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Start the spring season pest-free with these tips
READING, Penn. (March 4, 2022) – Springtime brings warmer temperatures and longer days, but it also signals an increase in pest and bird activity. Without a plan in place, pest infestations can negatively impact brand reputation, cause health and safety concerns and lead to costly business interruptions.
Rentokil, a global leader in pest control, helps businesses operate pest-free and protect their buildings from pesky issues created by pests. Dr. Nancy Troyano and Steven Dupuy, pest control experts at Rentokil North America, identified three springtime pests that business owners and operators should look out for this season.
Termites cause an estimated $5 billion a year in property damage in the United States by eating through wood structures. Even buildings constructed on slabs of concrete block, such as warehouses and distribution centers, can face termite problems. These pests, also known as the “silent destroyer,” can work their way up a structure, eating insulation to get to wooden beams, roof supports and more.
There are a few early signs business executives and property managers can look for if termites are present. Mud tunnels, small pin holes in sheetrock and sticking windows are all signs of termites.
Monitor building slabs and piers for mud tunnels and watch for small pin holes, filled with mud, in the sheetrock or panelling. Termites tend to fill these holes with mud for protection.
A small termite issue can quickly get out of control if not properly managed. “To prevent termites from entering a space, keep water, wood and debris out of crawl spaces and away from building slabs,” said Steven Dupuy, Termite Technical Expert at Rentokil North America. “A good rule of thumb is to have three inches of the building slab exposed for easy inspection.”
Ants are one of the most active springtime pests, especially as ants forage for food as the temperature rises. Ants are industrious and breed fast, with the ability to form colonies in the millions. Tiny in size, ants get into the smallest of spaces, making them difficult to spot.
Ants are attracted to anything sweet and sticky, which is why they are often found in kitchens, break rooms and anywhere else food is stored. As ants carry particles of food back to the colony they will leave behind a chemical trail to help other ants find the food, and these trails serve as an indicator of a possible ant infestation. Ant nests are another sign that a larger problem may exist. These nests may resemble a small pile of dirt or soil and may be hidden in quiet, dark places.
Most ants only come indoors when hunting for food. “The first step towards preventing ants from entering a building is to ensure kitchens and break rooms are clear of crumbs and foods are properly stored in tightly sealed containers,” said Dr. Nancy Troyano, Board Certified Entomologist and Director of Operations, Education and Training at Rentokil North America. “Clean up any food and liquid spills immediately and block off entry points by sealing all cracks and crevices around doors and window frames.”
Bird infestations can lead to a slew of problems for businesses. Droppings and feathers can transmit more than 60 diseases and compromise air quality, causing health and safety concerns. The presence of birds can also damage brand reputation and, for some industries, cause failure of audits and inspections, leading to shutdowns and lost revenue.
Property managers and operators can look for several signs of a possible bird problem. Watch for nests, or pieces of their nest strewn throughout the property. Many birds prefer to build nests inside wall voids, steeples, tree cavities and signs. Other areas may include balconies, ledges, chimney stacks, guttering and culverts.
To deter birds, property managers can set up decoys around the property. Other preventive measures include removing food and trash sources. “Secure garbage bin lids and don’t leave trash bags or unused packing material in the open, as birds can use the disposed materials to build nests,” said Troyano.
Termites, ants and birds are some common springtime pests to watch for, but they aren’t the only ones lurking around commercial properties. “When dealing with invasive pests it’s important to remember, pests don’t like humans as much as humans don’t like pests,” added Troyano. Many species try to avoid being seen at all costs, which is why the best time to treat pests is before the first critter is spotted.
Property managers and operators can implement these preventative measures before a problem arises. To ensure businesses are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to operate pest-free all year long, business leaders can work with a trusted pest control expert on an integrated pest management solution designed for their brand’s specific and unique needs. Protect employees and customers while gaining peace of mind through innovative, environmentally-responsible solutions.
For additional pest resources, or to learn more about integrated pest management solutions visit,
For more than 90 years, Rentokil has served as global experts in pest control. Through an integrated pest management approach, the Rentokil network of experts offer a superior level of protection and trusted solutions, pushing the boundaries of innovation and harnessing new technology, to create pest-free environments.
Rentokil is part of Rentokil North America, which provides commercial and residential pest control to customers in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The comprehensive and digital pest management solutions include general pest control, rodents, mosquito, birds, termite and bed bug inspections and service, vegetation management and bird management.
In addition, Rentokil North America operates business services companies including Ambius, specializing in air purification, hand and surface hygiene as well as plants and scenting services;
Steritech, offering food safety and operational assessments; SOLitude Lake Management, providing lake and pond solutions; and Vector Disease Control International, which serves governments and municipalities with mosquito control services.
