
What Pests Could You Find in Your Pet Store?
Pests get into your store in many different ways. Let’s talk about some of the pests who might enjoy your store:- Fleas – These little creatures hitch a ride in on dogs and cats, then hop off and catch a snack in the pet food aisle.
- Cockroaches – Roaches are ubiquitous insects that aren’t picky eaters. They love water and moisture, so if you have any leaks or leave out water for your own stock, they’ll come calling. They’ll stick around for the pet food supplies.
- Weevils – Although you’ll mostly see these beetles mostly on the coast, they aren’t pleasant. They love grains, which are found in dog food and other pet supplies. They aren’t dangerous to humans, but they will eat pet food and aren’t very appetizing.
- Warehouse Beetles – These beetles like pet food, pet hair, and other organic materials. They aren’t good for pets, especially when eaten by a dog or cat. Upset tummies or respiratory problems could occur.
- Grain Beetles – As the name implies, these beetles like grain. They aren’t dangerous, just a nuisance, but they will contaminate food.
- Indian Meal Moths – They leave a silk webbing when they dine on pet food. It can make your pet store seem unclean and unkempt.
- Fruit Flies – You may not have fresh fruit or vegetables in your store, but fruit flies like garbage and dumpsters, where they can lay eggs on decaying organic material, i.e. dog poop or old food.
- Ants – Another pest that isn’t specific about its food. They can crawl in the smallest spaces and get into just about any food source, from a trash can to a dog bowl. Once they move in, it can be hard to manage an infestation without finding the nest and taking care of it.
Prevent Pests in Your Pet Store
You can’t stop selling pet supplies, nor do you want to ban animals from your store. The next best steps are to prevent pests from getting a stronghold on your store.- Inspect new deliveries for signs of pests. Look for holes chewed in the packaging or webs on the top of packages.
- Clean-up spills and messes quickly. Don’t forget to clean up water spills and leaks.
- Rotate stock to ensure freshness. First in first out.
- Clean the store often.
- Monitor for pests. Some pests hide very well and/or are very tiny. Insect monitors and traps can help you identify a problem quickly to get it under control.