Are Your Employees Helping or Hindering Your Pest Control Strategy?
It is widely recognized that commercial and business establishments should have an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program in place to ensure the health and safety of both staff and customers. IPM is a practical, more environmentally sound strategy of pest management that is based on behavioral knowledge and a common-sense approach.
A solid IPM program utilizes a broad approach that helps avoid extreme consequences, such as shutting your business down for extended periods and suffering damage to your reputation.
Employees Are a Piece of The IPM Puzzle Too
Proper employee training is essential to the success of any IPM program. All employees should be provided with training that emphasizes IPM to ensure they are able to monitor, identify, and help prevent any undesirable pest activity. Impart to your staff that pests can damage product, spread disease, lead to a bad reputation, negatively impact your bottom line, or even result in legal issues, and that everyone plays a role in protecting the business.
Prevention
Instilling proper steps for waste management and exclusion will go a long way toward keeping pests at bay. Train your staff to maintain stringent sanitation practices and take a proactive approach to maintenance. Teach staff how food and water can attract pests. Remind them that this includes public floor areas as well as break rooms, private offices, and cubicles. Insist that dishes and crumbs are cleaned up immediately. As part of this training, be sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are lined for easy cleanup.
Exclusion
Another key component of IPM is to exclude pests from the structure. Train staff to close doors and report any cracks, openings, or damaged screens. Cockroaches can squeeze under a height of one sixteenth of an inch. Rats can enter a space the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through a dime-size opening. This is why it’s important to seal any cracks or openings, no matter how small.
Schedule Free Staff Training for Your Business
We offer free staff training for businesses looking to give their employees the resources and knowledge needed to help not only lessen the effects of pest issues, but also preventing them altogether. Call 1.800.222.2908 or email customerservice@jppestservices.com to learn more about free training and education for your team.
JP Pest Services is dedicated to solving commercial pest problems. Our service professionals understand the specific regulations and requirements of the numerous types of commercial industries for which we provide service. Request your free consultation today for a thorough examination of your business location and a pest control program tailored to your specific needs.
