Roof inspections for pests

When it comes to keeping pests out of your facility, one of the most important parts of an integrated pest management program is performing regular exterior inspections to identify any pest activity or conditions that could allow pests to gain access to your building. However, when doing an exterior inspection, there’s one area that is often forgotten: the roof. Roof inspections are an integral part of a comprehensive exterior review.

Your roof offers plenty of opportunity for pest activity. Whether it’s insects, rats or mice, wildlife, or birds, your roof provides plenty of structural access points for pests to exploit. There are also other elements on many rooftops that can provide shelter, warmth, and food opportunities for pests. Many commercial facilities have flat rooftops, which tend to have more conditions conducive to pest activity than traditional sloped rooftops.

Roof inspection safety

When conducting a roof inspection, safety is of the utmost importance. Whether your facility offers access to the roof from inside the facility or not, ensure that you and your team are wearing the proper safety equipment for working at heights.

If you need to use a ladder to climb to the roof, practice ladder safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Quick Card is a useful reference for ladder safety and precautions.

Best practices for roof inspections

Your Rentokil Specialist will conduct a roof inspection at your request or at the frequency outlined in your contract. You may wish to have your own maintenance team perform more regular roof inspections.

Keep these pointers in mind and download our Best Practices for Roof Inspections card for a comprehensive 12-point guide.

• Conduct roof inspections at least quarterly looking specifically for signs of pest activity.  

• Remember, pests of all types can be present on rooftops: insects, rodents, wildlife, and birds.

• Clear all debris from roof and gutters.

• Trim vegetation and trees so that they do not touch the roof.

• Look for and remove standing water.

• Pay special attention to points where pipes, cables, etc. enter the building. Seal any access points with pest-proof materials.

• HVAC units create warmth and shelter for birds, in particular. Be sure that these are a focus of your inspection.

Need more help with a pest problem on your roof?

If you are experiencing pest problems on your roof or that you believe to be coming from your roof, Rentokil is just a phone call away to help. A Rentokil expert can perform a roof inspection, identify any pests, and develop a customized plan for your facility. For more information, contact us today.