3 Problems Caused by Rodents in Warehouses

Rodents can cause problems for any building. In fact, the bigger the building, the bigger the potential problems. Warehouses are vulnerable to large infestations of rodents ranging from squirrels to rats. Not only do the contents of many warehouses (i.e. cardboard boxes for shelter, grain or processed food goods for food, plenty of heat and water) attract rodents, but there are many entry points and hidden, out-of-the-way nooks that can serve as safe, warm shelters. However, rodents aren't just a continual nuisance for warehouses and the companies that use them. They pose real risks to production, safety, and revenue. Discover these problems caused by rodents in warehouses.

Damage to Inventory and Stored Goods

If your warehouse stores food goods, rodents will find them. They can tear through packaged food goods and pallets of produce and even tear through the food in breakrooms and staff areas. They can destroy entire boxes of goods, and even if there are food goods left behind, they may no longer comply with sanitation regulations.

Rodents can even cause extensive inventory damage even if you don't handle food at your warehouse. Rodents will build nests out of stored material, chew through boxes, and can lead to severe pest infestations.

Electrical Damage and Structural Damage

Rodents can tear into the structure itself. Warm wiring can invite mice, rats, and raccoons to nest near or even in electrical equipment. Rodents will also use entry points around wiring to access the building, damaging the wiring itself. They can also chew through soffits, burrow into the walls, and spoil all of the insulation among your warehouse's rafters or subceilings.

Health and Sanitation Risks

Wherever there are rodents, there's an increased risk of disease and pest infestations. Depending on the industries you serve, you will need to have a warehouse completely free of rodents to pass health and safety inspections. Rodents also pose a direct risk to onsite staff, as they can bite, worsen air quality around nests, and quickly turn from a few rodents to a large infestation.

All of these problems pose a significant disruption to your business, whether it's a shutdown to capture a squirrel that found its way inside or a nest of mice destroying paperwork in the office. At Critter Guard, we provide businesses with easy solutions to keep rodents out and protect your facilities. To learn more about our wildlife control solutions, contact us today!