Some people may get nervous about going to the dentist office, but pests don’t seem to hesitate. Even if your exam and procedure rooms are sterile and your waiting and reception areas are clean as a whistle, persistent pests can still find their way in. While good sanitation is certainly one facet of pest prevention, it’s not the only factor. Pests can be found even in areas that look and smell clean.
Some common pests that might show up in your office without appointments include:
- Cockroaches, which can be mechanical vectors for bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, and may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Mechanical vectors transport pathogenic organisms on their body.
- Rodents, which can also carry pathogens that may cause disease, leave behind unsanitary and unsightly droppings, and possibly cause gnawing damage to structures and expensive dental equipment
- Flies, which can spread food-borne illnesses and are difficult to control
- Termites, which can cause extensive structural damage
- Others, such as wildlife, birds, spiders and bed bugs
As you look around your dental office, you may wonder how these nuisances could possibly get in. Well, there are many different ways that pests can gain access into your building, including:
- Through open doors and windows
- Via tiny cracks, crevices, holes and other openings to the outside
- From adjacent offices or buildings
- On or inside deliveries and packages
- Aboard the shoes, clothing and personal belongings of patients and staff
- On flowers and plants, or inside their containers
- Out of drains and sewers
These pests may enter your building by these different methods while in search of food, water and/or shelter.
Why It Matters
Pest control is important for dentist offices and other healthcare facilities because patients have high expectations of sanitation and cleanliness when they visit. In the medical field, you’re held to greater standards of hygiene than most other businesses. Pest sightings can harm your professional reputation as well as the caring and compassionate image you strive to project. Additionally, pests can have a negative impact on your employees.
What Do Pests and Cavities Have in Common?
As a dental professional, you know that prevention is critical for avoiding tooth and oral problems. The same is true when it comes to pest control. In most cases, it ’s far easier to avoid pest problems on the front end than it is to address pest issues down the road. Just like brushing teeth today can help prevent a cavity tomorrow, taking preventive measures now can often help circumvent bigger issues later.
A professional pest control plan is your best bet for preventing pests. A commercial pest control partner will work not only to solve current pest problems, but also to help you avoid issues in the future. Finding a pest control provider who understands the special needs of your dentist office is paramount. For example, Terminix® Commercial understands the importance of discreet pest control as well as the unique requirements of resolving pest issues in healthcare facilities, including the importance of patient confidence, federal regulations and health code compliance.
After inspecting your facility, identifying pest threats, and addressing those pests, the Terminix Commercial experienced professionals will happily make recommendations based on your office’s location and unique circumstances to help you prevent pest activity. Terminix Commercial also implements continuous evaluation of service effectiveness, making any necessary modifications along the way. If you’d like, as part of our Integrated Pest Management approach, technicians will also help educate your staff on addressing conditions that can be conducive to pest activity.
Pest prevention can be painless with Terminix Commercial. Make an appointment today for your check-up.
