July 2, 2015 / Wildlife

Proper Dumpster Management And Cleaning To Keep Pests Away

keeping dumpsters pest free

Dumpsters can be major pest magnets, providing a steady source of food and water for flies, rodents, and roaches, to name only a few . And if you aren’t careful, these pests could make their way from your dumpster into your establishment. Luckily, with proper dumpster management and cleaning, you can keep pests at a distance. When it comes to dumpster maintenance, be sure to keep the following in mind:

Choose the right location

Dumpsters should be placed a minimum of 50 feet away from your establishment, and most professionals recommend that a dumpster be placed at least 100 feet from the nearest door if space permits. Dumpsters should always rest on concrete slabs (never on grass or mulch). This ensures that pests, particularly rodents, aren’t able to start nesting underneath and also prevents the leakage of waste into groundwater supplies. If, there are no concrete areas in the vicinity, consider installing pads underneath the dumpster. You will also want to keep the area surrounding the dumpster free of any plants or trees, as this conceals fallen trash, making it more difficult to keep the area clean.

Lids lock out pests

Make sure that your dumpster has a tight lid that can be easily secured. Pests can be quite mobile, and they can work their way into your dumpster easier than you may imagine. Many larger pests are clever and can easily maneuver lids open that haven’t be securely closed.

Clean dumpsters regularly

You will want to clean your dumpster regularly to the buildup of any rotting waste. For optimal results, it can be advantageous to hire a professional dumpster cleaning service at regular intervals.

Take care of smells

There is no denying it: Dumpsters can get pretty smelly. Unfortunately, these smells aren’t just unpleasant for anyone nearby, but they can also attract pests. Rats in particular often follow these scents to the source: your dumpster. You can use a dumpster deodorizer to help reduce odors. These nonpathogenic formulas contain bacteria that break down the grease and organic materials that are often the culprits behind unpleasant odors.

The bottom line is this: Keeping dumpsters clean is a critical component of sanitation in your commercial establishment, not only for keeping out pests, but for maintaining a safe environment for employee and customer health.

JP Pest Services is dedicated to solving your commercial pest problems. Our pest control service professionals understand the specific regulations and requirements of the numerous different types of many different commercial industries operations we provide service for. We offer free staff training for you and your staff to educate on fast identification and fast learn how more about identifying and preventing pest problems in your establishment. We offer free staff training for anyone looking to give their employees the resources and knowledge needed to help not only lessen the effects of pest issues, but also to prevent them all together. Request your free consultation today for a thorough examination of your business location and a pest control program tailored to your specific needs.