Continued from page 33 can help facility managers to make a deci-sion that best serves their commercial property. Simple, cost-efficient pest prevention tips Regardless of whether it’s a bull or bear market, there are multitudes of pest preven-tion tips that the NPMA can offer facility managers to help prevent pest infestations in commercial properties. Pest prevention is a task in which all facility managers can (and should) partake with the assistance of a pest professional. Here are just a few simple, cost-effective pest prevention measures to help keep pests and rodents outdoors: • Dispose of garbage in clean, sealed containers • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the building, including entry points for utilities and pipes • Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from any and all buildings • Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood • Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows • Don’t overlook proper drainage; consider installing gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building • Consider replacing mulch adjacent to the building with crushed stone; mulch can provide a burrowing area for rodents and other pests • Be sure that exterior lights are not directed at doors or positioned above entryways as they serve as a beacon for unwanted pests • Be sure that employees do not prop doors open during a shift or break to prevent unwanted pests from entering • Fit any doors that must be open with air curtains or plastic strip curtains. For more information on pest prevention and treatment, visit www.Pestworld.org. Educate yourself To better understand the risks associated with pests and the need for pest manage-ment, two web resources, sponsored by the National Pest Management Association, can elaborate upon this article. PestWorld.org is a comprehensive site, addressing all pest-related areas. It pro-vides pest fact sheets, public service announcements and a zip code locator to find local pest professionals. WhatisIPM.org offers information on ways to protect both health and property from pests through integrated pest man-agement techniques, a newer but extreme-ly effective method of pest control. Ask questions It is always helpful to contact other facil-ity managers and/or commercial property managers for recommendations of pest management firms they have previously used. “Word of mouth” references are likely honest evaluations and ones consumers can believe. Regardless of the situation, do not rush a decision. You are paying for professional knowl-edge — hire a firm whose judgment can be trusted. Buy value, not price If a sizable amount of money is involved in partnering with a pest management firm, feel free to solicit bids from several additional firms. If a guarantee is given, always know what it covers, how long it lasts and what must be done to keep it in force. Keep in mind that choosing a pest pro-fessional is a health and safety decision — the value of the service should outweigh all other factors. A final note It is imperative to derive a simple mes-sage from the above analysis: The economy cannot dictate decisions regarding public health and property. Yes, our current economy is uncertain. Yet, when seeking areas in which to demonstrate frugality, pest prevention and management simply cannot be one. The health threats and property damage associated with the presence of pests makes such a decision straightforward, especially when considering that facility managers have the ultimate responsibility of protecting those places where we live much of our lives away from the comforts of home. In the same way that homeowners must protect their private property from pest infestations, facility managers must protect public spaces from the same. Further, it should be noted that any cost-saving efforts related to pest man-agement certainly increase the possibility of severe infestations within commercial properties. Although preventative maintenance and regular interaction with a pest professional may seem like an area in which to scale back, it is critical to view such a decision in light of “What if…?” Frequently, corporate entities fail to real-ize the cost commonly associated with treating major pest infestations and only come to learn of such when in the midst of a significant pest problem. The price of treating such an infestation will typically exceed the cost of maintain-ing an ongoing relationship with a pest management firm and remaining actively engaged in pest prevention. Ultimately, making the investment — even during an economic downturn — in maintaining a professional pest manage-ment program is often far more cost-effi-cient in the long-term than not. Further, making a public commitment to pest prevention — even when facing eco-nomic constraints — can demonstrate to those you serve in your commercial prop-erties that their health and safety is of the utmost importance to you as a facility manager. And in any economy, such peace of mind CM is often priceless. www.cmmonline.com 35
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