Rodent Infestation in Offices: Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Keep Your Workplace Rodent-Free with Rentokil’s Expert Control Solutions.

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A rodent infestation in your office isn’t just unpleasant; it’s a serious health and safety risk that can harm your business reputation, damage equipment, and disrupt operations. A rodent infestation in offices, from rats in ceilings to mice under desks, requires understanding the causes, risks, and solutions to keep your workplace rodent-free and compliant.

What Causes Rodent Infestations in Offices?

Rodents are opportunistic creatures that can enter your office through even the tiniest cracks and gaps in some cases as little as 6mm. They will enter any space that offers warmth, food, and shelter, which are often plentiful in offices. Some of the most common causes of rodent infestations in offices include:

• Poor waste management and uncovered food bins
• Gaps or cracks in doors, windows, ceilings, and air vents
• Cluttered storage rooms and underutilised archive spaces
• Leftover food in shared kitchenettes or break rooms
• Leaking taps or faulty plumbing, creating a moisture source

Once inside, rats and mice breed quickly, turning a small problem into a full-blown rodent infestation in a matter of weeks.

Signs of Rodents in the Workplace

Early detection is critical. Be on the lookout for:

• Droppings near desks, in cupboards, or close to food preparation areas
• Chewed wires, boxes, or furniture—especially near warm electrical spots
• Scratching sounds in ceilings or behind walls, especially at night
• Nests made of insulation, shredded paper, or fabric
• An unusual musky odour in poorly ventilated spaces

If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time to call for professional rodent control.

Risks of Rodents in Office Environments

Rodents pose a triple threat to your business:

1. Health Hazards

• Spread of dangerous diseases like Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, and Salmonella
• Contamination of food, water sources, and shared eating areas

2. Operational Disruption

• Chewed wires can lead to electrical failures and IT downtime
• Damage to packaging, inventory, and important documentation

3. Reputational Harm

• Visible pests can lead to staff complaints and poor morale
• Failure to meet health and safety compliance standards
• Loss of client trust and potential negative reviews

How to Prevent Rodent Infestations in Offices

Prevention is always better than cure. Implement these steps to protect your office:

• Seal all gaps, cracks, and entry points using durable materials
• Keep all food in airtight containers and clean up spills immediately
• Regularly remove waste and clean kitchen areas and bins
• Declutter storerooms and avoid leaving cardboard boxes stacked
• Schedule regular office pest control inspections

Rentokil’s Rodent Control Solutions

At Rentokil, we offer tailored solutions for rodent control in commercial properties, including:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Long-term, sustainable pest control plans
• Bait stations for discreet and effective removal
• Digital pest monitoring for real-time insights and faster response
• Rodent-proofing advice and sealing solutions

All our services comply with South African workplace health and safety standards. Explore Our Rodent Control Services.

Book Your Professional Rodent Inspection Today

Don’t wait until a rodent infestation disrupts your workplace. Rentokil’s expert technicians are ready to assess your premises and provide customised solutions for effective rodent removal.