, cause fire hazards and damage property. Here are five ways to prevent rodents in commercial businesses.
1. Clean Up Food Sources
Rodents need three things to survive (just like us): food, shelter and water. Thus, the first step in preventing rodents is locating all potential food sources for them at your business–including any unsealed food containers around the building, as well as pet food. Clean up garbage regularly to eliminate debris rodents use for shelter or food. Keep outside areas clear of brush or overgrown grass, so rodents have no place to hide.
When the rodents just won’t go, call Presto Pest Control for help.
2. Seal Entry Points
Seal all openings around the building, including cracks and crevices around wires, air conditioners and vents. Use steel wool or metal mesh to make the holes larger than an inch in diameter before sealing them with caulk or expanding foam. This also includes doors and windows. Make sure they close tightly when you leave the building.
3. Eliminate Water Sources
Rodents need water to survive but can get plenty of water from natural sources such as plants and puddles on dirt or grass. Eliminate all possible sources of standing water that rodents may find by cleaning out sinks, dumping old buckets of water and weed whacking overgrown shrubs near the building. If one rodent manages to get inside your business, it will likely tell all its friends.
Presto Pest Control’s Commercial Services will rid your business of those rodents fast.
4. Use Repellents
Place these throughout the building on surfaces near potential entry points, and the rodents will not cross over them to get inside. Most of these use a citrus scent that rodents dislike, but some of these products can be harmful to children or pets, so do your research before buying one. Some natural repellents include citrus peels, wolf urine, cayenne pepper and many different types of mint.
5. Keep Your Indoor Areas Clean
Rodents can find food in the most unlikely of places, so keep your business clean, especially near their entry points. Once you’ve cleaned up all excess food and water sources, go over the rest of the building with a fine-tooth comb to make sure there’s nothing that could be even remotely appetizing to them. Don’t forget about small things like crumbs on tables or grease spots on walls. These are sure ways for rodents to know where they can get their next meal.
If you’ve done all you can and the rodents keep running your business, contact Presto Pest Control today.