Worldwide distribution is increasing, thanks largely to the rise in globalization, ecommerce and multi-channel retailing. According to the International Trade Administration, more than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is located outside of the United States. The number of shipments coming into the U.S. is also rising.
While shipping products and goods around the world may be favorable for trade, this trend also raises the risk for more pest opportunities to strike businesses and homes. For example, nonnative invasive forest pests are entering the U.S. via international shipments in significant numbers, killing millions of trees and costing homeowners and local governments a lot of money in damages. For example, Americanforests.org says that the tree-damaging Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer and redbay ambrosia beetle all entered the country as larvae riding in crates, pallets or other forms of wood packaging material.
Other examples include hardwood, flooring and cabinets infested with wood destroying organisms (WDOs), like wood-boring beetles, that come into the U.S. from other countries. These materials end up as finished products in homes, and the WDOs infesting them often begin to damage those homes.
Hitchhiking is one method that may occasionally contribute to new infestations. Below are some pests that may have been introduced into the U.S. through hitchhiking:
- Cockroaches (more likely to find cockroach eggs rather than a live cockroach)
- Bed bugs
- Stored product pests
Pests infestations of any type can be detrimental to warehouses, manufacturing facilities, businesses and organizations for these reasons:
Productivity Loss
Pests can be distracting and control methods can be time consuming, potentially decreasing efficiency. When managers and workers have dropped other important responsibilities and tasks to deal with pests, schedules and processes can be disrupted.
Regulatory Compliance
Pests can violate regulatory and health code guidelines in some industries, which can lead to citations, fines and even shutdowns.
Property Damage
Some pests can be destructive, causing costly damage to products, equipment and structures. In addition to repair expense, valuable time can be lost if a business must be closed while damage is fixed.
While all commercial entities can benefit from a commercial pest control plan, warehouses and businesses that receive frequent shipments have maybe even more at stake, with the possibility of transported pests entering their facilities or leaving them and being delivered to their customers. A commercial pest control partner can help combat new pest arrivals and the problems they bring by:
- Identifying pest threats and how to effectively treat them
- Tackling infestations before they get out of hand
- Addressing ways to help prevent future infestations
- Educating staff on conditions that can attract pests and how to minimize or avoid them
At Terminix® Commercial, our trained professionals know how to get to the bottom of pest infestations, regardless of where they originate. Get a free estimate for customized pest protection that can make a world of difference for your business.
