How To Protect Your Business From Rodents This Summer

Summer in New York City brings longer days, higher foot traffic—and unfortunately, a spike in rodent activity. Warmer weather and overflowing trash make commercial spaces especially vulnerable to rats and mice.

Whether you manage a restaurant, warehouse, apartment building, or office, protecting your business from rodents should be a top priority this season.

In this blog, we’ll share five ways to keep your property rodent-free and your reputation intact.

Why Rodents Thrive in Summer

Rodents are opportunistic. As temperatures rise, so does their search for food, water, and cooler shelter. Commercial buildings with heavy waste output, structural gaps, or poor sanitation become easy targets.

NYC’s dense population and aging infrastructure only make things worse. A single mouse in your dining room or storage area can lead to customer complaints, health violations, and costly damage.

At RJM Pest Services, we believe summer pest control is all about prevention.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Pests

Rodents don’t just cause squeamish moments—they can cost your business thousands. From chewed wires and contaminated inventory to failed inspections and online backlash, the damage adds up fast.

And in today’s review-driven world, one customer post about a rat sighting could go viral—and hurt your brand more than any invoice ever could.

5 Ways To Protect Your Business From Rodents

1. Seal Entry Points

Check doors, windows, utility lines, and foundation cracks for gaps. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Use steel wool, caulk, and weather stripping to close the gaps and stop rodents before they get inside.

2. Reinforce Your Waste Management

Rodents go where the food is. Make sure dumpsters are sealed, regularly emptied, and positioned away from building entrances. Indoors, use tight-fitting lids on all trash cans and clean food prep areas daily.

3. Schedule a Summer Inspection

Don't wait for a rodent sighting to take action. At RJM, our summer inspections include checking common rodent entry points, baiting high-risk areas, and assessing sanitation issues before they attract pests.

4. Educate Your Staff

From restaurant crews to maintenance teams, everyone plays a role. Train your team to report signs like droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching noises. Early reporting = faster resolution.

5. Partner With a Trusted Pest Control Provider

DIY fixes and one-time sprays don’t solve rodent problems long-term. Work with a licensed pest control partner that offers regular monitoring, strategic baiting, and proactive solutions tailored to your facility.

The Bottom Line: Prevention Pays Off

Rodent problems don’t go away on their own—they grow, spread, and cost you more over time. Summer is the season when rodents thrive, but with the right plan in place, your business doesn’t have to suffer.

Operations managers who take pest control seriously don’t just prevent infestations—they protect their property, their people, and their public image.

At RJM Pest Services, we help New York’s top commercial businesses protect their people, property, and online reputation. Contact our team or follow us on LinkedIn for industry tips and updates.