Partner Post: How to Deter Flying Summer Pests

This article originally appeared on Orkin.com and was republished with permission. 

Preparing your business for a post-pandemic climate? Don’t forget to plan for handling summer pests, especially those that fly. Flying insects are particularly active during the warmer months. Customers are looking to get back to some form of normalcy and will expect to feel safe when they do. Unfortunately, buzzing pests don’t help set that mood.

As you prepare for the summer, here are the winged pests you should look for:

Large Flies

One of the filthiest pests around, house flies are known to spread disease. In addition to being a health threat for customers and employees, this winged pest can harm your reputation and contaminate food supplies. Flies are mostly found near uncovered food, spilled liquids and trash, making sanitation critical.

Bees & Wasps

While bees are great for the environment, they’re not as great when roaming around your business. Both bees and wasps pose health risks to your staff and customers with their stings. Look for signs of these pests near eaves, gutters, fruit bearing trees and brightly colored flowers on your property. While it may be tempting to resolve wasp nests or beehives yourself, the safety of your staff and patrons should be a priority when dealing with these pests — always work with a trained pest management professional.

Mosquitoes

Despite being a year-round pest, mosquitoes tend to rise in number during the summer, and you don’t want this disease-spreading pest near your business. Pay close attention to entrances, areas with water and dining spaces for signs of mosquitoes. The last thing you want is for mosquitoes to bite into your profits, so ask your pest management provider to provide a thorough inspection for hot spots.

Birds

Bird-related incidents can cause costly structural damages, contaminated products and health threats. Sparrows and pigeons can also become a nuisance for businesses during warmer months. From warehouses with high ceilings to restaurants and hotels with outdoor patios, your space needs a plan in place for increased bird activity. Areas such as roofs, ledges, exterior signage and outdoor dining areas are places birds tend to loaf. These will be areas your pest control provider may need to access when conducting inspections.

Now that you know what to look for when it comes to flying pests and summer weather, you should work with your pest management provider to implement a plan for preventing them from disrupting your operations and threatening your profits. Use the following tips as a discussion starter with your pest control provider to make sure your plan is effective for your business.

Maintain Your Property Grounds

Beautiful blooms and elaborate plants make your property more attractive to patrons and winged pests alike.

• Trim overgrown branches
• Move plants away from touching your building’s exterior
• Remove excess wood mulch and plant cover

Secure Your Exterior

Perhaps the most important preventive measure you can take when it comes to eliminating flies and birds is implementing exclusion tactics.

• Inspect your property’s exterior with your pest control provider
• Install weather stripping and window screens to help keep flying pests out
• Ask your provider about maintaining positive air control
• Install fly lights indoors to help capture flies that make it inside

Keep It Clean

When it comes to pests like flies, sanitation is one of the best ways to keep them away. While each industry has its own sanitation requirements, these basics are beneficial to everyone.

• Clean your facility daily
• Remove clutter from loading docks and storage areas
• Wipe down surfaces before and after use
• Empty trashcans as soon as they fill up and clean your dumpster monthly
• As many flying pests spread diseases, consider including disinfection in your sanitation plan if it isn’t already

You should have absolute confidence in your pest control provider to provide effective solutions for your pest concerns. Work with your pest control provider to conduct regular facility inspections. Being proactive and following these tips shouldn’t delay your business operations and will go a long way to help safeguard your bottom line and reputation from these pests.