Buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) outpacing the transportation and industrial sectors. And warehouses, specifically, are huge energy hogs.
Implementing sustainable strategies does more than positively impact the environment, it reduces costs for your facility and saves energy. It also meets the demands of the growing consumer trend looking for green, natural and organic products grown and produced in ways that limit any negative impact to our ecosystem.
A pest management program for your warehouse should be a part of your sustainable practices. In fact, eco-friendly decisions can improve your current sustainability plan and fit well with the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations that focus on preventing pest issues instead of reacting to them, and using risk-based assessments to make management decisions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the best way to protect your facility from pests and reduce the environmental impact of an operational footprint. An IPM program is effective and sustainable because it focuses on exclusion, sanitation and eliminating other conditions conducive to pest populations. IPM programs use the least-hazardous options available for pest problems and limit chemical treatments to last-resort scenarios.
An IPM program includes proactive and preventive methods to deter pests. Flies, rodents, roaches and other pests don’t need much space to enter the building. Perform routine sweeps of your facility to identify and repair cracks, gaps and crevices around your building that may allow pests to come inside. The pest management provider will look for sanitation issues, pest entry points, unmanaged food and water sources and “harborage zones,” or places pests are currently or could potentially inhabit. Having a property regularly inspected allows a pest management program to consistently adapt to a warehouse’s changing needs.
Sustainable Landscaping
While landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pest control, landscaping can act as an attractor or deterrent to pests. For example, flies are known to reproduce in warm, moist material that supplies food for the larvae – meaning a water-logged lawn is the perfect place for these tiny pests to nest. That’s why it is important to keep pest behavior in mind when creating or maintaining your facility’s landscaping. Learn how you can reduce your business’s environmental footprint – and shoo away pests – with these tips:
- Water only when necessary. Running your facility’s irrigation system too frequently can not only cause an excess of water around your building but can also cost you money. Invest in a smart sprinkler or set up a schedule for your irrigation system to control the amount of water accordingly.
- Plant water-efficient plants. Planting drought-tolerant plants can decrease the need to frequently run your facility’s irrigation system and diminish the amount of standing water.
- Eliminate standing water. Install storm water drainage systems to help keep water from pooling in areas around your facility or accumulating in ponds, prairies or other areas on site.
Energy Savings
Want to save even more? Some communities offer tax incentives for facilities with sustainable features. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program allows buildings to earn credits to become LEED-certified. LEED certification is given to buildings which are deemed sustainable and can help solidify your business’s reputation as a clean, green facility.
Becoming an environmentally-responsible warehouse and sustainable pest management go hand-in-hand. By reducing your facility’s exterior water usage, eliminating unnecessary pesticides and preventing pest problems in the long run, you can save time, money and energy, all while shielding your warehouse from pests. Talk to your pest management provider to implement energy-efficient IPM tactics that will help your facility become LEED-certified and pest free.