Top Signs of Pests in Your Workplace

The last thing any workplace wants to deal with is a pest infestation, but how do you identify one? Common pests in New Zealand include insects such as cockroaches and rodents like mice. There are plenty of preventative measures you can take to help keep them away, but in a pest emergency, it can be worth engaging the help of commercial pest control. 

Read on to learn the common signs of pests in offices and what to do when confronted by signs of infestation. 

How to spot signs of pests

Insects

Insects like cockroaches or ants are among the most common office pests. Signs they may have taken residence at your business are: 

• Ant trails: Ants use pheromones to leave a trail that the rest of the hive can follow. Ant lines and pathways are key indicators of a larger infestation.  
• Live cockroaches: One of the most classic signs of cockroaches is seeing one scuttle around in dark spaces. Dead cockroaches can also suggest an ongoing pest problem. 
• Fly clusters: One or two flies around waste containers or the kitchen aren’t unusual in the warmer seasons, but a cluster can indicate an infestation. 
• Damage to plants or stored food: Some insects target food sources, leaving tiny bite marks or small holes in packages. 

Rodents

Rats and mice are other common workplace pests found everywhere from warehouses to offices. Signs to watch for include: 

• Droppings: Each species leaves droppings of a distinct size and shape. You may notice these before spotting the animal itself—pay special attention to areas around walls and food sources.
• Unusual noises: It can be difficult to confirm the presence of rodents from sounds alone, but sounds are useful indicators when paired with other signs. Squeaks, scurrying sounds, and biting sounds are some of the signs of rodents. 
• Physical marks: These include grease marks that rats leave behind as they move around. Rats also leave gnaw marks, which can appear on anything from building materials to wiring. 
• Nesting materials: Rodents will often gather shredded paper, fabric, or insulation to build nests. Finding small piles of these materials can signal an infestation. 

Preventative measures your business can take

• Promote everyday cleanliness: Simple hygiene routines and habits can make a big difference in preserving a pest-free work environment in the long run. Wiping down and sanitising areas with food, keeping storage areas organised and uncluttered, and tidying up as you go wherever you are will help remove vectors of infestation. 
• Prioritise proper waste management: Signs of pests often accompany poorly managed bins and other types of waste in a business. Ensure all bins are tightly sealed and regularly emptied. 
• Implement employee education: One of the best ways to keep your business pest-free is to inform your staff through training courses, workshops, or meetings. Getting rid of an infestation is harder without everyone on the same page. Training staff to recognise signs of pest activity and uphold hygiene standards makes it easier to stay ahead of potential infestation. 

DIY vs professional solutions: When to call the experts

Chances are you’re not going to sound the alarm as soon as you see a stray ant in your kitchen, but how do you draw the line between taking a DIY approach and seeking out professional cleaning services? Here are some scenarios where DIY pest control could suffice and when to let professionals take care of it for you. 

When DIY pest control can work

DIY methods could be suitable for situations such as: 

• Minor ant infestations 
• Irregular fly problems 

Quick fixes and off-the-shelf solutions may help with pest problems, but they often allow issues to resurface. Recurring pest problems can become frustrating and time-consuming. Instead of handling it in-house, consider hiring a professional for a thorough, lasting solution. 

When to use professional pest control

We recommend contacting a professional when you run into these issues such as: 

• Rodent sightings 
• Cockroach infestations 
• Pests in food storage or preparation areas 
• Repeat infestations 
• Damage to products or supplies 

Benefits of professional pest control

• Comprehensive and safe treatments: Professionals have access to specialised equipment, products, and other resources. These tools are more effective and can be deployed safely by eco-friendly commercial cleaning teams. 
• Experience and Expertise: Professionals also come equipped with experience and expertise, two invaluable assets when dealing with pests at work. They can accurately identify signs of pests, develop solutions, and choose the right tools for the job. Professional services understand pests based on their patterns and behaviour, giving them the upper hand.  
• Peace of mind: Pest problems can be stressful. Professional cleaning companies provide thorough inspections and effective solutions, relieving you and your team from the pressure of handling it alone. Trust that experts with proven experience in pest elimination are managing the situation for you. 
• Cost and time savings: While DIY pest control may appear cheaper initially, recurring issues can drain time and money. Professional services offer a long-term solution by thoroughly eliminating pests and preventing their return, all while working around your schedule to minimise disruption. 
• Customised solutions: Every business has unique needs, and professional pest control companies tailor their approach to fit the specific challenges of your workplace. Whether it’s an office, warehouse, or retail space, they adapt their methods for maximum effectiveness. 

Let a professional service take care of your pest problem

Creating and maintaining a pest-free environment is a team effort and shouldn’t fall on one person to handle alone. If you’ve spotted any signs of pests—or if they keep coming back—it’s time to call in the experts at HQ Clean. Our team specialises in thorough pest control solutions and offers practical guidance on maintaining a clean, pest-resistant workspace. 

We’re here to help businesses establish lasting cleanliness and a healthy environment for everyone. Let us provide you with peace of mind by creating and sustaining a pest-free workplace tailored to your unique needs. Reach out to HQ Clean today and let us handle the pests so you can focus on what matters most.