When the term ‘warehouse security’ is mentioned, most minds quickly jump to protection from thieves and unauthorized public access. We install gates, barriers, and fences to safeguard our premises from these threats. However, another overlooked threat often wreaks havoc right under our noses – pests, and rodents.

These intruders pose significant problems, especially in food and drink facilities, where their presence is unsanitary and even health-threatening. Rodents are notorious for gnawing through boxes of products, leading to substantial losses. This post aims to shine a light on this issue and provide solutions to keep your facility pest-free.

Pest Hotspots in Your Building

Loading Docks: High-traffic areas that also provide access to the interior of your facility.

Storage Rooms: These dark, crowded spaces are excellent hiding places for these small, unwanted guests due to their limited foot traffic.

Pallets: These offer hideouts and food to wood-eating pests and cockroaches.

Dumpsters: The scent can attract gangs of cockroaches, ants, rats, mice, and more. Employee Break Rooms: Unwashed dishes, dirty countertops, and food particles serve as a banquet for pests.

Be On The Lookout

According to Wil-Kil Pest Control, these are the top offenders when it comes to common warehouse pests:

Beetles

Also known as pantry pests, these critters are attracted to grain products and when they find them, it is only a matter of time before they lay eggs. Contaminated products can lead to infestations once purchased.

Rodents

Mice and rats view warehouses as paradises with their endless hiding spots, food, and water sources. They leave urine and droppings behind, contaminating products and endangering the health of not just consumers but employees as well.

Birds

Both an indoor and outdoor nuisance, birds in warehouses can distract employees and contaminate products. They may nest in the high beams or even land on equipment that needs to be kept sanitary.

Flies

Common near garbage receptacles and floor drains, flies carry diseases from the dirty environments they inhabit.

Cockroaches

These “hitchhikers” usually enter warehouses via deliveries and transportation services. Despite staying hidden in the dark corners of your facility they can spread viruses when leaving droppings behind.

Each facility faces their own unique challenges, but United Door and Dock is eager to help you keep pest issues at bay by securing your doors and loading docks.

Solutions for Pest and Rodent Control

At United Door and Dock, we provide several solutions to safeguard your facility from unwanted pests and rodents:

Industrial bug screens: Keep bugs at bay while maintaining ventilation in your warehouse. These are a great option for doors that are left open for airflow during the nicer weather months.
Installing weather stripping and brush on doors and dock levelers: These help block gaps that may serve as prime entry points.
Regular door maintenance: Ensuring doors are not stuck open or have damaged seals, preventing easy access.
Dock seals: These provide a barrier against pests and can help save energy. We think Xcluder Dock Leveler seals are best as they use brush, rubber and steel opposed to the standard brush solution.
Vertical dock levelers: A Vertical Storing Leveler facilitates the opening of trailer doors inside the loading dock rather than on the drive approach, it does not have a pit. This efficient design aids in preventing the entry of dust, debris, and rodents into the facility.

Other Methods to Keep Your Facility Pest-Free

In addition, consider these methods to keep your facility pest-free:

Regular cleaning and waste management: A clean facility is less attractive to pests. Create and maintain a sanitation schedule and avoid using cardboard for storage.
Professional pest control services: Regular inspections by professionals ensure any infestation is found and dealt with quickly.
Employee education: Training staff on the proper use of door and dock equipment can prevent creating entry points. In addition to proper use, making sure your staff knows what the signs of damage and infestation are and who to report the information to is almost equally important.
Regular building inspections: Have your facility manager and anyone regularly on the perimeter of the building (loading docks and doors) on the lookout for potential pest entry points like cracks or holes and have them promptly fixed. Also, make sure to regularly rotate stock where pests and rodents are most likely to make their home.
Perimeter exclusion devices: Consider installing netting, spikes, sound markers, or sodium vapor lighting.

By taking the above steps, your warehouse or manufacturing plant can become a fortress against pests and rodents, saving you from potential product loss, health risks, and unsanitary working conditions. Invest in pest-proofing today for a safer and more productive tomorrow.

While United Door and Dock may not be a pest control servicer, we know maintaining a pest-free warehouse is essential for the safety and efficiency of your operations. Paying special attention to doors and dock levelers can make your pest control efforts even more effective. Don’t give pests an easy in – secure your warehouse with these tips today.