High-traffic areas, frequently opened entrances, and food waste all contribute to making commercial properties especially appealing to pests during the warmer months.

“With the heightened risk of pest infestations in commercial spaces during the summer, prevention is key to maintaining a positive experience for both customers and employees—regardless of the type of property,” said Jason Pritchard, Mosquito Authority and Pest Authority interim CEO.

With summer pest season in full swing, and demand for pest control on the rise, Pest Authority shared proactive tips to help businessowners and property managers prevent infestations, including:

• Regular inspections and maintenance—Scheduling routine pest inspections with a reputable pest management company can identify potential vulnerabilities before they become infestations.
• Proper waste management and sanitation—Keeping trash sealed and properly disposing of waste is key to deterring pests, and regular cleaning, especially in kitchens and common areas, is crucial.
• Sealing entry points—Pests often enter through cracks, holes, or gaps in the building’s foundation, doors, and windows, so seal these entry points to prevent unwanted guests.
• Employee education—Employees play a significant role in pest prevention—training staff on proper food storage, disposal habits, and recognition of early signs of pests is essential.

Some of the most common pests in commercial spaces include:

• Rodents—Mice and rats can cause structural damage and spread diseases.
• Birds—Like rodents, birds seek shelter and protection around large commercial buildings with reduced foot traffic.
• Bed bugs—Found in places like hotels, hospitals, and retail stores, bed bugs are often unnoticed until an infestation occurs.
• Termites—Termites can invade concrete-based buildings like warehouses and distribution centers.
• Cockroaches—Known for contaminating food and spreading bacteria, cockroaches are a concern in food service establishments.
• Ants—These pests are drawn to food and can quickly form large colonies if left unchecked.

Regular pest control ensures businesses remain compliant with health regulations, avoid costly fines, and maintain their public appearance, as a single pest sighting can severely damage a company’s reputation, especially in customer-facing industries such as hospitality and retail. A pest-free environment also supports a healthier, more comfortable workplace, which can boost employee satisfaction and productivity.

“Preventing an infestation is easier and more cost-effective than dealing with an existing problem,” Pritchard added. “By taking these steps, businesses can significantly reduce the chances of a pest infestation.”

ISSA Show North America 2025­—the annual trade show that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning industry­­­—is open for registration. The show takes place Nov. 10-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Along with workshops and certification courses, the ISSA Show offers 30- to 60-minute education sessions, free for attendees with an All-Access Pass, in convention center classrooms and on the show floor. These more than 90 educational sessions and workshops are divided into 11  tracks.

The Business Growth track comprises 15 sessions. On Monday, Nov. 10 kick-off the first day of education in a thought-provoking, expert-led industry forecast. On Monday afternoon, attend, “Becoming Closer to the Customer,” whose speakers will focus on transaction versus trust-based relationship selling and strengthening long-term relationships.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, attend “Clone the Owner® 2.0: How to Build a Business That Doesn’t Break When You Step Away,” hosted by Dean Mercado, Online Marketing Muscle CEO and master coach. Mercado reveals the strategic blueprint for creating a company that thrives—even when the owner steps away.

The track also includes a building service contractor panel, “Develop a Winning Strategy for Employee Recruitment AND Retention,” on Wednesday morning. A panel of industry experts will explore recruitment techniques to identify and attract the best candidates for your workforce, along with best practices for building a company culture that values employee development and satisfaction.

Additionally, the show floor opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and features the Business Solutions Theater, where quick-hit sessions tackle marketing, recruitment, and business growth ideas.

For full details and registration, navigate to issashow.com.