It doesn’t matter what type of business you run — pests can be a nuisance. Whether it’s an infestation of ants, centipedes, mice, or rats, pests can damage your inventory and reputation. In the digital age, it takes minutes for a video of a mouse running amok in a grocery store or a cockroach crawling up the door in the women’s dressing room to go viral.

Next thing you know, your store is devoid of patrons.

Certain pests can hurt your business even before a customer spots them. They may chew through walls, food, and electrical wires.

To keep pests from eating away at your business, you must be proactive:

1. Recognize the Signs of an Infestation

It would be best if you recognized the signs of a pest infestation to remediate the issue in time.

• Mice and rats can leave an oily trail on your concrete floors. You may also notice dropping, chew marks, tracks, squeaking sounds, and more.
• If you notice any dead bugs of the same type, you probably have a bug infestation.
• Wasps can be a problem for any business. Usually, the first sign of a wasp infestation is a nest. Avoid handling wasps yourself as they tend to get more aggressive. Reach out to professionals instead.

Pests are a problem in big cities in North American countries like Canada. Fortunately, pest control in Toronto costs less in the long term than you may think when you hire the right team. For example, a team like GreenLeaf Pest Control, with a decade of experience, minimizes the risk of reinfestation by using state-of-the-art pesticide-free pest control solutions. Call pest control immediately if you notice signs of an infestation.

2. Plug Up Holes

With the help of a professional, you must inspect your commercial property for holes, cracks, and other openings that pests can use as a doorway. Plug up the holes thoroughly to prevent unwanted guests from entering your business.

3. Stay Clean

Food attracts pests, so set strict food consumption rules — staff must only consume food in designated areas. Additionally, your business must regularly vacuum, sweep, and mop its floors. Areas where people eat, like the kitchen, should be regularly sanitized and disinfected. Not only do proper sanitization practices protect your staff from COVID-19, but they also keep bugs away.

Your business must discard waste correctly. Instead of being left around in the kitchen, food must be disposed of in airtight trash slabs every night.

4. Stay Organized

Reduce clutter and stay organized. Manage your inventory and get rid of unnecessary items. Pests love to hide and live in cluttered spots. Please also avoid keeping cardboard boxes around, as they are a magnet for cockroaches and other creepy crawlies.

5. Moisture Is Your Enemy

Moisture and pools of water on the floor are already problematic because they can lead to safety concerns. You don’t want your staff or clients slipping and falling over.

Additionally, moisture attracts insects like termites and mosquitoes. Ensure that any water on the floor is mopped up quickly. Please also check your bathroom and kitchen for leaky faucets.

You must be proactive to keep your business free from pests. Minimize the risk of a pest infestation by paying attention to cleanliness and call the professionals when you need to serve bugs, mice, and rats an eviction notice.