The Differences Between Commercial And Residential Pest Control

Pests are not cute, despite what you might see on cartoons or t-shirts. In fact, they cause trouble wherever they go. And eliminating them is a challenge in both homes and businesses. But there are several differences between residential pest control and commercial pest control. So, before choosing a pest control provider, you need to consider whether they have the right kind of experience for your situation. Here is the difference and why it matters.

Types Of Environments

Your home is a different environment from a business. A residence has basic living spaces, but a commercial building is made up of other types of rooms as well. For example, a warehouse has large, open areas.

And depending on the type of inventory stored there, a warehouse environment may be very attractive to unwanted insects and rodents. Restaurants have large kitchens and pantries, and hotels have many bedrooms. All these different environments pose different pest control challenges.

Reasons For Pest Control Services

For most homeowners, the idea of pest control comes up when there’s a problem. You want your home to be safe, sanitary, and worry-free. So, when you see a bug or a mouse, you start thinking about how to get rid of it. Savvy homeowners will take it a step further by trying to prevent cockroaches and other pests before they show up.

For businesses, it all comes down to the bottom line. Pests can eat into profits by damaging buildings and ruining inventory. They can slow down productivity by giving your employees an extra problem. Local authorities also require you to keep bugs out, especially if you’re in the foodservice industry. If you don’t, you could be facing fines, which is another drain on your budget.

What’s more, you may have to close down until you correct the problem. And, if customers see pests, your reputation takes a big hit. Those customers may never come back, and they may even report you to authorities, as suggested by The Spruce. For all these reasons, businesses know they need to be proactive about pest management if they want their business to thrive.

Types Of Pests

The types of pests you encounter will determine the measures your pest control company will take. According to the CDC, the most common pests in homes are:

Rodents
Cockroaches
Fleas
Flies
Termites
Fire ants

You’ll find cockroaches, ants, and flies in commercial buildings, too. But you’ll also find some other types of pests that usually don’t show up in homes. The most common pests that are different from household pests are stored-product pests, including various beetles, weevils, and moths. Birds and rats can also be a problem in large commercial buildings.

Different Rules And Regulations

When you hire a pest control company for your commercial property, they’re mindful of the regulations you have to follow concerning pests. And if you’re in an audited business, such as healthcare or food service, those requirements can be substantial. Any company that doesn’t meet the local, state, and federal standards could be closed down, fined, or otherwise punished. So, commercial pest control involves meeting those needs and documenting everything.

Now, you might think that there are no such regulations for homes. And there are a lot fewer. But there are certain circumstances in which you could face the consequences of infestations. For example, if you want to sell your home, you may need certification that it’s pest-free.

Customization Needs

Residential pest control is usually very similar in every home. Pest control technicians inspect your home, remove pests, and take steps to prevent them from coming back. And unless you have an unexpected problem, the methods and products used are nearly the same for all. This means that a pest management company can easily have abundant relevant experience dealing with pests in your home environment.

On the other hand, commercial structures vary widely. Each type of business has a different environment, different common pests, and various regulations to meet. That’s why it’s crucial that you use a pest control company with extensive experience in the commercial sphere. They can create a custom pest management plan designed with your unique business in mind.

Whether you need to eliminate pests in your home or business, reach out to a professional pest control provider who knows the score. At MasterGuard, we cater to both residential and commercial customers, offering a complete pest management solution for your unique situation. Call us today to get started on the road to a pest-free environment at work and home.