How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Business

Serving Illinois and Indiana

There are several reasons why rodents are known to infest office complexes and businesses, and it often has to do with the cleanliness of the building. A commercial space with a mouse or rat infestation can be prone to diseases, while possibly tarnishing your business’ reputation.

But you don’t have to ban snacks and lunches at employee workstations. Time is short, and sometimes employees have to eat and work to get everything done before they clock out for the day. If they eat at their desks, have them clean up everything before leaving!  Leftover food is a huge attractant for rodents, and eliminating their source of survival can work to eliminate your chances of a rodent infestation.

The best way to keep rodents out of your business, however, is to bring in professional pest control. Rodent exterminators at Terminix Anderson see all sorts of infestations in commercial settings, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to exclude and prevent rats and mice.

Ways to Prevent Rodents in Your Business

Preventing rodents in a business requires keeping the premises clean and tidy! There are some simple things you can do on a regular basis in your business to prevent an infestation:

1. 1. Empty the Trash Bins Regularly
      • When trash sits for an extended period, it breaks down and releases a foul scent. Rodents pick up on this odor long before people can smell it, giving them even more reasons to venture into your business
      • You don’t have to take out the trash every day, but it’s important to empty the bins regularly, especially if they’re filled with food scraps.
   2. Clean out the office refrigerator once a week.
      • Those leftovers in the office refrigerator can attract rodents even with the door closed and lids covering the food. Rodents have an amazing sense of smell and can focus their sniffs in the same way that people focus their eyes.
      • In addition, it’s a good habit to clean out the fridge once a week if you want to prevent a lingering odor and to keep rodents and other pests out of the break room.
   3. Store food properly..
      • Make sure that all food items, whether in the break room or stored in pantries, are kept in airtight containers made of glass or metal. Rodents have a knack for gnawing through plastic, paper, and cardboard, making improperly stored food an easy target.
   4. Maintain the outside landscape..
      • Overgrown vegetation near your business premises can provide shelter for rodents. Regularly trimming bushes, mowing lawns, and removing debris can eliminate potential nesting sites. Also, consider installing a gravel barrier around the building’s perimeter to discourage burrowing.

Prevention and Control of Mice

Known for destroying property and products, and spreading disease-causing pathogens, the presence of mice can be a major liability for your business. They can also affect your brand reputation and your bottom line.

Where You Might See Mice

Mice prefer quiet, undisturbed areas, such as closets, storage areas, and wall voids. They pick natural trails to follow, such as girders, heating and electrical lines, and utility runs. Make note of any sightings or signs, such as droppings, nesting materials, or gnaw marks. This will alert your pest control provider of potential hotspots.

Mouse Prevention Tips

• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Use rodent-proof materials such as hardware cloth, aluminum flashing, aluminum screening, or concrete to seal all exterior holes and openings.

• Place ¼ inch wire mesh screens over all exterior ventilation openings.
• Inspect roof areas and seal any gaps or openings around vents and HVAC units.
• Designate a food area and discourage employees from keeping food at desks.
• Clean food serving, prep, and storage areas regularly.
• Keep vegetation around buildings trimmed, especially low, dense shrubs and tall grasses.
• Store firewood and unused equipment away from the building.
• Remove clutter, such as old boxes and equipment.
• Keep dumpsters and garbage bins tightly covered and away from the building.

Prevention and Control of Rats

Rats are destructive pests capable of contaminating food and surfaces, and destroying equipment and physical structures. Help prevent costly disruptions with Terminix’s rat prevention tips.

Where You Might See Rats

• Roof rats are excellent climbers. They can be found in upper levels of buildings, ceilings, trees, vegetation, or on rooftops.
• Norway rats like to burrow. They prefer lower levels and areas that are typically unoccupied.

Make note of any sightings or signs, such as droppings and greasy rub or gnaw marks. This will alert your pest control provider of potential hotspots.

Rat Prevention Tips

• Clean up spills immediately and keep food sealed.
• Focus on exclusion. Use screens on windows, install door sweeps, and seal gaps and cracks on the exterior.
• Eliminate clutter in basements and outdoor buildings.
• Work with landscapers to select plants and trees that don’t attract these pests.
• Keep landscaping well-trimmed and avoid having it touch the building.
• Do not overwater mulched areas around a structure.
• Fill p-trap pipes with water to ensure they are sealed.
• Use sodium vapor bulbs or LED lights (greater than 550 nm).
• Reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier.

Invest in Routine Rodent Control for Your Illinois Business

Some companies wait until they have a rodent infestation before taking action. When it comes to rodent control, taking a preventative approach is key. 

Professionals like us at Terminix Anderson can identify entryways that go unnoticed and seal cracks and crevices that pests use to sneak into businesses. We can also recommend effective solutions for removing existing pests and preventing future infestations. 

When nothing you do seems to keep rodents out of your business, Terminix Anderson has you covered. We service commercial properties throughout the Midwest, providing services for eliminating rodents while reducing or eliminating the need for toxic pesticides. We also focus on prevention and keeping your business clean. Reach out to us today to get started with a free service quote!

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