Cleaning Effectively At Home

Posted on: 24 September 2018

Flying and crawling insects and rodents have no place in your company's offices. Yet, many business owners have to deal with an influx of pests. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of an insect or rodent infestation. The following tips will help.

Tip #1: Implement packaging rules

Many employees bring in their own snack foods to keep at their desks, which should definitely be allowed since this can increase morale and productivity. You do need to implement rules, though. The most important one is that all packaged food must be kept in an airtight container with a fitted lid. You may even want to provide such a container at each workstation to further encourage their use.

Tip #2: Keep the breakroom clean

The breakroom will naturally be the biggest pest risk after food at individual desks. Ensuring that all pantry items are in sealed containers and that dishes are done daily can minimize issues. Assign someone daily to the task of making sure all counters and tables are wiped down, and that leftover food -- particularly office-wide treats -- are disposed of or put away at the end of the day.

Tip #3: Empty trash daily

Trash cans, whether on the office floor or in the break room, are often the repository of food wrappers and leftovers. Enforcing a policy that all trash cans must be emptied at the end of the day ensures the odors from food-related trash don't attract insects or rodents.

Tip #4: Manage pests magnets

Some non-food items can also attract pests, especially if you are already trying to overcome a pest problem. For example, office plants can attract flying insects, particularly if the plants are failing in health or being over-watered. Although you may not want to get rid of the plants, you do need to make sure they are properly cared for. Dead leaves and plant materials should be removed promptly. Avoid over-watering and empty the drip tray under the pots so there is no standing water. This will minimize the plant's attractiveness to insects.

Tip #5: Invest in professional cleaning

Although you could rotate tasks like breakroom cleanup, trash enforcement, and plant care through the staff, hiring a commercial cleaning service, such as OFFICE-KLEEN, is a better idea. The professionals will do a better job of cleaning since this is their sole responsibility.  A cleaning service will also make sure floors are clean, which means fewer crumbs to attract pests.