Pest invasions are not only a potential problem in the home, but also in the workplace. Office buildings and work premises often offer rodents and other pests, water and food sources, as well as shelter. The presence of rodents in the workplace is particularly dangerous due to their tendency to spread viruses and parasites. Having people working in close proximity with these risks endangers the health of all staff members.
or eat food at their computers or desks. This
means more crumbs, attracting more pests.
Food Sources
Workplaces are often a great source of food for pests, as most work premises contain kitchens or other food preparation areas used by staff members. With so many people using these facilities every week, crumbs and food particles quickly build up in these areas. Many people also store non-refrigerated items in the cupboards or drawers of the work kitchen, which if not sealed properly, will attract pests. In addition to this, many office workers will often snack on the go, or eat food at their computers or desks. This means more crumbs, attracting more pests. Workplaces that are surrounded by fruit trees or bushes are also known to attract pests.
Water Sources
Water is also a great attraction to pests. All pests require water to survive, and rodents and ants are drawn to bodies of water, especially of they occur near food sources. This means leaking taps, sinks and pipes (both indoors and outdoors) as well as bird feeders and birdbaths, can attract unwanted pests. Leaving water in the sink or in glasses or bowls can also attract pests.
Shelter
Pests and particularly rodents, like to hide from view where it is quite and dark. Office buildings are wrought with cracks, openings, utility entries, pipes and ventilation ducts which provide perfect shelter for rodents. If cracks are not filled with concrete, mortar, steel wool or metal flashing, pest have a direct route into the building. It is also important to be aware of your outdoor workplace environment Shrubs and foliage bordering the building, tree limbs over hanging the building, and vines hanging off the building, also offer pests another method of entry if not properly pruned and cut back. Outdoors storage sheds that are not mounted on concrete slabs may also encourage rodents to tunnel and use the shed as shelter.
Common signs of rodents include, spotting rats or mice, especially in the early hours of the morning or late at night. Other signs may include spotting rodent droppings around the workplace, especially in kitchens or food preparation areas and on attics and wall beams. There may also be evidence of food packaging being nibbled or gnawed within bins, cupboards, and drawers. Ants are usually reasonably easy to spot, appearing as long marching lines that lead to and from water or food sources. If you have found evidence of rodents or other pests at your workplace, contact www.trustedpestmanagement.com.au/.
By Grace Patterson
Image Credit:
James Barker – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net
11 replies on “Common Causes for a Pest invasion at your Workplace”
i agree, there are rodent problems because of the food we left anywhere. simple solution… get rid of the person causing the problem… i mean the food… hehehe. Yahweh bless.
just hearing the word pests particularly RATS gives shiver to my skin … thanks for the tips
It’s not really a good habit leaving workplaces not well-kept and letting food stay. Actually some organizations don’t allow eating on their workplace. I think this should be implemented.
When workplaces are occupied by a few individuals, mice, rats are seemed to frequent the said places.
Food containers should really be sealed as not to invite pests in the office or household.
Actually, in our office, I usually scheduled pest maintenance for this purpose. Lots of workers were eating their meals at the kitchen, but sometimes, the garbage’s still messy.
And most of the rodents at workplace are much bigger!!
Thanks for these helpful tips. It’s terrible to find pests in our workplaces! It always pays to throw out all the garbage before leaving the office and make sure the place is clean.
improper handling and storage of foods in the workplace kitchen invites pests like rodents and cockroaches, the reason why most corporate offices hire attendants to clean and organize their pantry.
I am always careful in placing my food to proper and secure places. I just hate RATS especially when they invade your cupboard. I mean, who doesn’t, right? Thanks for these tips.
Regular cleanup in the office is really important to avoid these pests to treat the workplace as their shelter. Everyone and not only the cleaning personnel should be informed.