Introduction

Pest management may take a backseat over the holiday season when there are many other things to consider. For obvious reasons, insects and rodents tend to hibernate throughout the winter. Wrong. Pests are opportunistic; if they notice your workers basking in the warmth of the office (and perhaps enjoying some holiday snacks in the break room), you can bet they’ll want to join in. Even a small number of insects can cause serious problems if they find their way into your business or, even worse, become a problem for your customers. Which pests tend to show up in the workplace during the winter and how to spot them is detailed below.

  1. Rodents

Since rats may fit through gaps as narrow as a quarter and mice even smaller, it is essential to always:

  • Cracks in the building’s façade, broken seals on doors and windows, ripped screens, holes in the roof, and uncovered utility vents should all be sealed.

  • Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness and lack of trash in high-use areas, including waiting rooms, break rooms, and restrooms.

  • Look for indicators of pests, such as droppings or gnaw marks, in less frequented areas of the property and places like storage, electrical, or utility rooms.

  1. Cockroaches

Cockroaches, as is common knowledge, thrive in warm weather. During the winter, they would want to spend time at the seaside, but unfortunately, this is rarely possible. As a result, they frequently show up in damp facilities like restrooms, cafeterias, and kitchens. To eliminate cockroaches:

  • Patch up the gaps around the windows, the holes in the walls, and the areas where the utility lines come in from the inside and outside.

  • To prevent mold growth, it is important to keep bathrooms and kitchens as dry as possible and to regularly check for leaks in sinks and faucets.

  • Cockroaches frequently enter buildings through drains and plumbing pipes; therefore, it’s important to ensure all your floor drains are screened and in good working condition with the right mesh/gasket.

  • Keep perishable items in airtight containers and place them at least a quarter of a meter away from the base of the outer wall.

  • Get rid of any debris pests might use as shelter, and implement rigorous, consistent waste management.

  1. Bed Bugs

Do you think that hotels are the only places where bed bugs may be found? Try again. It’s still possible for these crafty bugs to enter your business on the backs of employees or customers by hitchhiking on their clothing, backpacks, or luggage. Always store dirty cleaning towels and other clothing in zippered bags until washing time, and vacuum frequently to prevent their entry. Try to spot:

  • Bed Bug skins during molting.

  • Spots of black or brown on upholstered furniture.

  • The musty odor that comes from the scent glands on bed bugs.

  • Pay particular attention to the locker rooms, changing rooms, lunchrooms, offices, and facilities where motorized vehicles are handled, such as forklifts, in commercial operations.

  1. Overwintering Insects

Insects such as stink bugs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and ground beetles are considered a nuisance despite posing little threat to human health. As the temperature outside drops, these pests are attracted by the warmth of the interior and hunt for a spot to hibernate for the winter. On bright, sunny days, they are attracted to regions of buildings with more direct sunshine, surprising many people who find themselves surrounded by them near windows and other light sources. So that you can enjoy your indoor winter activities without worrying about these pests:

  • Close any entry points for insects, such as holes in the foundation, spaces around the windows and doors, holes in the screen, and unscreened openings.

  • Before the commencement of interior migration, qualified pest control services should begin residual exterior treatments at your facility if it has a history of nuisance or overwintering insects.

Conclusion

It is important to take preventative measures and act quickly if pests are discovered in the wintertime to keep them out of your business. Contact ASM Pest Control right away for advice on how to spot pests, what they eat, and how to keep them away with expert tips on Pest Control in Surrey.