What are the Most Common Pest Types in the Workplace?

Different regions and climates bring various kinds of pests, so first we’ll identify which ones are most likely to show up at your workplace.

1. Rodents

Rodents—mice and rats—are common work pests, especially in places with plenty of food, warmth, and hiding places. Their droppings, urine, and nesting material can create a real health hazard, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as you notice their presence.

2. Cockroaches

These are one of the most common pests in the workplace, as they can easily survive indoors. If they get access to food and water, spreading disease through contaminated surfaces becomes a serious threat.

3. Ants

Like cockroaches, ants can easily penetrate your walls and property to look for food. They’re a typical problem in the summertime but often show up all year round.

4. Bed bugs

These tiny blood-sucking insects often survive in beds in public places like offices and hotels, hitching a ride on unsuspecting victims. Contrary to what you might think, their presence in the workplace is not a sign of poor hygiene—they’re just really good at hiding and invading whatever place they want.

5. Fleas

Fleas often make their way into the workplace via our pets. Although it’s rare for them to jump from pet to human, if left uncontrolled, they can infest carpets, furniture, and pet beds.

How to Prevent and Control Pests in the Workplace

Now that we’ve identified the common pests in the workplace, here’s how YOU can help keep them away.

1. Thoroughly clean up the workplace

Rodents, cockroaches, and ants love food grease and crumbs, so it’s important to keep your workplace as clean as possible. Remove any breeding grounds and leftover food and dispose of them properly. Additionally, store all food items in containers or store them inside the fridge.

2. Utilize pest repellents

Keep pests away by filling up little areas in your office with non-toxic repellents like mothballs, cedar oil, peppermint oil, and other natural ingredients. These are the subtle but effective deterrents for pests in the workplace.

3. Seal any entry points

Look for any potential entry points for pests, such as cracks or crevices around windows and entrances, and seal them up with appropriate materials. Doing this will help prevent rodents and insects from gaining access to the workplace.

4. Eliminate standing water

Standing water and moisture can be breeding grounds for pests, so make sure to fix any water leaks and avoid leaving any water around in containers, such as bathtubs or water tanks.

5. Proper storage of items

Organize your office items and furniture properly. Regularly inspect any stored items for signs of pests and make sure to eliminate any potential hiding spots for them.

6. Utilize traps

The key to controlling pests in the workplace is using traps. Appropriately place your traps in strategic locations, both indoors and outdoors. Check them regularly and discard the unwanted pests if caught. Make sure to use humane traps if possible, such as glue traps which are specifically used to keep the trapped pest alive until removed.

7. Professional help

No matter how thoroughly or frequently you inspect or clean up the office space, a pest problem may still arise. That’s why it’s best to seek professional help if you’re concerned about the presence of rodents and other pests, like Allegiance Pest Management, which offers professional commercial pest control services in Spring, TX, and the North Houston area.