How to Pest-Proof Your Commercial Property
Posted on the

How to Pest-Proof Your Commercial Property
When it comes to running a successful business, ensuring your premises are free from pests should be high on your priority list. Pests like rats, mice, and pigeons can cause significant damage to your property, harm your reputation, and even lead to health code violations. With businesses often being more vulnerable due to larger storage spaces, complex ventilation systems, and regular deliveries, it’s essential to pest-proof your property before problems arise.
In this blog, we’ll explore the damage these common pests can cause and offer practical advice on how to pest-proof your commercial property. And if you’re looking for professional help, Bawcro Pest Control provides expert services to safeguard your building against unwanted invaders.
The Damage Pests Can Cause
Damage Rats cause
Rats are more than just a nuisance—they are a serious threat to your business. Known for their ability to gnaw through almost anything, from wood and plastic to even softer metals, rats can cause costly structural damage to your building. Rats often chew through electrical wires, which poses a fire hazard, and can also damage insulation and plumbing systems.
Beyond property damage, rats are notorious carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever, which can easily spread to your employees, customers, and stock.
Damage Mice Cause
While mice are smaller than rats, they can cause similar problems. They tend to gnaw on wiring and insulation, which increases the risk of fire and electrical malfunctions. Mice are also excellent at squeezing through even the tiniest gaps in walls, ceilings, and floors, making it difficult to completely seal them out without expert assistance.
Like rats, mice carry harmful bacteria and can contaminate food supplies. This makes them particularly dangerous for businesses that deal with food, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing plants.
Damage Pigeons Cause
Pigeons may seem harmless, but their presence can be highly damaging to commercial properties. Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but highly corrosive—they can damage metal surfaces, degrade stone, and cause structural problems over time. In addition, pigeon droppings can harbor diseases like histoplasmosis and psittacosis, which pose a health risk to employees and customers.
Pigeons also tend to nest in inconvenient places such as roof eaves, air vents, and gutters, leading to blockages, water damage, and increased maintenance costs.
How to Pest-Proof Your Commercial Property
Effective pest-proofing is a combination of preventive measures, regular maintenance, and professional support. Here are some key steps to keep your business premises free from unwanted pests:
Seal Entry Points
One of the most important steps in pest-proofing your property is to block any potential entry points. Rats and mice can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so ensure doors, windows, and vents are properly sealed. Look for cracks in walls, around pipes, and utility entry points where rodents might slip in. Installing door sweeps and using mesh to cover vents can also help to keep pests out.

Maintain Cleanliness
Pests are attracted to food and waste, so keeping your commercial property clean is essential. Regularly dispose of rubbish, especially food waste, and store it in sealed, pest-proof containers. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately and ensure that food storage areas, like kitchens and break rooms, are kept tidy and sanitized.
Pests also seek water sources, so fix any leaks in pipes or taps, and ensure that condensation in areas like basements or crawl spaces is minimized.
Install Bird Deterrents
To prevent pigeons from nesting on your property, you may need to install specific bird deterrents. Anti-roosting spikes, netting, and bird wire are effective ways to keep pigeons from settling on your roof or ledges. Installing bird-proofing solutions can help minimize the chances of structural damage from their droppings and nesting materials.
Store Supplies Properly
If your business stores inventory, it’s important to keep it organized and properly sealed. Rodents are drawn to stockrooms, especially if they contain food products or materials that can be used for nesting. Use pest-proof containers and ensure that items are stored off the ground on pallets or shelves.
Conduct regular inspections of your storage areas for any signs of pest activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with regular property maintenance is vital for staying ahead of pest problems. This includes everything from checking the roof for loose tiles that birds might nest in to inspecting the foundation for cracks that rodents could exploit. Gutter cleaning and proper drainage systems are also key in preventing pigeons from turning your roof into a nesting site.
Get Professional Help
While preventive measures can go a long way, sometimes pests can still find their way into your commercial property. When this happens, it’s essential to seek professional help.

At Bawcro Pest Control, we specialize in pest-proofing commercial properties of all sizes. We work to identify vulnerable areas, eliminate current infestations, and implement long-term solutions that prevent pests from returning. Our experts provide tailored pest-proofing strategies, whether you’re dealing with rodents, birds, or any other type of pest, ensuring your property remains protected.
With years of experience in the industry, Bawcro Pest Control adheres to the highest standards, ensuring that your property is not only pest-free but also complies with relevant health and safety regulations.
How Bawcro Pest Control Can Help
When it comes to pest-proofing, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why Bawcro Pest Control offers a comprehensive, customized approach to pest management, ensuring your property is thoroughly protected.
Our services include:
- Detailed inspections to identify potential entry points and areas of concern.
- Sealing off access points to prevent pests from entering.
- Professional bird-proofing installations, such as netting and spikes.
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to keep your property pest-free.
- Environmentally friendly and humane pest control solutions.
By choosing Bawcro Pest Control, you can rest easy knowing that your commercial property is safeguarded against damage, health risks, and reputational harm caused by pests. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of a rodent infestation in commercial properties?
Common signs include droppings, gnaw marks on wiring and wood, foul odours, scratching noises, and sightings of live or dead rodents. Regular inspections are essential to catch early signs of infestation.
How can I prevent pigeons from nesting on my commercial building?
Installing anti-roosting devices like spikes, netting, and bird wire can effectively deter pigeons. Professional bird-proofing services, like those offered by Bawcro Pest Control, ensure long-term solutions.
What are the health risks associated with pest infestations in commercial properties?
Rats, mice, and pigeons can carry diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and histoplasmosis, which can be harmful to both employees and customers. Preventing infestations is key to maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.
Further Reading