Pest control should be a top priority on every construction site. They cause everything from health risks to structural integrity threats. Professionals need to take steps to manage them before, during, and after construction. These tips are a great place to start.

1) Hire a Pest Control Expert Early

Construction teams should bring in a pest control expert from the start. The investment will be well worth it.

A trained professional will be able to spot potential risks right away. They will offer guidance on pretreating a site and managing pest control during construction.

2) Assess Local Pest Activity

One of the first things construction teams should do with their pest control expert is assess the area around the site. This person will be familiar with the region and know what to look out for beforehand.

Make sure to do this inspection before construction begins to implement as many preventive measures as possible. A careful analysis of the area can also help construction teams avoid harming the habitats of any local wildlife.

3) Prioritize Termite Prevention

Termites are the most infamous pest in the construction business. These nasty bugs can be a serious threat, even posing a risk to the structural integrity of the building itself. It’s no wonder termites are No. 1 on the list of the most damaging pests that can hit homes.

Construction managers should prioritize termite prevention early by pretreating the land on-site and keeping all wood off the ground. They should avoid materials like cellulose that attract termites.

4) Inspect Raw Materials Regularly

Raw materials can be a nest for pests. They should be carefully inspected for signs of infestation before being allowed on-site. Having specifications reviewed beforehand can also help builders know if certain materials are more prone to pest infestation than others.

Stockpiles need to be regularly inspected for further signs of infestation. Rodents and other pests can take up residence in piles of material and contaminate them. Check periodically and consider planting bait traps.

5) Prioritize Site Cleanliness

Construction sites can be busy, cluttered places, but pest control requires cleanliness. Teams can keep pests away by limiting the spread of material that could attract them to begin with.

Workers should clean up after lunch, not leave any food out and keep a strict waste removal schedule. This can go a long way toward keeping pests away from construction projects.

6) Check the Water Drainage Setup

Water drainage is important to remember in terms of pest control. Animals are naturally attracted to it. Plus, water helps other things grow, including mold, bacteria and plant life that could help attract pests, as well.

Project managers must carefully analyze their drainage setup and ensure it’s designed to direct pests away from the site. For instance, have water flow downhill away from the main building area. This keeps things dry and keeps pests from the construction site.

7) Remember to Set Bait Traps

Bait traps are one of the basics of pest control and should be set and maintained in key areas. A pest control expert can help with this. Traps should be placed around the perimeter and near areas with a high risk of attracting pests.

A great example is supply stockpiles. Rodents and termites are attracted to big piles of wood, so leave traps near where they may be headed already.

8) Double-Check Door and Window Seals

Teams should start preparing for long-term pest control near the end of a project. Start with door and window seals. These are often the first places pests try to sneak into buildings, so it’s crucial to ensure they’re properly installed and double-check they are working effectively.

9) Consider Landscaping Risks

Landscaping personnel may come in to start on the exterior design when a project nears completion. Project managers should work with landscapers and a pest control expert to make sure nothing will counteract pest prevention methods.

Some plants, such as fruit trees, may attract pests, threatening strategies already in place. It may even be a good idea to include some pest-repelling plants in the landscaping design.

10) Remember to Check for Birds

People usually think of pests as rats and bugs, but teams should also consider birds. Birds may not be as hostile to construction work as termites, but droppings can make a mess on-site and even pose a slipping hazard.

Plus, nests can be a serious problem in many areas. Birds can also potentially carry pathogens or other creatures that pose a risk of spreading disease. Therefore, it’s vital to include birds in any site pest control analysis.

Safe, Clean Construction Sites

Keeping construction sites free of pests is a matter of consistent prevention steps. Project managers must take the proper measures and work with a trained expert. With a few key tips and tricks, they can keep construction sites pest-free before, during, and after construction.

Author: Jane is an environmental writer who covers topics in sustainable construction and green building materials and the editor-in-chief of Environment.co.