Tips on Pest Prevention
Tips on Keeping Your Building Pest Free
Doors Stops/ Weather Stripping
Doors and windows should seal tightly, with no gaps for rodent entry. Thresholds and door sweeps can enhance rodent proofing, as a rat can squeeze through a 1/2″ gap; a mouse only needs 1/4″ to slip into your building!
Outside Vegetation
Cut back vegetation away from the building so that it does not serve as a harborage for rodents and insects.
Structural Repairs
Plug up cracks and holes in the foundation or walls of the building which would allow entry by rodents or other pests.
Design Maintenance
Discourage roosting by pigeons or other nuisance birds by designing buildings along with a pest management consultant or, with an existing building, by netting or other roosting deterrents provided by a pest management professional/
Refuse Disposal
With heightened attention to recycling and required composting in the City of San Francisco, it is essential that all containers be emptied, cleaned and kept covered to reduce the likelihood of small flies breeding in these locations.
Floor Drains
Bathroom and other floor drains can be a source of flying insect and cockroach activity. Cleaning and regular maintenance can prevent pest activity in these locations.
Other Areas Needing Attention:
- Employees should not store foods/snacks in desk drawers to avoid ants and stored products pests such as beetles and weevils.
- Remove clutter and dust from behind file cabinets, desks, storage closets and other hard-to-reach places to avoid attracting spiders.
- To avoid ants and fungus gnats, do not over-water indoor plants. Talk to your plant maintenance company if you utilize a service and suspect this may be a problem.
- Tightly cover outside garbage dumpsters.
- Discourage moth and nighttime flying insect activity from your building by ensuring that outdoor/parking lot lighting illuminates the building but is installed away from the building. Insects will be attracted to the lights themselves and therefore fly away from the building.
