Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. 

Now that we are in the middle of summer with warmer temperatures as the norm, you might have noticed pests entering your facility. But where are they coming in, you might ask? More than just a nuisance, controlling pests is especially problematic as they affect your facilities’ cleanliness, appearance, and safety. So, it’s important to know the hot spots where pests are invading and entering your building.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) says pests most burdensome in the summertime in facilities include rats, carpenter ants, mosquitos, spiders, and termites. Other pesky summertime pests include large flies, bees, wasps, and birds.

Pests don’t just make a lot of noise; they transmit bacteria and carry potentially harmful diseases to humans. Additionally, some pets can damage the structural integrity of buildings or equipment inside the building.

Be sure to wipe down surfaces, empty trash cans, and remove clutter from storage areas. Schools should use the summer downtime to do extensive cleaning. Learn more by reading “5 Back-to-School Cleaning Tips for Healthy Buildings,” on Facilities Management Advisor.

Facilities managers should look in these five places to help manage pests at their facilities, offered by Orkin Pest Control and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

1. Gutters: The debris of old leaves, seeds, and dirt stuck in gutters could attract insects and rodents, so make sure to clean out all the debris from them. And consider installing gutter guards.
2. Exterior landscaping: Overhanging branches that touch the facility can encourage bugs to access the building more easily. Make sure to trim back branches to cut off pests’ access.
3. Cracks: Inspect the facility’s perimeter for cracks. Be sure to check all entrances, windows, fixtures, and pipes so pests can’t crawl through. Caulk cracks and cover holes.
4. Trash bins: Make sure you have trash cans with tight-fitting lids and use sealed dumpsters so pests hunting for food can’t access the garbage. Consider using heavy-duty trash bags. Keep trash cans away from your facility.
5. Restrooms: Did you know that rodents can enter old facilities and piping through the sewer system? Install plastic, one-way rodent-proofing toilet valves if you believe this could impact you. Don’t forget to clean your restrooms by following the advice given on “4 Restroom Cleaning Tips for World Toilet Day” on Facilities Management Advisor.

By managing these five hot spots for pests, facilities managers can minimize the damaging and unpleasant effects to their buildings.

Learn More

No matter the facility that you manage, learn more about the objectives and benefits of creating a comprehensive pest management plan by reading “How to Launch an Integrated Pest Management Program” on Facilities Management Advisor.

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