As a local business owner, discovering the presence of unwanted pests can be incredibly stressful. With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to dismiss the occasional ant or possible mouse in the supply closet. Yet, failing to address these seemingly minor issues can have significant and costly repercussions.
A few pest sightings can rapidly escalate into a full-blown infestation. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways pests can damage a business—all of which have a potential financial impact. We will also briefly discuss practical steps business owners can take to minimize the risk.
How Pests Can Hurt Your Business
All types of businesses—large or small—are potential havens for rodents, insects, and birds looking for food and shelter. Such pests are more than just a nuisance; they are a financial threat to your company.
Recognizing the full financial impact of a pest infestation will help you develop preventative measures to protect your business interests and investments.
Damage to property
Pests can significantly damage a property and even threaten the structural integrity of a building. Discovering the damage too late can necessitate expensive repairs for business owners.
For instance, mice and rats will gnaw on wood and even metal and concrete, leaving behind a trail of damage. Rodents are also known to chew through walls, baseboards, beams, fixtures, and fittings, which then have to be replaced or repaired.
Even your electrical wiring is at risk if you have rodents in the building. Rodents can chew through wiring, causing extensive damage and creating a serious fire hazard.
Carpenter ants are another pest that poses a dangerous threat to local businesses. These ants can build massive nests and burrow in wood, causing dangerous structural damage.
Damage to inventory
Bugs, rodents, and even birds are interested in your business’s inventory. They are especially attracted to food items and anything that can be used to build a nest. It is a good idea to store food inventory away from walls and at least 6 inches off the ground, making it harder for pests to find.
Regardless of what kind of business you run, finding pests in your inventory can be costly. Disposing of and replacing damaged goods can hit your bottom line hard. A significant inventory loss can result in orders going unfulfilled or even temporarily shut down your business.
Damage to reputation
Local business owners work hard to earn a good reputation in the community. Unfortunately, any business that experiences a pest issue can quickly find its good name tarnished.
If you run a restaurant and someone spots a cockroach, he or she will certainly tell his or her family and friends. Or if you have rats in an office building, employees and customers will complain—often publicly.
Just one pest sighting posted to the internet can potentially derail your business—especially in the age of social media. Even if you manage to get the pest situation under control, the damage may have already been done, and it may take a long time to recover your reputation.
Disruption to business
A pest infestation can put your business out of commission for a while, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. It may be that you voluntarily close your doors to get the situation under control, or a government entity may actually order the temporary closure of your business.
Health and safety hazards
Pests threaten the health and safety of staff and customers. Many pests carry allergens, bacteria, and diseases that can contaminate surfaces and food, posing serious health risks including E. coli and salmonella poisoning. An unchecked pest infestation can lead to secondary infestations of flies, mites, or other pests that feed on the primary invaders—compounding the health risks to all involved.
Such health risks often result in out-of-pocket costs for business owners. In addition to the cost associated with eliminating the pests, the health hazards created may warrant doctor or emergency room visits, medication, or hospitalization for those exposed. You may find yourself on the hook for these expenses.
Employee welfare and retention
The presence of insects and rodents creates an uncomfortable and unsanitary work environment. Pests can spread illness and cause workers emotional distress. It is not uncommon for businesses dealing with pest issues to see a high rate of absenteeism and decreased productivity among employees.
When your employees don’t show up or fail to work hard, there is a monetary loss to your business.
Decreased property value
An untreated pest problem can impede your ability to sell a property. Understandably, potential buyers are cautious about investing in a business that shows signs of pest activity, fearing long-term issues that may not be immediately apparent.
Evidence of damage caused by rodents or termites may lead to reduced offers or cause potential buyers to walk away altogether. Even minor indications of pest activity may make the sale contingent on costly repairs being made. Simply put, the presence of pests in your business may make it harder to sell goods or services, and you may be forced to sell at a diminished price.
Loss of customers
The general public simply don’t like pests. Whether it be a pesky fly in the wrong place or a mouse scurrying across the floor, one sighting can turn off a loyal customer for good.
Failing to be proactive when it comes to pest treatment and prevention could cost you your entire customer base.
Legal consequences
Pest infestations can result in legal prosecution and hefty fines for local businesses. Employees or customers negatively affected by the pests may take legal action against you and your company. Lawsuits are expensive, and the legal process and outcome could ruin your business altogether.
Don’t Let Pests Damage Your Business
Pests in businesses contaminate the workplace, damage products, spread disease, and ruin reputations. The results can include loss of business, lawsuits, and fines. Clearly, as a business owner, it is critical that you take steps to mitigate the risks involved with a pest infestation.
When it comes to pest infestations, the most effective pest control method is prevention. Pest control is not a one-time expense but a long-term investment for the safety and success of your business.
Try the following to keep pests under control in your business:
- Ensure the building is properly sealed, including doors and windows
- Keep any food products in well-sealed containers
- Keep garbage in a covered bin and dispose of it regularly
- Dust and vacuum regularly
- Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments with a professional pest management company
As a local business owner, you cannot afford to ignore pests. The economic consequences of a pest infestation can be staggering. Be vigilant and regularly inspect your property for any signs of pests. Doing so, promptly preventative treatments, and addressing early signs of infestation are the most cost-effective strategies for managing pest risks.
Contact Insight Pest Management to Protect Your Local Business Today
Discovering a pest infestation is the last thing a busy business owner needs. Not only is the presence of pests unpleasant and alarming, but the financial fallout from an infestation can bring a business to its knees. In such situations, you need a professional pest management company to go to bat for you.
With over 25 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control at Insight Pest Management, we understand the importance of pest control and prevention in businesses, both large and small. Our expert team of inspectors will thoroughly evaluate the situation and develop an effective treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of your business.
We are proud to offer local business owners a comprehensive strategy that includes inspections, sanitation recommendations, physical removal, chemical treatments, and mechanical solutions to prevent and eliminate pest problems.
Gain peace of mind by keeping your customers and employees safe and your business pest-free. Call Insight Pest Management or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free quote. Customer satisfaction is always our first priority.
