What You Can Do to Avoid Pesky Pests Pests can make the difference between a pleasant building to work in or a building that constantly seeks tenants. Rats, roaches, flies, ants, and sometimes birds are not only unsightly but also unhealthy. Even if you use a professional pest control service, there are some things you can (and should) to do reduce the problem. Seal cracks and holes around building. Many infestations come from the outside first. Examine from both the outside and the inside (looking for light leaks). Be diligent — rats can enter through a hole as small as a quarter — Mice through a hole as small as a pencil. (Imagine how little it takes for roaches!) Tighten exterior doors. Check weather stripping and edges. (Note how little space can be a problem in the step above. Keep exterior doors closed. (Obvious? Yes, but many buildings forget.) Remove sources of moisture. Repair leaks. Keep mops off floors. Don't let water stand in sinks or buckets over night. Take extra care in any food preparation areas. Don't let 'food trash' stay in the office overnight. Clean counter tops, floors, and hard-to-reach areas behind equipment. Cockroaches LOVE cardboard! Discard boxes after emptying them. Check incoming boxes and supplies for bugs. Keep dumpsters regularly cleaned. Keep them as far away from the building as you can. When it's time for the pest control technician to visit, makes sure he or she has access to all areas where pests can linger.