Fall Invaders – Pest Prevention Tips for Grocery Stores

Fall is almost here. Preparation for events which accompany autumn such as Halloween and the return to school shopping, have been in full swing for several weeks. In addition to preparing the store with fall displays and merchandise, retail stores should also be preparing for the fall invading pests. This includes pests like brown marmorated stink bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs, cluster flies and mice. The drop in temperature, reduced daylight hours and fall harvest can all trigger an increase in autumn pests.

Here are some easy tips for preventing these pests from entering the store:

Seasonal displays like pumpkins and straw bales can arrive with pests harboring in the totes or product pallets. Inspect these deliveries for signs of mice. If mouse droppings or other evidence is noted reject the shipment. If evidence is found post-delivery, notify your pest management service specialist immediately.
Make sure all doors have proper seals at the base, centers and sides. This includes dock doors, front doors and personnel doors. Mice only need a crack ¼” wide to gain access to the building. Insects can enter through even smaller gaps.
Seal around other openings which may allow pest entry such as window framing and foundation/ wall junctures. These are areas where cluster flies, boxelder bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles will enter.
Make sure all vents are properly screened and that screens are intact and not torn.
Check the timing mechanisms on automatic doors to make sure they remain open no longer than necessary for customers to clear the sensors.
Instruct employees to keep doors like dock doors and other truck driver delivery doors closed when not in use.
Avoid storing items in corrugated cardboard totes in the garden center. Birds and other animals may seek harborage in these boxes. If items must be stored in this area, use sealable bins which will prevent pest entry.

Fall Invaders – Pest Prevention Tips for Grocery Stores

Here are some easy tips for preventing these pests from entering the store:

Make sure all doors have proper seals at the base, centers and sides. This includes dock doors, front doors and personnel doors. Mice only need a crack ¼” wide to gain access to the building. Insects can enter through even smaller gaps.

Seal around other openings which may allow pest entry such as window framing and foundation/ wall junctures. These are areas where cluster flies, boxelder bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles will enter.

Make sure all vents are properly screened and that screens are intact and not torn.

Check the timing mechanisms on automatic doors to make sure they remain open no longer than necessary for customers to clear the sensors.

Instruct employees to keep doors like dock doors and other truck driver delivery doors closed when not in use.

Avoid storing items in corrugated cardboard totes in the garden center. Birds and other animals may seek harborage in these boxes. If items must be stored in this area, use sealable bins which will prevent pest entry.