by
Lawton Brothers
| Jul 10, 2025
Summer brings longer days, more foot traffic—and unfortunately, a rise in pest activity. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity create the ideal conditions for mosquitoes, ants, flies, rodents, and other pests to thrive, especially in and around commercial buildings, schools, and public facilities.
While pest control is often associated with extermination services, a well-executed cleaning and sanitation strategy is the first—and most effective—line of defense. At Lawton Bros, we work with facility teams to implement proactive cleaning practices that not only maintain a healthy environment but also discourage pests from settling in the first place.
In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how targeted cleaning strategies can help prevent summer infestations, protect indoor air quality, and minimize the need for chemical pest treatments.
Why Summer Increases Pest Pressure
Pests are naturally more active during warmer months due to increased breeding cycles and the availability of food and water sources. Facilities that lack proper cleaning routines, waste disposal protocols, or outdoor maintenance plans are more likely to attract:
Mosquitoes, which breed in standing water
Flies and gnats, drawn to food residues and organic waste
Rodents, which seek cool, hidden indoor spaces and easy access to crumbs or trash
Cockroaches, which thrive in damp, dark environments like janitor closets or kitchens
Ants, which enter buildings in search of sugar, grease, and water
The good news? Most of these pests can be deterred through smart cleaning, waste management, and moisture control.
Cleaning Strategies That Help Prevent Pest Infestations
1. Eliminate Standing Water and Moisture
Mosquitoes can breed in just a few ounces of stagnant water. Meanwhile, cockroaches and rodents are drawn to areas with excess moisture.
What to do:
Regularly inspect and drain mop buckets, floor scrubbers, and restroom floor drains
Wipe down and dry surfaces under sinks, in janitor closets, and behind toilets
Ensure HVAC drip pans are clean and functioning
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like locker rooms or basements
Lawton Bros Tip:
Our drain maintenance products help break down organic buildup that can harbor insect eggs and attract pests.
2. Maintain Clean, Sealed Trash and Recycling Areas
Food waste is one of the top reasons pests invade a building. Flies, ants, and rodents are highly sensitive to smells and residues—even small crumbs can attract large infestations.
Best practices:
Empty trash daily (or more frequently in food service areas)
Use sealed, lined bins both indoors and outdoors
Power wash dumpster pads and trash enclosures weekly during summer
Clean and sanitize lids, bin handles, and surrounding walls
Lawton Bros Tip:
Use odor-neutralizing surface disinfectants in trash collection areas to eliminate scent trails that pests follow.
3. Deep Clean Kitchens, Cafeterias, and Vending Areas
Food service areas are hotspots for pest activity, especially in the summer. Keeping them sanitized and dry is essential.
Key cleaning tasks:
Clean under and behind equipment daily (refrigerators, vending machines, ovens)
Use degreasers to remove food residues from floors and walls
Clean drains and grease traps regularly
Store all food in sealed containers off the floor
Lawton Bros Tip:
We offer NSF-certified degreasers and drain treatments ideal for high-traffic food environments.
4. Seal Pest Entry Points With Routine Cleaning and Inspections
Cleaning teams are often the first to spot signs of pest entry—like droppings, gnawed surfaces, or live insects.
Include in your inspection checklist:
Check baseboards, door sweeps, and window screens for gaps or damage
Look for nests or droppings in storage closets, mechanical rooms, and attics
Keep exterior lighting clean and well-positioned—too much light attracts flying insects
Trim shrubs, remove standing water, and eliminate leaf piles near building entrances
Lawton Bros Tip:
Add a quick weekly pest observation log for your custodial team to catch and report signs of early activity.
5. Implement a Consistent Floor and Surface Cleaning Schedule
Pests are less likely to invade spaces that are clean, dry, and sanitized regularly. Floors, baseboards, and low-traffic corners often harbor crumbs, dust, and spills that go unnoticed.
Recommendations:
Use microfiber dust mops and cloths to trap fine particles and food debris
Auto-scrub floors in kitchens, cafeterias, and locker rooms at least twice per week during summer
Clean beneath furniture and equipment regularly
Disinfect sinks, counters, and food surfaces at the end of each day
Lawton Bros Tip:
Ask us about low-residue, fast-drying floor cleaners to reduce the moisture that pests find appealing.
Train Staff to Identify and Respond Early
Your cleaning crew is your front line. Train them to:
Report droppings, nesting material, or damage
Use pest-resistant cleaning techniques
Sanitize high-risk areas frequently
Follow protocols for waste handling and food cleanup
Lawton Bros Tip:
We provide on-site training and SOP development to help your team prevent infestations before they start.
Sustainable Cleaning Means Fewer Chemicals, Fewer Pests
By keeping facilities clean, dry, and free of attractants, you can drastically reduce the need for chemical pest control treatments. This improves indoor air quality, aligns with green building goals, and helps maintain safer environments for students, employees, and visitors.
Summer Pest Prevention Cleaning Checklist
Use this checklist to guide your custodial and maintenance teams through daily, weekly, and monthly tasks that help deter mosquitoes, flies, rodents, cockroaches, and other common summer pests.
Daily Tasks
Indoor Areas
Empty all trash cans and replace liners (especially in kitchens and restrooms)
Wipe down food prep surfaces and dining areas with disinfectant
Sweep and mop kitchen, cafeteria, and breakroom floors
Check for and remove standing water (mop buckets, sink areas, drip trays)
Clean up spills immediately—especially sugary or greasy substances
Disinfect sinks, countertops, and restroom fixtures
Check and clean around vending machines and snack areas
Outdoor Areas
Ensure trash cans and dumpsters are closed and clean
Remove any visible standing water near entrances or walkways
Check exterior doors and windows for gaps or signs of pest entry
Weekly Tasks
Clean behind and beneath kitchen appliances and vending machines
Power wash dumpster areas and outdoor trash enclosures
Clean drains in restrooms, kitchens, and utility closets using enzyme-based treatments
Wipe down and sanitize trash can lids and handles
Inspect HVAC drip pans and clean if necessary
Auto-scrub floors in cafeterias, restrooms, and locker rooms
Inspect lighting around entrances (bright lights can attract flying insects—use pest-repelling bulbs if possible)
Trim vegetation close to the building and remove leaf or mulch buildup
Monthly Tasks
Inspect and clean HVAC vents, filters, and ductwork
Check for signs of pest activity: droppings, nests, damage, or foul odors
Re-seal baseboards, entry points, or pipe penetrations as needed
Review and restock cleaning and disinfecting supplies
Train or retrain staff on pest prevention cleaning protocols
Pro Tips
✅ Assign specific team members to monitor high-risk areas weekly
✅ Use odor-neutralizing cleaners in waste collection zones
✅ Keep pest observation logs to track trends and early signs of infestation
Let Lawton Bros Help You Build a Pest-Resistant Cleaning Program
With expert guidance, the right tools, and a consistent routine, your team can prevent pests before they become a costly problem. From food service facilities to classrooms and office buildings, we have the products, training, and support you need.
📞 Talk to your Lawton Bros representative today by calling 800-432-0813 or browse our catalog to build your summer pest prevention plan.