Ways to Stay Pest-Free Year-Round

If you’re old enough to have enjoyed more than a few summers, you know that flies, mosquitoes and other insects appear just as reliably as July 4th fireworks. In colder months, rodent infestations are a common complaint. Weather, temperature and landscaping are all factors that affect year-round pest activity in and around your workplace. Fortunately, you can help prevent an infestation before it starts by educating yourself on what types of pests to expect in every season. 

Here’s a snapshot of the pests of greatest concern during each season: 
* Spring: Spiders, ladybugs, blowflies, gnats, aphids, carpenter bees, termites, ants, clover mites and stored product pests (such as Indian meal moths) thrive when the thermometer stays above 60 degrees for more than few days.
* Summer: Be on the lookout for bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes and fire ants, all of which are very active in the summer months, as are ticks, fleas, crickets and cockroaches.
* Fall: As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, expect rodents, box elder bugs, ants and ladybugs to try to move into offices.
* Winter: Cold weather forces rodents, pharaoh ants, cockroaches and aphids indoors for survival.

The appearance of these seasonal visitors to your office is more than just a nuisance. Termites, rodents and other pests can damage your property, while other pests can harm plants by destroying leaves, stems, roots and flowers. Worst of all, some pests could pose serious health risks. 

As temperatures rise and fall, pests are drawn indoors for different reasons, the most common being the food, water or temperatures they need to survive. The best defense against these unwanted invaders in offices is to seal them out and eliminate their access to all attractive elements. 

“Office tenants can take steps to make their property less attractive and hospitable to pests,” says Patrick Copps, an entomologist with pest control company Orkin. “By anticipating the pests that typically pose problems each season, you can create a cleaner, safer working environment.”

Accurate identification and quick treatment is key to controlling pests before they can cause any harm or damage. At the first hint of a pest infestation, contact our office so we can have a licensed pest control professional inspect and treat as needed. 

For more tips on pest prevention in your home or business, visit orkin.com.