Hi there. I’m one of the commercial pest control specialists at Empire Pest & Wildlife Control, and today I want to share something many business owners don’t realize—your building could be attracting pests without you even knowing it.
I’ve worked with offices, warehouses, restaurants, clinics, and retail stores all across West Michigan. And time after time, I see the same story play out: a business owner thinks they’re in the clear… until pests start showing up.
The truth is, pests don’t just appear out of nowhere. In most cases, your business is sending out signals—clues that tell insects, rodents, and wildlife that your property is a great place to settle down.
In this blog post, I’ll break down the 6 biggest signs that your business might be a pest magnet, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to bring in the pros.
Let’s get started.
1. You Notice Bugs or Rodents… But Only "Once in a While"
Here’s something I hear all the time:
“We saw a mouse last month, but just once. We haven't seen anything since.”
That kind of thinking is dangerous. Pests are experts at staying hidden. If you see even one mouse or cockroach, there's a strong chance there's a nest or infestation already developing behind the scenes.
One small roach in the bathroom or a few ants in the break room might seem harmless, but pests reproduce quickly, especially in warm, quiet environments like utility rooms, pantries, or basement spaces.
What I’ve learned is this: if you see pests during the day—when they’re usually hiding—that’s a red flag that the population is growing.
What to watch for:
- Mice or rat droppings near baseboards
- Dead bugs in corners or behind equipment
- Chewed paper or wires
- Strange smells, especially ammonia (rodent urine)
These are early warning signs. Don’t ignore them.
2. Your Trash Handling Isn't Tight
Let’s talk about garbage. I know, not fun—but pests love it.
Whether you run a restaurant in Holland or manage a storage facility in Grand Rapids, how you handle waste plays a huge role in attracting or repelling pests.
Trash is a buffet for roaches, flies, rats, raccoons, and even squirrels. If dumpsters aren’t sealed or indoor bins are left full overnight, pests will take notice—and move in.
Things that attract pests to your waste area:
- Overflowing dumpsters
- Uncovered trash cans
- Grease spills around bins
- Missing lids or open bags
- Rarely-cleaned bins
At Empire, we always check waste areas first during a commercial pest inspection. You’d be amazed how often that’s the main cause of the problem.
Pro tip: Use heavy-duty, tightly sealed bins and clean around them often. This simple change alone can make your property way less attractive to pests.
3. You Have Entry Points You’re Not Aware Of
You might think your business is sealed tight, but pests are excellent at finding even the smallest ways in.
Rodents can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. Insects like ants, spiders, and beetles only need a crack the width of a credit card. And when cold weather hits in places like Muskegon or Rockford, pests look for warmth—and your building might be the perfect target.
Common pest entry points:
- Gaps around pipes or utility lines
- Unsealed windows or doors
- Cracks in the foundation
- Missing door sweeps
- Vents without proper screening
One client I worked with—a dental office—was shocked to learn mice had been sneaking in through an HVAC access panel behind the building. Once we found and sealed it, the problem stopped.
It’s not just about treating pests. It’s about blocking them from getting in to begin with.
4. There's Moisture Where There Shouldn’t Be
Water is life—for people and pests.
Damp areas create perfect homes for bugs like silverfish, cockroaches, termites, and fungus gnats. I've also seen rodents nest near leaking pipes or under water heaters.
Moisture problems often go unnoticed because they’re in hidden areas like:
- Crawl spaces
- Under sinks
- Around dishwashers or water heaters
- Beneath commercial kitchen equipment
- Near HVAC units or ice machines
During one visit to a restaurant in Fennville, we traced a fly issue back to a slow leak under the soda fountain. The constant drip created just enough moisture for flies to breed.
Fixing leaks, improving airflow, and dehumidifying trouble spots are key to pest prevention.
5. Your Staff Isn’t Trained on Pest Prevention
You’d be surprised how much of a pest control plan depends on the people inside the building.
Even the cleanest office or shop can run into issues if employees don’t know what to look out for or how to handle food and waste properly.
Common employee mistakes that attract pests:
- Leaving food at desks overnight
- Not cleaning crumbs or spills
- Propping doors open
- Overloading trash bins
- Not reporting pest sightings quickly
One of the services we offer at Empire Pest & Wildlife Control is pest awareness training for staff. It doesn’t take long, and it can make a huge difference in prevention.
A well-informed team is one of your best defenses.
6. You Don’t Have a Commercial Pest Control Plan
This is the biggest reason businesses in West Michigan become pest magnets.
Without a professional pest control plan, you're always playing catch-up. Treating pests only after you see them is like putting out a fire after it spreads—it’s more costly, more stressful, and more damaging.
Our commercial pest control services include:
- Monthly or quarterly treatments
- Detailed inspections
- Entry point sealing
- Wildlife exclusion (for raccoons, birds, squirrels, etc.)
- Follow-up visits and progress reports
Plus, you get custom plans based on your industry—because what works for a retail shop isn’t the same as what works for a food warehouse.
Having a pest control plan isn’t just smart—it’s often required for food service licenses, OSHA compliance, and insurance purposes.
Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
In my line of work, I’ve seen businesses wait too long, thinking they could manage pests themselves or that one sighting wasn't a big deal.
But by the time you’re seeing droppings, hearing noises in the walls, or getting customer complaints… the damage is already happening.
If you’ve noticed any of the six clues we’ve talked about—even just one of them—it’s time to act.
At Empire Pest & Wildlife Control, we serve Holland, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and the surrounding West Michigan region. We specialize in commercial pest control and wildlife management with solutions designed to prevent infestations and protect your business long-term.
Here’s what we offer:
- Local knowledge of Michigan’s pest behavior
- Safe, licensed treatments that won’t disrupt your workflow
- Preventative maintenance and entry point sealing
- Friendly, experienced technicians who explain everything clearly
Let’s Make Sure Your Business Isn’t a Pest Magnet
Whether you’re managing an office, storefront, or industrial facility, we can help you identify risk factors and build a plan that keeps pests out—for good. Call us today at (616) 796-8900 Or request a free commercial pest control quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What industries do you work with for commercial pest control?
We work with a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, offices, retail stores, warehouses, healthcare centers, and more. Each industry has unique needs, and we build a custom plan for each one.
2: What happens during a commercial pest inspection?
We check for entry points, signs of current or past pest activity, sanitation issues, and environmental conditions that attract pests. Then we provide a clear action plan and quote.
3: Can you remove wildlife like birds, raccoons, or squirrels?
Yes. We handle commercial wildlife removal and exclusion, though wildlife jobs require an inspection fee. We’ll identify where animals are getting in and help prevent it from happening again.
4: How often should a business schedule pest control services?
It depends on your location and industry, but most businesses benefit from monthly or quarterly visits. High-risk businesses (like food service) may need more frequent treatments.
