Pests are a year-round issue for businesses. But, in the summer, some pests you may have perceived as merely a nuisance can become a serious threat. Not only can they be a hazard to your employee’s and guests’ health, but a couple negative reviews mentioning stings and your reputation can take a serious beating.
In summer, pest activity is at its peak. The warmer weather means pests are more active, and outdoor pests like yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and ticks thrive. These pests are often seen on walking paths, yards, and outdoor spaces, especially where there is stagnant water and food sources like spills or improperly stored trash. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you and your staff can do to stay ahead of pests this season.
Stay Ahead of Summer Pests in Five Simple Steps
STEP 1: Keep it clean. Keeping your facility clean is one of the most important – and easiest – ways to help prevent summer pests from moving in on your guests. Food crumbs and waste attract pests like cockroaches, ants, mice, and flies. But anything sugary like a soda spill will attract wasps and yellow jackets. Make sure everyone knows to remove used plates and glasses as soon as guests are finished. Likewise, any spills, crumbs, etc. need immediate attention.
STEP 2: Mind the garbage. Remember how flies love filth? Well, they’re not alone. Trash is one of the biggest attractants for summer pests like flies, rats, and cockroaches. You may not realize that hornets and yellow jackets will also be attracted to the naturally sweet smell decaying food can emit. Rotate and clean your dumpsters and pay special attention to any trash cans in your outdoor spaces. Ensure they can be covered tightly and are emptied and cleaned regularly.
STEP 3: Trim and mow. Landscaping is a powerful tool in your fight against summer pests. Overgrown vegetation attracts pests like stinging insects and ticks. But it also gives mosquitoes the shade they need. Mosquito bites have the potential to spread diseases like West Nile virus, Malaria, and encephalitis, so mosquito protection is something to take seriously. While West Nile virus is a serious disease, contracting Lyme disease is way more likely. The only known species of tick that carries and transmits Lyme disease is the Deer (a.k.a., blacklegged) tick – which just happens to be the most common tick in our area. So, it’s a must to trim tree branches and shrubbery away from outdoor guest spaces and keep grass short with regular mowing.
STEP 4: Stay dry. A good way to have a chronic mosquito problem at your property is to have mosquitoes breeding on your grounds. The best way to make your property less hospitable to mosquitoes is to be extra vigilant about standing water. The water in an upside-down bottle cap is all they need to breed, so seek out and remove standing water around downspouts, flowerpots, and other outdoor décor. If you have water features around your business, make sure the water is circulating. Mosquitoes need still water.
STEP 5: Bring in the pros. You don’t have to do it all alone and frankly, you shouldn’t. Professional pest control technicians are not only trained to see what your eye may not, but they’re licensed to use the correct products in the correct way to make the most of it with the least applications. And when it comes to hornet nests (or any other nest!), you want a professional to do it while you’re safe inside. Having a professional pest control partner by your side can make all the difference.
Be Ready for What’s Next
Don’t let the warm sunshine and lazy days by the pool lull you into a false sense of security, though. Fall is right around the corner and it’s never too early to be ready for what’s next. As the temperatures begin to cool in fall, pests like ants and cockroaches will start to seek shelter inside buildings to escape the harsher outdoor conditions. Fall also marks the peak of yellow jacket and wasp activity. They are extremely aggressive and at their largest population. They can be dangerous for anyone – even if you don’t have an allergy.
During this season, pests like rodents and spiders may also start to seek warmth inside buildings, too. Ensuring your business is sealed properly and there are no potential entry points for pests is a key preventive measure all year long, but it’s more important during the fall.
No Matter the Season – Just Be Ready
It’s good to be ready with proactive and preventative pest control plans in place, but don’t lose sight of what’s happening now so you can still focus on current issues. Follow the checklist, know what pests to be on the lookout for, and be ready for upcoming pest threats and you will always be on top of whatever may present itself.
