It can be hard to admit, but there’s always a reason for pest infestations. Maybe you’ve been too busy to keep up with perimeter maintenance. Maybe you weren’t aware of the most common signs of a fly, roach, or rodent infestations. Or maybe you didn’t know that one of the leading causes of pest infestations are unclean drains. 

It’s easy to neglect drain cleaning, especially in businesses. When you don’t clean a drain frequently enough, the gunk collecting inside it becomes an attractive feeding and nesting site for pests. To avoid turning your sink drain into a pest magnet, you’ll have to clean it whenever it starts to get dirty. If you notice any of the following symptoms, then it’s time to clean your drains.
 

You notice pests near drains.

If you’re noticing insects in and around your drains, that’s not a good sign. Even if it’s just one or two, it could be signaling a larger hidden infestation. Pests that are most frequently drawn to dirty drains include: 

• Drain Flies: Drain flies are also referred to as moth flies because their wings are more moth-like than the average fly. Brownish black in color and quite small, these creatures thrive in drains, sewers, and septic systems.
• Fruit Flies: Fruit flies love the sucrose produced in rotting matter and overripe fruit. This is why they’re attracted to drains, where this matter can gather. This pest is black, incredibly small, and gnat-like in stature.
• Cockroaches: Aside from flies, cockroaches are the most common drain pest. They thrive in dark, damp places and prefer to consume rotten material. You can help prevent roaches from entering your drains by sealing cracks, holes, or leaks in plumbing as soon as you find them. Leaking water draws roaches toward the drain, so be sure to repair leaking or dripping faucets quickly. Once roaches enter a drain, it’s hard to make them leave.
   

Something doesn’t smell right.

When waste and runoff has built up in a drain, it can start to stink. This build-up is almost always damp, making it a huge draw for potential pests. They’re attracted to both the waste itself and the moisture it’s holding onto. Combine that with the fact that most drains are dark and out of the way and it’s easy to see how a drain can be a pest oasis. You can toss some baking powder down your drain to tamp the stink down while you wait for the pros to come clean it.
 

You can’t remember the last time you had them cleaned.

Our general recommendation is to have your drains professionally cleaned at least four times every year. This prevents too much waste from building up inside of them and potentially drawing in pests. An additional benefit of a quarterly schedule is the fact that you don’t have to worry about it. You’ll know that your drains will be clear and cared for without having to worry. As a busy property manager, that can be a huge help.

We want to help you make your life – and work – easier. The best way to do that is to stay informed. The next best way to do that is to partner with a trusted commercial pest control company like Assured Environments. That way you can give us a call as soon as you notice something amiss so small problems don’t become big ones.