As the colors of autumn begin to fade and the colder months approach, it’s crucial to prepare for a shift in rodent activity. Contrary to popular belief, many rodents don’t simply die off in the winter. Instead, they seek warm and cozy indoor shelters to survive the cold. Because of this shift, in the winter, rodents can pose significant challenges to your business. With the right strategies, you can effectively safeguard your business.
Understanding Winter Rodents
Common winter rodents include rats and mice. These pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food supplies, and pose health risks to occupants and products. The key to managing mice and rats is to make your facility less attractive and accessible to them.
5 Key Strategies for Winter Pest Prevention
Implementing comprehensive rodent prevention strategies is essential to maintain a safe and sanitary facility. The following measures will help create a rodent-resistant environment.
1. Maintain Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a cornerstone of rodent prevention. Ensure that all areas of your facility including kitchens, break rooms, and storage areas are kept clean and free of food debris. Always keep garbage in sealed containers and regularly dispose of it. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule will help to eliminate potential food sources and the filth rats and mice crave.
2. Inspect and Repair Roofing and Gutters
Damaged roofing and clogged gutters can create ideal conditions for rodents to enter and thrive – remember, rats just need a hole the size of a quarter to squeeze through and mice? A hole the size of a dime! Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and repair them promptly.
3. Control Moisture Levels
Rats and mice need water to live, so of courses they are attracted to moisture and standing water. Fix any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or walls promptly. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces can also help reduce humidity levels. Ensure that your facility has proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
4. Store Food Properly
In addition to water and shelter, of course mice and rats need food to live. They are most drawn to easily accessible food sources. Store food in airtight containers and keep storage areas clean and organized. In food processing facilities, make sure to regularly inspect stored food for signs of rodent activity and rotate stock to ensure older items are used first.
5. Bring in Some Help
Your best bet is to bring in a professional pest control company who can not only deal with rat control and mouse control, but can help with keeping rodents out in the first place. The best defense is a superior offense, so taking precautionary measures can be a game changer down the road.
Takeaway: Ensure Year-Round Rodent Control Protection
Don’t let your rodent control take a back seat in the winter. By repairing your foundation, maintaining cleanliness, controlling moisture levels, and implementing specific rodent control measures, you can help eliminate rodents and other pests from your business year-round. For the best results, consider partnering with Western Pest Services to keep your facility protected. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and enjoy a pest-controlled season!
Contact Western Pest Services to help protect your business this winter.