As we hit the peak of August, those summer pests are in full force! The particularly warm year we’ve had also means numbers of some insects are much higher than last year due to their life cycles being accelerated by the warm climate. Though the sun can help businesses thrive this time of year, it can also bring some unwanted customers - especially if you're in hospitality. So here are some tips to protect your business from those pesky summer pests.
Keep it Clean
This is your first line of defence. Food is what attracts insects this time of year. A clean environment is essential to preventing pests from entering your property.
Natural Deterrents
These are especially useful for outdoor seating areas. Natural repellents such as citronella candles, peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil can be a good deterrent. However, this is not a foolproof fix.
Fly Screens
Installing fly screens on windows and doors prevents flying insects from entering a property while also providing ventilation. However, it doesn’t help your customers sitting outside trying to enjoy a glass of wine on a patio.
Landscaping
Insects are attracted to certain types of plants, so be mindful of this when landscaping any outdoor areas. Plants such as mint, eucalyptus or citronella are good deterrents for pests like wasps. Maintaining your garden by keeping shrubbery well-trimmed will also make your outdoor areas less attractive to insects.
Traps and Baits
Sticky tapes, LED fly killers and traps are a good internal solution to help manage insect numbers.
Educate Staff
Make sure your staff are aware of the potential dangers of insect bites/stings and are trained so they know what to do if a customer has been affected by an insect. Having a first-aid kit readily available is essential, especially for wasp or bee stings which can be fatal for some people.
Regular Inspections
Professional pest controllers can detect what areas of your business are vulnerable, what pests you are most likely to come up against in your region and how best to deal with them. Having a regular inspection is your best defence against pests.
It’s time to call a professional
If your pest issue is getting out of hand, it’s time to call in a professional pest control technician. They can handle the problem safely and efficiently.
We have been blessed with a beautifully warm summer this year and we should enjoy it, but you should also be extra vigilant when it comes to pest control. Concerned about pests in or around your home or business? Give us a call today: 020 8668 5477.