A clean office means fewer pests

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

A very clean and merry SERVPRO of Western Lancaster office at Christmas

A Cleaner Office Means Fewer Pests

Office pests can include insects and small mammals, like mice. These pests are often attracted to an office for a few key resources — food, water, and shelter. Offices are sometimes more prone to pests simply because cleaning may not be a top priority for your staff. Learn how you can boost the cleanliness of your office and help prevent pests.

Break Rooms

Break rooms tend to be ground zero for pest infestations, as this is where the bulk of food storage, preparation, and consumption occurs.

Garbage Cans

You will want to advise your employees to line garbage cans with plastic bags. Doing so will help contain odors. For optimal scent consolidation, opt for lidded receptacles in the break room and common areas where food may be disposed of.

If you utilize a daily cleaning service, it is best practice to empty each waste bin every evening, regardless of whether or not food and candy wrappers are present. Full service cleaning companies will empty individual garbage cans if the offices are left open or if keys are provided. For offices with only weekly cleaning services, or that have locked offices, a staff member should empty garbage cans every night. 

Pantries

The state of an office pantry can leave a lot to be desired, and this isn't typically an area serviced by your cleaning crew. Instruct employees keep all food items in sealed plastic bags or storage containers. All storage containers should  have a sealed, tight fitting lid. Additionally, make sure spills in the pantry areas are cleaned up promptly; the longer food sits, the more likely that pests will find their food source.

Hard Surfaces

During short breaks, employees don't always have the time to thoroughly clean up after themselves. Spills on counter tops, food left in the sink, and crumbs on tables or floors can all lead to a pest infestation. Fortunately, an office cleaning crew can save your break room. The crew will wipe down and disinfect all surfaces. A cleaning service can also wash dishes, clean out the sinks, and mop at the end of every workday.

Offices and Cubicles

There are many office-specific practices that can be attractive to pests, such as storing food in desks, or keeping stacks of paper on the floor. 

Snacks

No one wants to limit snacking in the office, but setting a few ground rules is a must! Any food kept in cubicles, desks, etc... should be stored in pest-proof containers, such as jars or lidded food storage containers. Candy jars and similar items should also have lids on them. There should never be half-empty soda cans, water cups, or coffee mugs left on desks overnight. 

Cleaning services don't typically remove items from desktops, so it is up to your staff to stay on top of these issues.

Dust and Debris

Dust, stacks of papers, and general untidiness can also invite pests into a space, plus a mess makes it harder for your cleaning service to do a thorough job. Only 29 percent of office workers feel that their office is cleaned adequately, but part of the problem could be the state of the office before the cleaning staff arrives.

Instruct all employees to file papers away each day. And don’t allow items stacked on the floor. This will allow your cleaning service to do a thorough job.

Carpet Spills

Regular carpet cleaning is a must in any office! Crumbs and spilled liquids leave behind tempting morsels for pests. Most office cleaning services also provide office carpet shampoo services. Set up a monthly schedule for a deep clean and you won't have to worry about pests. As a bonus, your office will look and feel much cleaner.

Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County  at 717-665-1270 to learn more about how commercial cleaning services can keep your office clean, more welcoming, and free of pest problems.