Pests in the office

Rodents

Mice and rats are perhaps the most notorious pest that offices have to deal with. They are attracted by warmth and shelter as well as food waste. Ideal hiding places are office kitchens, underfloor cavities and storage areas. They can carry diseases, trigger allergies, and even cause electrical fires by chewing through wires.

Signs to look out for:

• • Droppings in drawers or under appliances
• • Gnawed cables or cardboard boxes
• • Scratching noises especially in walls or ceilings

Ants

Black garden ants are quite common in office buildings, especially during warmer months. They’re attracted by sugary snacks left on desks or kitchen worktops. While not dangerous, ants can quickly become a nuisance and can be hard to get rid of.

Signs to look out for:

• • The ants themselves, usually found around in areas where there’s food.
• • Sometimes they form fine trails leading to cracks in walls or skirting boards.

Pigeons

Pigeons are large gentle birds and are found in every town and city in the UK as well as rural areas. Feral pigeons are found in large numbers in urban areas where they scavenge for food. They often nest on ledges and windowsills of buildings. Although they may seem harmless at first, pigeons nesting of rooftops can cause several significant problems.

Property damage

Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can corrode:

• • Roof tiles
• • Metalwork
• • Stone facades
• • Air conditioning units

Nests can also block gutters and drainage systems leading to water damage, damp and sometimes even structural weakening over time.

Health Hazards

Pigeons are known carriers of diseases such as:

• • Psittacosis (Ornithosis) – a flu like illness that can be transmitted through inhaling dust from dried droppings.
• • Salmonella – bacteria found in pigeon droppings
• • Histoplasmosis – a fungal infection linked to bird droppings

Their droppings can also trigger respiratory issues and allergies.

Slip hazards and unsightly mess

Accumulated droppings around entrances and walkways can create slippery surfaces, posing a risk of falls. Visibly dirty entrances or windows give a poor impression to clients and visitors as well as staff.

Noise Disruption

Pigeons roosting or nesting near office windows, air vents or on flat roofs can be very noisy and disruptive, particularly during early mornings or breeding seasons.

Solution

Preventing pest infestations in the office isn’t just about reacting when there’s a problem. It’s about maintaining a high level of cleanliness as well as using preventative measures where necessary, this should keep pests away in the first place. That’s where professional cleaning services are essential. Regular commercial cleaning along with using pest deterrents where necessary, is the most effective way to prevent infestations, protect your staff’s health, and maintain a professional workplace.

In the case of pigeons nesting on rooftops or windowsills of buildings, deterrents include, installing pigeon netting, anti-perch spikes, bird wire and even hawking.

At CLD, we offer tailored commercial cleaning solutions for your office as well as pest control services, keeping your workplace free from pests.