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Safe and Sanitary: Why Outsourcing Pest Management Makes Sense for a Self-Storage Environment
Pests happen. Every homeowner and business operator knows that. But in a self-storage environment where customers are relying on you to protect their belongings, bugs and vermin are a particular problem. Outsourcing can help you maintain a safe and sanitary environment, which not only improves the tenant experience, it helps preserve your facility reputation.
7 Min Read
Let’s jump straight to the ugly truth: No matter how clean the interior and exterior of a self-storage facility is, the property is still vulnerable to pest infestations. Operators have little control over what tenants bring into and out of their units, making it nearly impossible to ensure that all contents are uncompromised. If left undetected and untreated, even the smallest pest issue can quickly spread, putting the building, employees, customers and stored belongings—even the reputation and integrity of the business—at risk.
The solution is to implement a pest-control program to help protect your business. Below I discuss the importance of this effort, why it makes sense to outsource vs. doing this work on your own, plus options and pricing. I also provide guidance to help you evaluate and choose the right vendor and explain your role in fostering a successful partnership. I close with some final advice for safeguarding your property against insidious little intruders.
Are Pests Truly Dangerous?
You may be thinking, “We’re a storage business, not a restaurant. People typically aren’t on site for very long. Should I really be that concerned about a tiny little insect or pest crawling around?” The answer is always yes! Pests pose multi-faceted threats, from damage to stored items to contamination of space with pathogens and allergens. Their presence can be a serious danger.
Mice and cockroaches are two common invaders, but self-storage facilities are vulnerable to many types of pests. Once inside, critters can chew through packaging, gnaw on furniture, and leave droppings that can soil and spread disease. Such incidents can lead to financial loss due property damage. They also erode customer trust and can incite negative publicity.
The presence of pests can also attract regulatory scrutiny and legal liabilities. Health and safety regulations mandate cleanliness and pest-control measures in commercial spaces, including storage facilities. Failure to comply with these standards can result in fines, lawsuits and even closure orders, further amplifying the importance of proactive pest management.
Why Outsource?
While the idea of handling pest control internally may seem cost-effective or convenient initially, the complexities and risks involved often outweigh any perceived benefits. Without the expertise and experience of trained technicians, you may struggle to accurately identify the extent of an infestation, select appropriate treatment methods and implement control measures. DIY efforts often lack the precision and comprehensiveness needed to address underlying causes of infestation, resulting in recurring issues and escalating costs over time.
Also, DIY pest-control products available to consumers may not have the same potency, safety profiles or environmental considerations as those used by professional companies. Improper handling or application of pesticides can pose health risks to people, pets and the environment while also potentially contaminating surfaces and stored goods. Professional technicians are trained to use specialized products and techniques that minimize risks to human health and the environment, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Attempting pest control on your own can also expose your self-storage business to legal and regulatory liabilities if you inadvertently violate applicable laws or regulations governing the use of pesticides. A professional will be well-versed in the requirements and adhere to strict protocols to ensure compliance, reducing the risk of fines, penalties or legal consequences for you as the facility operator.
Still not convinced? Just think about the time and labor it would save to hand over this responsibility to a trusted pest expert. Outsourcing allows you to focus on you core competencies and strategic initiatives without diverting valuable time and resources toward pest-related issues. By entrusting this responsibility to seasoned professionals, you can streamline operation, mitigate risk, enhance customer satisfaction, improve service quality and expand market reach, all while protecting the standing of the businesses in the long term.
Plan Options and Costs
The cost of outsourcing pest control can vary depending on facility size, the severity of infestation and the range of services required. Typically, providers offer several pricing models, including one-time treatments, recurring maintenance plans and customized packages tailored to the unique needs of self-storage operations.
One-time treatments can be suitable for addressing isolated pest problems, but a recurring maintenance plan or a customized package is recommended for the most effective solutions. Work with a trusted pest expert to identify the most appropriate plan based on your operational needs and budgetary constraints.
Choosing the Right Vendor
Selecting the right pest-control vendor is a crucial decision that requires careful evaluation. When assessing potential partners, prioritize the following:
Reputation and experience. Seek out companies with a proven track record of excellence within the industry. Look for testimonials, reviews and references from satisfied clients to gauge reliability.
Licensing and certification. Ensure that the vendor holds all credentials required to perform pest-control services in your jurisdiction. Accreditation from reputable organizations demonstrates compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Comprehensive and customizable services. Evaluate the range of services offered by each vendor, including inspection, treatment, prevention and ongoing maintenance. Opt for one that offers a holistic approach to pest control with the ability to customize services based on your unique needs.
Environmental considerations. Inquire about the provider’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices and integrated pest-management options. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are increasingly important considerations for conscientious self-storage operators.
Cost and value. Compare pricing plans, contract terms and service guarantees from multiple vendors to ensure competitive rates and maximum value for your investment. Avoid choosing solely based on price, as quality and reliability should remain paramount.
Your Role in a Successful Partnership
While outsourcing relieves you from the day-to-day responsibilities associated with managing pests, your involvement as the self-storage operator remains integral to ensuring a successful partnership. Actively collaborate with your chosen vendor by taking these steps.
Communicate expectations. Clearly express your priorities and concerns from the very beginning. Establish open channels of communication to facilitate ongoing dialogue and feedback throughout the partnership.
Facilitate access. Provide the pest-control team with unrestricted access to all areas of your self-storage facility that require treatment including units, common areas and exterior spaces. Timely access enables prompt inspection and intervention, minimizing risks.
Maintain cleanliness. Implement and enforce rigorous protocols at the facility to reduce factors that attract pests such as food debris, moisture and clutter. Regular maintenance and sanitation efforts complement pest-control measures and enhance their effectiveness.
Monitor and report. Stay vigilant for signs of pest activity or environmental conditions that are conducive to infestation such as cracks, leaks or gaps in infrastructure. Promptly report any concerns to the provider for swift resolution and preventive action.
Evaluate performance. Periodically assess the effectiveness of pest-control measures and the performance of the vendor in meeting established objectives. Provide constructive feedback and collaborate on adjustments or improvements as needed to optimize outcomes.
Additional Advice
In addition to outsourcing and fostering a collaborative partnership, you can further enhance pest-management efforts at your self-storage facility by implementing these best practices.
Educate staff and tenants on proper sanitation practices, pest-prevention techniques, and the importance of promptly reporting any pest sightings or concerns.
Implement integrated pest management (IPM), and talk with your provider about ways to incorporate it into your daily operation. IPM combines multiple methods to address issues holistically while minimizing reliance on pesticides.
Seal entry points including cracks and gaps to prevent pests from infiltrating. Install door sweeps, weather stripping and screens to reinforce barriers against intrusion.
Conduct routine facility inspections, internal and external, to identify and address vulnerabilities or signs of pest activity before they escalate into full-blown infestations.
Pest management is paramount for protecting your self-storage facility and its reputation. By selecting the right vendor, actively participating in the partnership and implementing best practices, you can effectively mitigate pest-related risks and ensure the long-term success of your businesses. Through proactive collaboration and a commitment to excellence, you can create a safe, sanitary environment for staff and customers alike.
Robert Lockwood is an associate certified entomologist and technical service manager for Terminix. With more than 19 years of experience, he has a variety of knowledge in the pest-management industry for logistics, warehousing and facilities, pharmaceuticals, and grocery. For more information, email [email protected]; call 855.832.5949.
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