How Do You Handle Insects and Animals During Spring Cleaning?

SafetyToolbox Talks

Spring cleaning is not just about dust and clutter, it is also about dealing with insects and animals that may have settled in over the winter. The goal is to clean things up without creating safety risks for workers or harming local wildlife.

What Should You Look for During Inspection?

Start with a thorough inspection and look for signs of activity.

  • Nests
  • Droppings
  • Chewed materials
  • Animal activity

Common issues include ants, wasps, rodents, and occasionally larger animals like raccoons or snakes.

How Do You Limit Exposure to Insects and Animals?

Remove what attracts them and keep your hands out of hidden spaces.

  • Remove debris like scrap wood, old materials, and standing water that attract bugs
  • Seal cracks and gaps in buildings or containers
  • Contact pest control for bee or wasp nests
  • Clear out food sources and secure trash to deter rodents
  • Store materials off the ground when possible
  • Stay out of tall grasses
  • Do not place hands where visibility is limited

What Are the Health Risks?

The main risks come from bites, reactions, and falls.

  • Bites and stings
  • Allergic reactions
  • Slips, trips, and falls while avoiding animals

Permethrin can be sprayed on clothing and left to dry before wearing. It is highly effective on ticks and mosquitoes to prevent them from biting.

How Do You Prevent Infestations?

Build prevention into your routine by keeping the site tidy, disposing of waste regularly, and doing periodic checks so infestations do not build up.

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