Winter is coming, and no one wants rodents, or any other type of pest for that matter in their Industrial Facility. Somehow they seem to find a way in. Figuring out the “how” is a great step toward keeping rodents out!
We are often asked: “What’s the strategy to prevent a minor rodent problem from escalating into a major infestation?” This article will help you understand how to be aware of rodent entryways, and how to avoid a major problem!
Gaps and Holes
A large building such as a food manufacturing facility will naturally have gaps or holes, whether they are intentional or not. These inevitable spaces can easily become a pathway for small rodents to find their way in. Mice and rats have the ability to squeeze their skulls through tight openings; to put it in perspective, a mouse’s skull is just 6mm in size!
Begin by visually inspecting the exterior of your facility. While it may seem like an open door is the obvious route, it’s the not-so-obvious areas you want to be aware of. Regularly inspect the property around your facility for holes and gaps that might have been missed. These areas should either be fixed if there is damage, or stuffed with steel wool if possible.
Travel and Traps
Next, look for the telltale signs a rodent has entered your plant. Rats and Mice leave trails of sebum, a greasy stain that appears on materials like concrete.
Rodents have oily coats, which means that they leave “rub marks” (sebum) if they are using the same pathway often. Since rodents are known for these travel pattern indicators, rub marks can play a vital role in determining where they are coming in.
Another telltale sign that most of us are aware of is that these pests are chewing machines! If you notice gnaw marks where these nuisances have made holes larger, this is a great indication of a pest pathway.
When it comes to rodent control, an integral part of avoiding an infestation is to use traps. Using traps in the right places the right way is part of a successful Pest Management Program (PMP). The best way to avoid pests is to be proactive rather than reactive.
A reputable pest control company will be able to properly inspect for pests. They will then educate you and set you up with a preventative program to ensure your facility is safe from pests.
Winter Pest Prevention
Whether you have a manufacturing facility or an Industrial plant, rodents like to look for shelter and warmth. During Winter a plant becomes the perfect home for these pests!
At Assassin Pest Control our experienced exterminators have over 30 years of combined experience in pest control. If you don’t know where to start or need a Pest Inspection and Pest Management Program give us a call. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency response, and if you have any questions advice is always FREE!