Hi there, I’m a pest and wildlife control specialist with years of hands-on experience helping local businesses stay clean, safe, and pest-free. At Empire Pest & Wildlife Control, I’ve seen it all—from small insect problems turning into full-blown infestations, to rodents quietly causing thousands of dollars in damage behind the scenes.
If you’re a business owner in West Michigan, this blog post is for you. I'm going to walk you through five key signs that your business may already need commercial pest control. These are not just "nice to know" tips—these are early warnings that can save your business money, reputation, and a whole lot of stress.
Why Pest Control for Businesses Matters
Before we dive into the signs, let’s be real for a second—pests in your business are not just annoying. They’re dangerous. They can:
- Drive away customers
- Harm your employees’ health
- Damage your inventory, wiring, and building structure
- Lead to code violations or health department closures
- Destroy your brand’s reputation
I’ve worked with restaurants, offices, warehouses, and even medical clinics across Holland, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding areas, and the truth is—no business is immune.
So how do you know it’s time to take action? Here are five signs that should never be ignored.
1. You’re Seeing Droppings or Smelling Urine
This is one of the biggest red flags I come across. If you find rodent droppings in storage rooms, near food prep areas, or around baseboards, you’ve got a problem.
The same goes for strong ammonia smells, which can be a sign of urine from mice, rats, or even raccoons. I’ve had clients who ignored this at first, only to later discover a whole nest in their ceiling tiles or storage walls.
What It Means:
You likely already have an active rodent infestation. These pests breed quickly and can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.
2. Customers or Employees Are Complaining About Bugs
I once got a call from a coffee shop owner who said their staff kept seeing tiny bugs near the espresso machine. Turns out, they had a cockroach issue behind their refrigerator and prep station.
Whether it’s flies, ants, or cockroaches, when customers or staff start noticing bugs, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s bad for business.
What It Means:
The pests are now visible and active during business hours, which means the infestation is no longer hidden. This could hurt your reviews or even lead to a visit from the health department.
3. You’ve Seen Nesting Materials or Property Damage
Rodents and birds love to build nests in walls, attics, vents, or warehouse rafters. I’ve seen shredded paper, insulation, and even plastic used to build nests.
Also, chew marks on wires, drywall, and wood are a big warning. Rodents chew constantly to wear down their teeth. This can start fires or lead to expensive repairs.
What It Means:
Pests are settling in for the long haul. They’ve chosen your business as their home—and they won’t leave on their own.
4. You’ve Had Past Infestations That Keep Coming Back
Let me be clear—DIY pest control rarely works long-term. If you’ve treated a pest problem in the past but it keeps returning, you likely have a deeper issue, like:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Unsealed entry points
- Poor sanitation practices
- Nearby food or water sources
I had a warehouse client in Grand Haven who tried everything from over-the-counter sprays to ultrasonic pest repellents. But nothing worked—until we did a full inspection and found that rats were entering through a broken vent.
What It Means:
You need a professional commercial pest control plan, not just a one-time treatment.
5. You’re In a High-Risk Industry or Building Type
Some businesses are more prone to pest issues due to their nature. These include:
- Food businesses (restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores)
- Healthcare facilities
- Warehouses and storage units
- Multi-tenant buildings
- Facilities near wooded areas or water
If your building is older or near natural areas, you’re also at higher risk. At Empire Pest & Wildlife Control, we’ve seen raccoons, squirrels, and bats get into attics and ducts of older commercial buildings around Saugatuck and Muskegon.
What It Means:
You should not wait until you see a pest. You need regular inspections and a proactive prevention plan.
Why Empire Pest & Wildlife Control?
We’re not just another pest control company. I take pride in our local knowledge, ethical approach, and commitment to long-term solutions. Based in Holland, MI, we serve all of West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Spring Lake, and beyond.
With Empire, you get:
- Experienced technicians who know local pests
- Preventative care and recurring visit options
- Humane animal removal and home exclusion services
- Customized plans based on your industry
- Friendly support you can actually talk to
And yes—we do offer free quotes for pest services. Wildlife jobs require an inspection fee, but we’ll always be upfront and honest about pricing and services.
Final Thoughts
I’ve worked with too many business owners who waited until pests became an emergency. But by then, the damage is done—whether it’s chewed wires, a health code violation, or a customer review that kills your rating.
If you've noticed any of the five signs I’ve shared today, it’s time to get help. Call us at (616) 796-8900 or Get a free quote. Let’s make sure your business stays safe, healthy, and pest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How often should my business get pest control?
Most businesses benefit from monthly or quarterly visits, depending on your industry and past pest activity. We tailor the schedule to your needs.
2: What pests do you commonly find in commercial buildings?
We often see rodents, ants, cockroaches, flies, bats, raccoons, and birds in businesses across West Michigan.
3: Is commercial pest control safe for my staff and customers?
Yes. We use safe, approved treatments and offer options like after-hours service to minimize disruption.
4: Do you offer emergency pest control services?
Absolutely. If you’re facing a serious pest issue, give us a call and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.
