What You Need to Know About Commercial Termite and Pest Issues
27% of Our Clients Are Concerned About Termites and Pests in Commercial Buildings — Here’s What You Need to Know
According to our internal scheduling form data, 27% of our commercial clients express concern about termites and pests—and for good reason. While they may not carry the upfront cost of an HVAC or roof failure, pest infestations can cause major structural damage, health hazards, and reputation issues that directly affect your investment.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
Why termite and pest issues are such a big concern
5 of the most common pest-related issues in commercial buildings
What our inspections include regarding pest and termite presence
How to prevent and control infestations before they become costly
Let’s dive into the hidden world of pest intrusion and what you can do to stop it before it hurts your building—or your bottom line.
Why Termites and Pests Are a Concern for Commercial Clients
Unlike some building issues, pest activity doesn’t just stay hidden forever—it becomes obvious when the damage is done. Whether it’s termites hollowing out a sill plate or rodents nesting near inventory, pest activity affects your building’s structure, safety, and business operations.
1. Termite Damage Is Often Hidden and Extensive
By the time you see signs of termite activity—frass, mud tubes, blistered paint—the damage may already be extensive. They silently destroy wood framing, beams, door frames, and even flooring.
2. Pest Activity Threatens Health Codes
In retail, restaurant, or healthcare environments, rodents, cockroaches, and ants are more than an inconvenience—they’re a health code violation that can shut down a business.
3. Tenants and Occupants Will Notice
Foul smells, droppings, visible pests, and bites lead to complaints, bad reviews, or broken leases. For commercial landlords, a pest issue can quickly become a tenant retention issue.
4. Reputation Damage Is Hard to Undo
It only takes one online photo of a rodent in a food prep area or ant trail across a medical exam room to seriously damage a brand. Prevention is always cheaper than crisis management.
5 Common Pest and Termite Problems in Commercial Buildings
Here are the issues we most often observe during inspections:
1. Subterranean Termite Activity
These termites build mud tubes to reach wood above the ground and can live in walls, slabs, or under flooring for years undetected. We often find evidence at expansion joints, slab edges, or crawlspaces.
2. Rodent Infestation Signs
Rodents access buildings through openings as small as ¼ inch. We look for gnaw marks, droppings, entry holes, nesting materials, and damage to insulation and wiring—especially in attics and mechanical areas.
3. Cockroach and Ant Trails
Commercial kitchens, breakrooms, and janitor closets are common hotspots for ant and roach activity. We look for droppings, shed skins, and live insects—often near drains, baseboards, or behind refrigerators.
4. Bird or Bat Entry in Roof Voids
Birds and bats often roost in attics, eaves, or behind signage. Their waste can introduce airborne pathogens and damage insulation. We check rooflines and attic vents for evidence of roosting activity.
5. Moisture Conditions That Attract Pests
Leaks, condensation, or poor drainage create the perfect environment for pests. We regularly find insect activity near water heaters, restrooms, and slab plumbing—where wood and moisture meet.
What Our Commercial Inspection Includes for Pests and Termites
While our standard commercial property inspection is not a formal pest or WDI (wood-destroying insect) inspection, we include a careful visual evaluation of risk conditions and obvious pest activity:
✔ Visual Evidence of Termites and Wood-Destroying Insects
We inspect accessible areas—crawlspaces, baseboards, slabs, framing, and subflooring—for mud tubes, frass, soft wood, and blistering that may indicate termites or wood-boring beetles.
✔ Evidence of Rodent or Wildlife Entry
We look for droppings, gnaw marks, insulation damage, nests, and grease marks along runways. We document any obvious entry points or chewed-through building components.
✔ Moisture and Rot Observations
We report high-moisture conditions (via thermal or moisture readings) that are conducive to infestation, especially around plumbing, roof leaks, or HVAC systems.
✔ Condition of Seals and Openings
We note gaps at utility penetrations, broken seals at doors and windows, or open soffits—all of which are common pest entry points.
✔ Referral for Specialist Evaluation
If significant pest activity is discovered, we recommend further evaluation by a licensed pest control professional or a WDI inspector for a more invasive and targeted assessment.
How to Prevent Pest and Termite Issues in Commercial Properties
Whether you're managing a small retail storefront or a multi-tenant warehouse, here are our top strategies for keeping pests out and preserving your property:
➤ Schedule Annual Pest Inspections
Have a licensed pest control professional inspect your building annually—especially if it’s in a high-risk area (warm climates, wooded lots, etc.) or constructed with wood framing near grade.
➤ Keep Vegetation and Mulch Away From the Building
Termites are drawn to moist soil and wood in contact with soil. Maintain a clear buffer zone of gravel or hardscape around the perimeter.
➤ Seal Gaps and Openings
Use stainless steel mesh or caulk to seal openings around pipes, HVAC chases, vents, and doors. This is especially important in food service or medical facilities.
➤ Repair Leaks Immediately
Pests need water. A dripping faucet, broken HVAC condensate line, or hidden plumbing leak creates an ideal breeding ground for infestation.
➤ Maintain a Clean and Dry Interior
Encourage tenants or staff to keep food sealed, trash covered, and janitor closets dry and organized. A clean space is a pest-resistant space.
Conclusion: Small Pests Create Big Problems—Unless You’re Proactive
Pest activity isn’t just gross—it’s destructive. With over a quarter of our clients expressing concern about termites and pests, it’s clear that building owners and buyers are taking this threat seriously. By identifying conditions that attract pests and resolving small issues early, you can avoid major remediation expenses, business disruption, and legal risk.
Need Help Identifying Pest Risks in Your Building?
Small pests can lead to big problems. With 27% of our clients expressing concern about termites and pests, proactive attention isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
At Focus Building Inspections, we help you spot the warning signs early and take action before infestations compromise your property’s value, safety, and reputation. Protect your investment by staying one step ahead of the pests you can’t always see—but can definitely avoid.
Schedule your commercial inspection or get in touch with our team. We’ll document what we see, advise you on next steps, and connect you with trusted pest professionals if needed.
Questions This Article Answers
Why are termites and pest issues a significant concern for commercial property owners?
What types of damage can termites and pests cause in commercial buildings?
What health and reputation risks do pest infestations pose to businesses?
What are the five most common pest-related problems found during inspections?
How can moisture issues contribute to pest infestations?
What does Focus Building Inspections include regarding pest and termite detection?
Why is it important to proactively seal gaps and repair leaks?
How can commercial property owners prevent pest and termite issues?
What steps should owners take if pest activity is suspected?
Why is annual pest inspection important even without obvious signs of infestation?
Bibliography / Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Rodent control for commercial properties. CDC. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/index.html
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Integrated pest management for commercial buildings. EPA. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/introduction-integrated-pest-management
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. (n.d.). Wood destroying insect inspection checklist. InterNACHI. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.nachi.org/wdi.htm
National Pest Management Association. (n.d.). Commercial pest control guidelines and resources. NPMA. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.pestworld.org/commercial-pest-control/
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Commercial building pest prevention tips. UC IPM. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r280900211.html