Pest Control Services in West River

Commercial Pest Control: Why It’s Important

Commercial pest control is an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of business management. A seemingly minor pest infestation can snowball into significant problems, impacting your employees, customers, and the overall success of your operation.

Commercial pest control is important for the following reasons:

• Protects health and safety. Pests can transmit a variety of diseases through droppings, bites, and contaminated surfaces. Rodents and insects can also trigger allergies and asthma, leading to employee absenteeism and customer discomfort.
• Preserves property and inventory.  Rodents like termites and mice can cause significant structural damage by gnawing on wires and building materials. Many pests also contaminate or destroy food and other inventory, leading to financial losses.
• Maintains brand reputation. A visible pest infestation can severely damage your company's image. Customers who witness pests in your establishment are unlikely to return, and negative online reviews can spread quickly.
• Ensures compliance with regulations. Many industries, particularly those involving food service or healthcare, have strict regulations regarding pest control. Regular professional services help ensure your business remains compliant and avoids costly fines.

Common Types of Ants in Maryland 

Six of the most common ant types you might encounter in Maryland include the following:

1. Odorous house ants. Tiny and troublesome, these ants emit a distinct coconut-like odor when crushed. They favor sweet substances and grease, often trailing into kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Carpenter ants. The largest ant on this list, carpenter ants pose a serious threat to homes. They tunnel through wood, creating galleries and weakening structures. They're attracted to moisture and damaged wood.
3. Pavement ants. As their name suggests, pavement ants prefer to build their nests in cracks in sidewalks and driveways. However, they'll readily invade homes in search of food, particularly sweets and grease.
4. Acrobat ants. These acrobatic ants get their name from their dramatic defense posture – raising their abdomens high in the air when threatened. While they can sting, they're generally not aggressive and more interested in finding sugary treats indoors.
5. Pharaoh ants: Light brown or yellow in color, pharaoh ants are known for their large colonies and their ability to establish themselves indoors year-round. They're drawn to a variety of food sources and can be a persistent nuisance.
6. Thief ants. Aptly named, thief ants are notorious for stealing food from other ant colonies. They're small and light brown and can be a nuisance indoors, especially if attracted to pet food or sugary spills.

Encountering any of these ant species in your home can be frustrating. You can deter ants by doing the following: 

• Eliminate attractants. Keep food sealed, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and store pet food in airtight containers.
• Address moisture issues. Fix leaky faucets and pipes and ensure proper ventilation in crawlspaces and basements.
• Seal entry points. Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation to prevent ants from entering your home.
• Maintain your yard. Trim tree branches away from the house and eliminate leaf piles and debris where ants might nest.
• Invest in a pest control treatment plan. We offer pest control solutions and can come spray and treat your home quarterly to protect your home from ants.