No matter how neatly you maintain your business, no structure is completely immune from a potential rat infestation. These pesky creatures descend upon even the cleanest of places, and when a business owner’s reputation is on the line, there’s nothing worse than a rodent creeping up on a customer. Not only are rats annoying and downright terrifying to some people, but they also pose a serious health risk to your employees and guests. Protect your building–and livelihood–by employing the following prevention practices for avoiding a rat problem.

Regularly inspect and proof your property.

Rats are opportunists, and your commercial building is vulnerable with even the slightest of an opening or crevice in its foundation. Each season, do a thorough check of the exterior walls and fill any cracks with concrete. You should also keep watch of indoor walls, floorboards, and baseboards, making sure they are properly sealed and caulked. If you suspect rats are accessing your building through an existing hole, insert steel wool or concrete as a deterrent. Pay special attention to windowsills and doorways, and remember that rats can climb, burrow, and jump.

Keep a meticulously clean environment.

One of the best ways to impede a possible rat invasion is to maintain a neat and organized space. Rats nest and burrow, so stacked boxes and other cluttered items or debris should be cleared throughout. Tightly secure the lids on your internal and external trash cans. Remember that larger animals like raccoons can knock over a poorly secured garbage can, providing a feast for lurking rats. In inspecting your property, remember to monitor the surrounding area. A careless neighboring business might leave yours vulnerable to a critter infestation.

If you serve food, store it properly.

Whether your business is a restaurant, has a cafeteria, or small lunchroom, be mindful of securing food and waste. Always clean and disinfect floors and surfaces after a spill. Rats may not appear during the workday, but at night, even a few crumbs or a sticky counter will attract them. If possible, use glass or another sturdy container to stock supplies.

Consult with pest control professionals.

Educate yourself about the use of traps, poisons, and other treatments for an existing rat problem. If the threat is too much to handle, call the experts at Preventive Pest Control. They can help you solve your rodent problem.

This fall, don’t let these persistent critters wreak havoc on your business by contaminating products, destroying property, and threatening the well-being of the unsuspecting public.