The milder, above average temperatures the Pacific Northwest is experiencing this year may or may not be a symptom of global warming but one thing is for sure, it has given pests a head start as we roll into spring.
The first quarter of 2015 has been a busy one for the Sprague Pest Experts as we partner with clients to prepare for third-party audits, navigate new food safety regulations, and maintain pest-free environments in their facilities. It also has seen increased pest activity as ants, stinging insects and flies break out of their over-wintering behavior to threaten clients’ facilities.
Warmer temperatures, longer days, moisture and mating cycles all contribute to the rise in pest activity across the region and the Sprague Pest Experts are pro-actively working to help clients get their staff and facilities ready to combat these threats.
Sprague technicians and quality assurance managers are conducting thorough top to bottom inspections looking for signs of pest activity as well as identifying deficiencies in the structural, cultural or management protocols of the facility that may have developed over the winter.
For example, strong winter winds and heavy rains could loosen or damage screening on ventilation openings providing pests with easy access to a structure. Or your primary contact at an account may have left and during the transition period before their replacement was hired, protocols may have slipped through the cracks, just like an ant would.
Following inspection our technicians will record their findings and make corrective action recommendations to remedy the situation. The Sprague Pest Experts remind clients to be vigilant their sanitation protocols and educate staff on how to spot potential pest issues.
Spring Pest Prevention Tips
- Perform A Thorough Inspection and Seal Up Access Points – Check roofs, gutters, window and door frames and screens, ventilation and utility openings, foundations and exterior walls for openings. – Repair openings with caulk or sealants to keep pests out; repair leaky faucets and eliminate sources of excess moisture. Install door sweeps, air curtains or roll up style doors in loading dock areas to cut down on pest access.
- Keep Vegetation Trimmed – Overgrown vegetation provides an ideal harborage for a variety of pests. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed, and maintain an 18 to 24-inch barrier between vegetation and the structure.
- Do A Good Spring Cleaning – Spring is a good time to do a thorough cleaning of your facility. Review your sanitation protocols to make sure they are meeting your needs, remove clutter in storage areas, and deep clean under equipment that hasn’t been moved recently.
- Schedule A Bioremediation Treatment – Keeping drains free of grease and oil build up is an important part of an effective pest management program. A monthly bioremediation service from Sprague can help food processing and service facilities maintain good drain “health” and reduce pest access to an easy meal.