Prevent pest activity in commercial receiving areas

Receiving areas and loading docks are the lifeline of your business, as they keep products, ingredients, and supplies moving smoothly. However, that frequent activity also leaves the door open, literally and figuratively, for pests to slip inside.

With people, deliveries, and materials constantly coming and going, pests have far too many opportunities to hitch a ride. Open doors, incoming shipments, nearby trash areas, and structures that appeal to nesting birds like sparrows all add to the risk.

The good news is, there’s plenty of control options that can reduce pest activity without disrupting workflow. Here are some simple tips to get you started.

Carefully inspect every shipment

Pests can find their way into shipments at any stage, whether at the source, during transport, or after arrival. The importance of how to recognize pest activity should not be understated. Take a moment to teach all of your employees what to look out for, and the steps to take if they notice a problem.

While you’re at it, take a moment to establish clear inspection standards with your suppliers. Collaborate to create detailed protocols, define your expectations, and agree on how to handle shipments that fall short of the requirements. A well-organized inspection list keeps your vendors aligned with the needs of your business, while reducing the risk of pest infestations.

Refrain from opening easy access points

In the middle of a busy day, it’s common for receiving area doors to stay open throughout the day. While this may be necessary every once in a while, keeping doors closed whenever you can reduces the chances of pests like flies, moths, rodents, and birds finding their way inside.

For doors that must remain open, options like air curtains or strip doors can act as a helpful barrier, while allowing business to continue without any pauses. A McCloud Pest Solutions specialist or pest management provider can offer recommendations tailored to your facility’s specific needs.

Additionally, your McCloud Pest representative or pest management partner may suggest extra precautions. This could include installing bait stations, bird netting, or insect light traps, all different strategies to limit pest activity in busy receiving areas. 

Focus on cleanliness in work areas

With supplies constantly moving through receiving areas, spills are bound to happen. Even a small amount of spilled food can suddenly attract pests. Make sure your team has clear, detailed clean-up procedures to follow, so spills can be addressed promptly. Keep in mind that spills are not confined to the receiving area itself, they can occur beneath trucks or around unloading zones.

Many loading docks are located at the back of a facility, potentially near dumpsters or trash storage. Unfortunately, pests love to hide out in these areas. Rodents, flies, birds, and even larger animals are drawn by the smell of food waste, nesting materials, and other debris. Flies can detect odors from miles away, always eager to travel toward the potential food. The closer these pests get to your building, the more likely it is that they’ll find a way inside.

To help keep pests away, maintain a clean trash area and ensure dumpster lids stay securely closed. Scheduling routine cleanings for dumpsters and any surrounding pavement will also reduce lingering odors and lower pest-related risks.

Reach out to McCloud Pest today

These are just a handful of steps that can help lower the risk of pest problems in your receiving area. With proper pest control, there are many more strategies you and your team can put in place to prevent pest activity.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact McCloud Pest Solutions for a complimentary facility inspection.