For facility managers and building owners, pest control often falls into the category of “out of sight, out of mind” until a problem surfaces. But in high-traffic and sensitive environments such as office and apartment complexes, warehouses, and foodservice operations, the stakes are too high for a reactive approach.
Year-round integrated pest management (IPM) is not just about eliminating pests after they appear; it’s about creating a consistent, proactive strategy that prevents buildings from attracting pests and protects your property, your people, and your bottom line.
Why IPM Saves Time, Money, and Headaches
A pest management program based on IPM methods is more than just reacting when a pest problem is reported. It’s a collaborative, ongoing effort that includes:
- Routine inspections
- Structural exclusion (sealing cracks, installing door sweeps)
- Sanitation recommendations
- Staff education
Your pest control service provider serves as an extension of your facility team, providing another set of trained eyes to spot vulnerabilities before they become problems. They work closely with maintenance crews and janitorial staff to ensure pest attractants like standing water, food waste, or clutter are addressed early.
This collaborative approach not only reduces pest threats but also makes budgeting more predictable. Emergency calls and one-off treatments are costly. With regular service, building owners and facility managers can integrate pest management into their operational plans, helping avoid unexpected expenses and service disruptions.
Fall and Winter: Peak Seasons for Pest Intrusion
As the weather cools and daylight shortens, commercial properties face increased pest pressure, especially from rodents. These pests seek warmth, shelter, and food, making buildings an ideal target. The shift in seasons should signal a shift in pest management priorities.
Commensal rodents like mice and rats are particularly problematic in fall and winter. They enter buildings through small cracks (mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime), gaps under doors, utility access points, or even via packages delivered to a property. Once inside, they often remain hidden until their numbers grow, and the infestation becomes visible—and costly.
Take a high-rise office building as an example. In one instance, a Sprague Pest Solutions client reported spotting rodent droppings on an upper floor of the building. Because a rodent monitoring system was in place, Sprague technicians were able to quickly rule out typical access points such as the loading dock or HVAC openings and isolate the true source: a supply room where holiday decorations had recently been stored.
In another case, a rodent issue was traced to poor exclusion on the ground level of an office building. An exterior door was left open during a renovation project, allowing rodents easy access. From there, they used the stairwell—where garbage had been left—to reach upper floors.
The result? Droppings on desks, urgent overnight service calls, and a lot of stress for both the facility manager and the tenant. The solution? Simple preventive steps like installing door sweeps and educating contractors and tenants not to leave doors open can make all the difference.
Understand Your Building’s Vulnerabilities
The type of property you manage, its age, construction, function, and daily traffic levels can all impact pest vulnerability. Older buildings often have more structural gaps, while foodservice operations and high-traffic properties generate more attractants, such as food debris and waste. Pest pressures also vary depending on your region and surrounding environment, but fall and winter rodent activity is a near-universal concern.
Now is the time for building owners and managers to assess exterior conditions. Look for gaps around doors and windows, inspect utility and service areas, stay on top of landscape maintenance, and evaluate package receiving and storage practices. A comprehensive inspection with your facility team and pest control provider can identify risk factors before pests take advantage of them.
Key Exclusion Practices to Block Pest Entry
Exclusion is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering a commercial facility. By sealing potential access points, building owners and managers can dramatically reduce the chances of infestation.
Start by conducting a detailed inspection of the building exterior. Focus on these areas:
- Doors and loading docks: Install or replace door sweeps and weather stripping. High-use doors should close securely and automatically.
- Windows and vents: Ensure screens are intact and gaps around frames are sealed with caulk or weather-resistant sealant.
- Utility penetrations: Check for gaps around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC lines. Use rodent-proof materials like copper mesh and sealants to close them.
- Rooflines and overhangs: Inspect soffits, vents, and roof junctions for entry points.
- Foundations: Seal cracks and gaps near ground level with appropriate masonry repair or caulking products.
In addition to sealing the structure, make sure surrounding landscapes and waste areas are maintained to minimize attractants. Store waste in sealed containers away from building entrances, remove clutter and debris, and trim vegetation away from the building.
These exclusion practices, when implemented before pests begin seeking shelter for the colder months, form the foundation of an effective year-round pest control strategy.
Everyone Plays a Role
Sanitation, structural maintenance, and staff or tenant awareness are all critical to a successful pest prevention program. Even something as small as garbage left in a stairwell can spark a rodent or fly issue. Educating employees and tenants on proper food storage, cleaning procedures, and reporting signs of pests strengthens the entire IPM strategy.
While it might be tempting to manage pests in-house, building operations are complex. Just as you rely on HVAC professionals for climate control, pest management should be entrusted to experts who understand the biology, behavior, and control strategies that keep commercial spaces safe.
A Healthier Building Starts with Prevention
Proactive pest management is more than avoiding a nuisance. It’s about supporting the health, safety, and reputation of your facility. As we head into fall and winter, a strong pest control program ensures your property is protected when pest pressures are at their highest because when it comes to pests, what you don’t see can hurt you.
