As much as we love the summer months, it brings out the animals and insects. Having small animals, such as rodents, get into your structure cannot only be gross but they can also cause serious damage to your building’s structure and system. If you have concerns about using traditional traps or poisons, approach the situation using integrated pest management. Here are some tips on rodent prevention.

 

The harm they cause

Even though they are small animals, they are no small problem. They carry dangerous bacteria and can transmit disease. They often carry parasites such as ticks and fleas that can infect humans. Their droppings and saliva can also be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. This will cause problems for your visitors and employees. Rodents are also known for wreaking havoc on your structure; they can make their way through building materials and also get into wires that could affect a number of things in your building. Once they get into your structure, installation is an ideal place for their nests as well.

 

How to avoid them

Just like humans, rodents need food, water and shelter to survive. If a building is providing them with all three they are probably going to stick around. This can be solved with through simple maintenance. If there is access clutter laying around your facility it offers rodents a place to live. Make sure employees aren’t leaving food and crumbs on the floors and desks. Then make sure there is not any standing water in bathrooms or areas where water is circulating. Also just like humans, there has to be a way for us to enter and exit the building. Pay attention to gaps under doors, tears in window screens, envelope cracks, and penetrations around utility connections, piping and skylights. Rodents can get through very tiny spaces make sure you are on the lookout for those.  

 

Green Pest Methods

Routine inspections are the best way to stop the problem before it starts. This should be done every month, make sure to pay extra attention during fall when animals are preparing for their winter hiding places. Be on the lookout for anything that could tip you off to their presence such as droppings and chewed up materials. If this problem does a rise, it is up to you as the facility manager to make sure you are doing what is best for your building.