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. <\/p>\n
Below we share some of our top strategies for keeping pests out of your warehouse. <\/p>\n
Inspect new shipments<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n Rotate stock regularly<\/strong> <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n To prevent this happening, rotate all stock or materials being stored on a regular basis. Remember, pests aren\u2019t just at ground level, they could also be in the base of pallets or on shelves. You\u2019ve 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\u2019s not worth the risk.<\/p>\n \u2022\tClean up food spillages immediately and use an appropriate sanitiser if it\u2019s a liquid Seal any entry points<\/strong> <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Remove potential nesting materials<\/strong><\/p>\n If you make it easy for pests to make themselves comfortable in your warehouse, it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n
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\nRemove all food sources<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tSweep, mop and\/or hoover floors every day
\n\u2022\tClean behind appliances regularly
\n\u2022\tTry not to store food on countertops
\n\u2022\tOnce 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
\n\u2022\tStore rubbish bags in a secure bin which has a lid<\/p>\n