To help keep pests in check this summer Clark Pest Control recommends plant managers take a walk on the exterior of their facility and check out their landscape – not just for the view but for signs of pest activity and conditions that would be conducive for pests to thrive.
Landscaping around structures can significantly impact pest pressure and facility managers should create a buffer between the building and landscape features.
Maintaining a 3 ft. vegetation-free zone between the building foundation and any shrubs, flowers or other plantings is recommended. It also important to cut grass regularly, trim shrubs and tree limbs, and fix broken sprinkler heads to avoid excess moisture and standing water (a prime mosquito attractant).
Landscaping provides a physical harborage for pests like rodents, flies, certain species of beetles and stinging insects and a ‘safe’ location to establish nesting locations.
Vegetation in close proximity to structures can also provide pests with readily available food sources. The sweet, sugary sap that plants produce is an attractive food source to ants and stinging insects as are the aphids that also come to feed off the plants.
When conducting the exterior inspection of your facility’s landscape be sure to take a 3-D view - not just ground level. Pests such as roof rats, squirrels and ants will use tree limbs to access roof areas of a building and gain access through roof vents and other openings.
Also look for signs of stinging insects that have established nests under eaves and overhangs, trees or around outdoor signage.
In addition to maintaining a well-kept landscape around your facility, Clark Pest Control recommends the following tips to lessen summer pest pressure.
- Inspect Incoming Shipments
Summer’s warmer temperatures speed up the breeding cycle of one of the most damaging food processing pests – stored product pests. More frequent product rotation and closer inspection of incoming shipments of raw materials and deliveries for signs of pest activity is recommended.
- Focus on Sanitation
As temperatures rise ants will emerge and come up through cracks floors and sidewalks in search of food. Sugary sweet foods and syrups that are often found in beverage plants and coffee shops are particularly attractive. Be sure to keep after your facility’s sanitation protocols and making sure spills are cleaned immediately, products and ingredients are stored in sealed containers, and deep clean equipment regularly.
- Turn Out the Lights on Pests
Consider installing LED lights on the exterior of your building to make it less attractive to pests. Mercury vapor lights draw flying insects in and give them easier access to your facility but LED bulbs’ spectrum of light that is less attractive to pests.
If you are looking for a pest management partner that will deliver exceptional results and outstanding customer care for your commercial facility, give Clark Pest Control a call at 800/936-3339 or visit www.clarkpest.com/commercial-services