Pest control is an important part of managing a warehouse. An outbreak can cost businesses thousands, if not more, in damaged stock, halted production and loss of reputation.
Below we share some of our top strategies for keeping pests out of your warehouse.
Inspect new shipments
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of inspecting any new deliveries for signs of pests. This may include hair, droppings and chewed up materials. Ensure all employees are aware of the signs of pests so they know what to look out for and can alert the appropriate person.
Rotate stock regularly
Pests love quiet, undisturbed areas so if you have boxes which have been kept in the same place for weeks or months on end, they could soon become home to any number of pests.
To prevent this happening, rotate all stock or materials being stored on a regular basis. Remember, pests aren’t just at ground level, they could also be in the base of pallets or on shelves.
Remove all food sources
You’ve probably heard it thousands of times before but when it comes to keeping pests away, it really is important to remove any potential food sources. This is one of the main reasons pests make their way inside so it’s not worth the risk.
• Clean up food spillages immediately and use an appropriate sanitiser if it’s a liquid
• Sweep, mop and/or hoover floors every day
• Clean behind appliances regularly
• Try not to store food on countertops
• Once food items have been opened, store them in tightly sealed containers rather than leaving them in cardboard boxes or plastic bags which are easy for pests to get into
• Store rubbish bags in a secure bin which has a lid
Seal any entry points
With vehicles and employees in and out all the time, keeping pests out of a warehouse can feel like an almighty challenge. Keep loading bays and side doors closed whenever possible and also conduct a thorough inspection of the outside of your premises.
Even the likes of rats can squeeze through very small spaces so make sure you fill any gaps or holes. Also check around windows and doors because they often have gaps large enough for pests to make their way through.
Remove potential nesting materials
If you make it easy for pests to make themselves comfortable in your warehouse, it’s unlikely you’ll ever get rid of them. Ensure dust, debris, cardboard, paper and general rubbish is cleared away and never left on the floor. As well as providing a comfortable bed, these materials also double up as somewhere to hide.
Beware of stagnant water
Water is essential to staying alive so if you’re providing an easy supply, pests will soon make their way in. Stagnant water is also a breeding ground for flying insects so fix any leaks as soon as possible, wipe up spillages immediately and don’t leave buckets of water out.
Pest-proof your warehouse
There are a number of ways you can pest-proof your warehouse including installing fly screen doors, pigeon nets, bait, sealing entry points and practicing good housekeeping. If you’re not sure how to pest-proof your warehouse, our expert advisors are on hand to help.
Find a reputable pest controller
We always recommend that warehouses work closely with a trusted pest control company. As well as being on hand should an outbreak occur, they can install prevention measures which will stop pests making their way inside in the first place.
To find out more about pest control for warehouses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Prokill and we’ll be more than happy to help.
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