Pest Prevention For HVAC Systems

Without effective pest control, a variety of critters can cause problems within a commercial HVAC system.

Pests keep searching for places to keep themselves snug and dry. They can persistently invade your buildings even after being repelled. The HVAC system is an integral part of your commercial space and it can easily be infested. Pests can cause a wide range of problems as they start breeding and living inside the HVAC system. They leave behind wings, carcasses, fur, or shells which are in the air ducts triggering allergies and respiratory problems in building occupants.

HVAC system
(Credit: U.S. Air Force Photo by Airmen 1st Class Paul Francis/Released)

If facility management neglects the proper maintenance of the system, pests can invade parts of the HVAC network and cause damage while some die because they cannot find their way out. This can not only lead to hefty repair bills but could also interfere with the indoor air quality.

Here are five types of pests that can invade the HVAC system on commercial properties:

Mice and Rats. Rodents can do a lot of damage to your HVAC system and since they like to crawl into tight spaces, this part of the facility is an ideal place for them. Rodents often chew through duct material, refrigerant lines, and other HVAC components which will lead to expensive bills.

Cockroaches. These insects can get into the smallest of cracks and vents due to their flexible framework. Cool and dark places are ideal for their sustenance. They do not cause much damage, but you can do is hear them move through the ductwork. Unfortunately, cockroaches carry diseases, and this should be the one reason to get rid of them as soon as possible. Extermination can eliminate the problem, but you need to keep a check on your HVAC system to prevent re-infestation.

Spiders. If you do not keep your vents ductwork and indoor air conditioning unit properly maintained, spiders can get in as they can wriggle their way into small areas. Though spiders do not cause any damage to HVAC systems, the venom of some types of snakes can injure humans as well as being a threat to people working in the commercial sectors.

Snakes. Since they are cold-blooded, snakes look for warm shelter when the weather turns cold as they are incapable of regulating their own body temperatures. Snakes coil themselves in condenser units as they are drawn to the heat generated. They can die if the fan blades start up, which can damage the blades and parts of the HVAC system as well. Long grass and unkempt school yards and factories can be very inviting for snakes. Keep exterior areas around the building free of weeds and overgrowth, so that snakes do not find it welcoming and invade the HVAC system as it is easily accessible with several vents and openings.

Squirrels and Raccoons. These larger critters can cause as much damage as mice, or even more. They can be heard scuttling through the ductwork. Raccoons and squirrels can chew through ductwork, and vents or holes in ducts will allow warm and cold air to escape, which will lead to an increase in utility bills. A professional commercial pest control service will not only help get rid of these pests but also clean and remove any waste that these animals have left behind.

Here are a few tips to prevent pests from invading the HVAC system:

  • Clean and seal your ducts, vents, and flues after installation.
  • Check for cracks and gaps.
  • Get a routine annual HVAC maintenance.
  • Install air-vent screen and clear outdoor units.
  • Keep cooling system free of debris and vegetation.
  • Change the filters regularly.

Make sure to schedule regular pest control treatment and maintenance to keep critters away from the HVAC system in commercial properties, factories, schools, or retail stores. Facility management should opt for quarterly treatments so that they can get rid of the various seasonal pests. If the property has a history of serious infestation, you can opt for monthly treatments as well.

When people find their homes and offices infested with pests, it is not uncommon for them to panic. Web has taken upon him the task to educate people on pest prevention and control strategies helping them keep their surroundings healthy, safe, and pest-free. Being the digital marketing manager for Take Care Termite and Pest Control, in Tracy, CA, he has in-depth understanding of people and their pain points due to pests, which he efficiently uses in his content to educate people and add value to their lives.