The average individual spends a considerable amount of time in their workspaces. This means that they also eat in this space. When you introduce food into the equation, the space also becomes a risk for common pests such as ants and cockroaches. With this in mind, many commercial business owners invest in the regular pest control Melbourne companies rely on to keep harmful pests at bay. In addition to this, there are also a few practical steps you can take to keep your workspace pest free.
Pests Don’t Belong in the Office
Many things belong in your workspace. Cockroaches, ants, termites, and other pests shouldn’t feature on this list. Our experts have compiled a list of the top ways to keep your workspace pest-free.
1. Create a Clean Workspace
The number one rule for keeping pests out of the workspace is to enforce a clean space. Whether you manage a busy office that routinely sees customers or guests visiting, or you run a customer-free workshop, the rules should be the same.
Simple rules such as eating in designated areas, keeping offices clean, and emptying dustbins should be enforced. If cleaning duties are shared, it’s a good idea to draw up a schedule as this will ensure that cleaning is done daily. A clean work environment will reduce the risk of crumbs and food scraps from attracting pests.
2. Set Up a Canteen or Eating Area
Every workspace should have a designated eating area. Minimising potential food waste such as crumbs will narrow down potential areas that become infested. Ideally, you should create a canteen or kitchen with a sink and dustbins.
This will enable staff to throw food containers away and wash any eating utensils. It will also reduce the space that needs to be swept or cleaned for crumbs or spills. Be sure to have cleaning utensils such as brooms and cleaning chemicals on hand for tidying up after lunchtime. Opt for organic chemicals with citrus scents as these have been known to deter all types of bugs.
3. Invest in Quality Garbage Bins
No matter what type of business you’re running, it’s essential to invest in quality dustbins. Keep in mind that pests such as rats and mice are attracted to piles of paper as they use these to nest in.
Always opt for garbage bins with secure lids and add these to the daily cleaning schedule. The longer food scraps stay in the bin, the more appealing they become to pests such as cockroaches and ants.
4. Clean the Property Exterior
Many workspaces aren’t just at risk of pests scurrying around inside the building. Workspaces that have garbage bins on the outside of the building or plants around the perimeter are also at risk of external pest infestations.
In these instances, you should perform regular checks on the exterior of your space and ensure that it’s kept clean. Remove excess vegetation and routinely wash paving areas. Any garbage bins stored outside should have secure lids and must be cleaned out as often as possible.
5. Invest in Preventative Pest Control
In addition to keeping a clean environment, you should also invest in quality preventative pest control. These plans involve routine inspections and regular applications of environmentally friendly solutions that are tailored to suit your building’s specific needs.
Pest control not only treats existing pest infestations but also acts as preventative measures for any pests that may be scurrying around. If you have dealt with a recent infestation, or a neighbouring building has had a problem, it’s essential to ask your pest controller to treat the exterior of your building as well.
Setting up a preventative pest control plan will also help you remember that your pest control treatments are due. There’s no risk of you forgetting that your pest control treatment is due because your pest controller will remind you.
6. Be Selective About Indoor Plants
Many office spaces feature indoor plants as part of their indoor décor. Since certain plants also help to improve the quality of indoor air, they are more popular than ever. However, taking care of indoor plants can often result in overwatering, which can create wet areas that are ideal nesting places for some pests.
Start by opting for herbs such as lavender and mint that not only look amazing in terracotta pots but also deter most pests. Keep these plants trimmed and lightly watered as this will avoid potential infestations. Spray plants lightly rather than heavily watering them. Be sure to place them close to open doors and windows so that any excess water can dry out.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring office pests can lead to major infestations that can result in damage to your property or even increase the chances of illnesses being spread. It’s essential to keep your workspace as clean as possible by implementing simple hygiene rules.
Investing in quality preventative pest control will also go a long way toward ensuring that pest infestations are kept to a minimum. Arranging these plans in advance will give you peace of mind that your workspace is as pest-free as possible!
