A pest infestation can cause damage, negatively impact your company’s reputation, and pose health and safety risks to staff and guests. A consistent cleaning schedule and proper trash disposal are some of the best ways to keep an office clean and pest-free.
To help keep your office hygienic and pest-free, we put together our top 7 cleaning and preventative tips. Most of these tips are super easy and can be implemented immediately in your office.
7 Cleaning Tips to Prevent Pests in the Office and Workplace
- Proper Food Storage and Disposal
- Empty Rubbish Bins Frequently
- Pay Special Attention to High-Risk Areas
- Keep Doors Closed
- Keep Up With Repairs
- Hire Professional Office Cleaning Services
- Inspect Shipments and Deliveries Before Bringing Them In
1. Proper Food Storage and Disposal
Our number one tip for preventing pests in the office is properly storing and disposing of all food. Food debris and crumbs can attract all sorts of pests and give them an easy food source.
Use these tips for proper food storage and disposal in the office:
- Make sure all staff members use containers with tight-fitting lids
- Store food in cabinets, on shelves, or in the fridge
- Do not let food sit out on desks or countertops
- Make sure all food is properly sealed before storing it in the fridge or cabinets
- Make sure no food scraps are left in the drain
- Clean up any spills immediately
- Keep designated areas for eating, such as the kitchen or break room, to avoid food debris and crumbs all over the office
- Throw out uneaten food or scraps right away
2. Empty Rubbish Bins Frequently
Our next top tip for a pest-free office is regularly emptying all rubbish bins. For small offices, this may be a couple of times a week. Larger, busier offices may need rubbish bins emptied every day. Kitchen and break room garbage should be taken out every day, regardless of office size.
When taking out rubbish, don’t forget to wipe up the area around the garbage. Also, use rubbish bins with tight, well-fitted lids.
3. Pay Special Attention to High-Risk Areas
Certain areas are high-risk for pest infestations and require extra attention, including:
- Kitchens
- Break rooms
- Any areas where food is prepared or consumed
- Near rubbish bins
- Bathrooms
- Near doors and windows
Make sure these high-risk areas are cleaned and inspected frequently to help prevent pest infestations.
4. Keep Doors Closed
One of the easiest tips for preventing pests in the office is keeping doors closed. Avoid propping doors open and use weather stripping to help seal any cracks. If you want to let in a fresh breeze, open windows (with proper screens) instead.
5. Keep Up With Repairs
Lack of building maintenance can put your office at risk of infestations from mice, wasps, cockroaches, ants, and other pests. Older or damaged buildings often have cracks and weakened areas where pests can gain entry.
Keep up with building repairs to help guard your office against pests. These repairs include:
- Have appliances, drains, toilets, and pipes regularly inspected for leaks (just like food, water attracts pests)
- Make sure the area surrounding your building has proper drainage (standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes)
- Inspect all wiring regularly and make sure damaged wires are repaired immediately
- Fix any cracks, holes, or gaps in the walls, foundation, ceilings, or floors
- Use drain covers on floor drains and sinks
- Keep up with window maintenance and replace any rotting window frames and seal any gaps in windows
6. Hire Professional Office Cleaning Services
If you want the easiest way to keep a hygienic, pest-free office, consider hiring professional office cleaners in Perth. As professional cleaners, we know the proper sanitation, cleaning measures, and preventative techniques to eliminate pest infestations.
We also know how to identify problem areas before an infestation can set in. Our staff is highly trained in identifying high-risk areas that need attention. By identifying problem areas, we can catch issues early and help prevent pest infestations.
Learn More: 11 Benefits of Professional Office Cleaning Services for Your Office
7. Inspect Shipments and Deliveries Before Bringing Them In
Packages can be contaminated with larvae or pests. Anytime your office receives a shipment or package, it should be carefully inspected. Ideally, open packages away from main areas and immediately dispose of all packing and boxes.
3 Common Office Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting Too Long In Between Cleanings
- Forgetting Corners, Underneath Furniture, and Other Overlooked Areas
- Ignoring Landscaping Maintenance
1. Waiting Too Long In Between Cleanings
Even with a thorough deep clean, it won’t do much good if it takes months before the office is cleaned again. Effective pest control is all about consistent, frequent cleanings to keep a tidy, sanitised office.
If you’re wondering, “How often should I clean my office?”, we put together this guide to help: How Often Should Your Office Be Cleaned? – Broadway Commercial Cleaning Service.
2. Forgetting Corners, Underneath Furniture, and Other Overlooked Areas
Pests love cluttered, messy, dark spaces. When office areas go uncleaned, it creates hiding spots that are perfect for harboring pests.
Make sure to regularly clean all areas of the office, including often overlooked spaces, such as:
- Under and behind desks
- Under and behind furniture
- Underneath fridges, ovens, and other appliances
- Behind appliances
- Corners
- Behind rubbish bins
- Around water sources
- Underneath sinks
- Storage areas and closets
- Utility rooms
3. Ignoring Landscaping Maintenance
So much pest prevention is focused on the inside of the office, but don’t forget about the landscaping. Overgrown bushes, landscaping, weeds, and grass can invite pests to frequent the exterior of your office or get inside.
Keep branches, weeds, and grass neatly trimmed and maintained to reduce the chance of pests living around your building’s perimeter.
Why Regular Cleaning Services Are Important for a Pest-Free, Hygienic Office
Pests in the office can reduce employee well-being, harm your company’s reputation, lead to costly repairs, and pose health and safety risks.
Fortunately, the right cleaning tips can prevent pests in the office and keep your staff and visitors safe.
Prevention is far easier than having to eliminate a pest infection. Get in touch with our professional cleaners if you need help implementing these tips.
We offer cost-effective professional office cleaning in Perth tailored to your schedule, needs, and goals. With green cleaning measures, state-of-the-art equipment, and years of office cleaning experience, we deliver a clean you can count on.
