Pest control is especially challenging in a warehouse environment. This is due largely to the sheer size of warehouse buildings and the abundance of dark corners, cracks and crevices in which pests can hide, nest and multiply.
An infestation of pests can be hugely damaging to warehouse operations, with rats and mice causing particular problems. Unfortunately, with such a large space to contend with, it’s almost impossible to secure every potential hiding place, nesting site and entryway from infestation, without professional help.
A specialised warehouse pest control programme delivered by experienced experts is essential to ensure your warehouse facility is kept pest-free at all times.
The Risks of Not Having a Warehouse Pest Control Programme
Pest species pose a persistent threat to warehouse facilities. Operating without a professional warehouse pest control programme in place exposes the business to a number of risks, all of which have serious implications.
Contamination of Products and Working Environment
Several different species of pests may be found in warehouses, but by far the most common and problematic are rats, mice and cockroaches.
Rodents are known to be carriers of a number of dangerous diseases – including salmonella, Weil’s disease and hantavirus. Cockroaches too, carry diseases and disease-causing bacteria, as well as parasitic worms and viruses.
The presence of any of these species presents a serious health risk. This is especially true if your warehouse is used to store foodstuffs. Not only do stored food items increase the likelihood of infestation, but the potential health risk to end consumers is enormous and may lead to court action, prosecution, fines and closure of the facility.
Property Damage
Rats and mice will chew through almost any material they find, including wood, metal and masonry. They do this to wear down their incisor teeth, which continue to grow throughout their lifespan. In doing so, they will cause damage to your building, machinery and equipment. This damage will need to be repaired and the costs can mount up if you have a large infestation.
Rodents have even been known to gnaw through electrical wiring, posing a serious fire hazard and causing further damage to your property. They will also chew through and shred soft materials like paper and cardboard when building their nests and any stored food products will be a particular target.
Loss of Productivity
One of the biggest business risks of not having a warehouse pest control programme in place is the potential cost of downtime should an infestation establish itself.
If machines or equipment suffer damage, productivity will be put on hold until they are restored. If you are dealing with damaged or contaminated foodstuffs and other products, shipments out of your warehouse may have to come to a complete halt while the issue is dealt with. Without a professional warehouse pest control programme, it will be down to your employees to deal with the problem, which may distract them from their everyday duties – slowing operations and ultimately impacting your bottom line.
Reputation Damage
A pest infestation in your warehouse facility cannot be kept under wraps. You will be obliged to inform your customers about the issue as it is a matter of health and safety. This may harm your reputation.
The problem may be exacerbated should you not realise you have a pest problem and transport live pests to your customers.
A professional warehouse pest control programme will minimise the risks of this happening. Pest control professionals will advise on and implement prevention techniques that reduce the possibility of infestations establishing themselves in the first place, eliminating the risks posed to both you and your customers.
Prosecution and Business Closure
If your warehouse handles foodstuffs, it will undoubtedly be subject to routine audits from Environmental Health authorities. Should they discover an infestation, you may find yourself facing court action, fines, prosecution and, in severe cases, temporary or even permanent closure of the facility. This is simply too large a risk for any business to take.
A warehouse pest control programme is the only way to protect yourself against it.
Warehouse Pest Control
The risks associated with pest infestations of warehouses are many and severe. A commercial warehouse pest control programmes will ensure your facility is not harbouring unwanted pests and help to eliminate the threats that accompany them.
At Baroque Pest Services, we have over 30 years’ experience designing and implementing affordable pest control solutions for warehouses. Our warehouse pest control service begins with a free consultation and risk assessment. We will then tailor a bespoke pest control contract that suits your precise needs.
Baroque Pest Services part of Safeguard, serves all kinds of industries including: Bars, Pubs, Cafés, Restaurants, Hotels and B&Bs, as well as Nursing Homes, Factories, Warehouses and Organic Farms. Contact your local pest control specialist today for a free quotation.
