After a rough start to spring, warmer weather is finally here! Greenery and flowers are reemerging, bringing with them new challenges for pest control. Many pests that are not seen during winter, like hornets, ants and wasps, come out in full force as they construct nests, look for food sources and reproduce.
During spring, it is essential for facility managers to communicate often with their pest management teams. Targeted strategies will be necessary to eliminate pests, and inspections during this season can uncover foraging hotspots and breeding grounds. Getting rid of these spaces now can cut the number of pests in your facility come summer.
Take time this month to inspect your building exterior, looking out in particular for small openings or cracks. Don’t forget to check roofs, screens and doors too. During winter, changing humidity and temperature levels can affect your building’s exterior, and snow and ice can expand exterior crevices and cracks.
Consider making long-term upgrades to protect your space from pests. For example, if a certain door is always causing maintenance issues, think about installing a new door sweep or using a different varnish. Consult with your pest management team to find ways to mitigate issues with ease and create a more permanent solution.
Spring is also the time of year when facility managers should be on the lookout for one pest in particular: termites. It’s easier to spot evidence of termites in the warmer months, so ask your pest management team to undergo a comprehensive inspection for these critical pests.
Summer: Focus Pest Control Measures on the Outdoors
Summer is the season for addressing exterior features and implementing pest control strategies outdoors.
Start by taking the trash out! Trash should always be disposed of away from overhead and service doors in sealed containers. Don’t give pests easy access to your facility by storing trash near an entrance.
Keep all bushes, shrubs and trees well trimmed and away from the facade of your building. This will make it more difficult for pests to get into your structure because they won’t have branches to utilize as bridges.
After you use a sprinkler for the firs time, check if water pools near the head. This can provide the perfect breeding ground for pesky mosquitos and offer larger pests, like rats, a refreshing source of drinking water. Check the sprinkler again after heavy rains or when it has been run for an extended period.
Insects also love light, so reposition yours away from doors that are frequently opened if possible. If that prevents a safety hazard, install plastic barriers or air curtains to keep pests out of your facility.
If you’ve tried all these prevention methods but still spot pests in your facility this spring or summer, shop our online catalog for pest control products and cleaning supplies in Erie PA. Looking for a recommendation? Contact our team today!
