Keeping pests out this winter: What healthcare facilities need to know

Running a safe and effective healthcare facility extends well beyond clinical excellence and patient satisfaction. Behind the scenes, environmental services and facility management teams must remain vigilant against one of the most persistent risks to health, compliance and reputation: pests.Hospitals, doctor’s offices, specialist health facilities and long-term care centres provide the perfect environment and conducive conditions for pests year-round—and especially during the cold winter months—thanks to constant activity from high human traffic and access to food, warmth, moisture, medical waste and complex building structures. Understanding how infestations occur, what early warning signs to watch for and how to implement a proactive prevention strategy are essential to keeping facilities safe and pest-free.Why winter doesn’t stop pest problemsCold weather may slow pest activity outdoors, but it doesn’t eliminate the problem. In fact, winter can intensify pest pressures inside medical facilities. When outdoor temperatures drop, rodents and cockroaches move indoors seeking warmth and food while overwintering pests such as cluster flies, ladybugs, boxelder bugs and stink bugs actively seek shelter indoors. On warm, sunny winter days, these insects become active, sometimes creating a nightmare indoors. Furthermore, when these insects die, they attract and become breeding source for dermestid beetles and other pests.Pests such as bed bugs, mice, rats, cockroaches, fruit flies, fungus gnats, phorid flies, drain flies and ants can remain active year-round. Mechanical rooms, laundry facilities, kitchens, storage spaces and even patient wings with HVAC ducting or false ceilings can provide ideal harborage for pests during the winter. Facilities’ management must maintain constant vigilance; pest pressures do not pause for the season.Read: Study connects climate hazards to 58% of infectious diseasesWarning signs every facility manager needs to know Early detection of pests is critical in healthcare settings for effective control in preventing the spread of infestation. But above all, it’s paramount for patient care, since we know pest activity can compromise patient safety and trigger audit failures.Key warning signs include:Live or dead sightings of actual pests—rodents, cockroaches, ants, or small fliesMolted insect exoskeletons (skin) and hatched/unhatched eggs or egg casesDroppings, grease marks, gnawing or shredded insulation around baseboards and service linesWebbing or contamination in stored medical or food suppliesDamage to packaging and stored items, such as records inventory or medical and patient apparelsNoises in walls or ceilings, like scratching, squeaking or rustlingUnexplained odours or visible nests in hidden spacesBecause pests reproduce rapidly, even one confirmed sighting can indicate a potential for larger infestation. Staff should document and immediately report all evidence to their environmental services or pest management team.Prevention is the best medicineAn effective pest management plan in healthcare must be built on prevention. By implementing optimal sanitation and conducting structural maintenance to eliminate conducive conditions and favourable environmental factors, facilities can address the main items that attract and breed pests. These measures should be done with monitoring and documenting as key components, not solely on a reactive basis. To keep pests out this winter:Prioritize sanitation: Clean up spills immediately, especially in food service areas, patient rooms, cafeterias and staff kitchens, common areas and waste handling areas. Ensure food trays are removed and cleaned promptly. Deep clean under kitchen appliances and equipment, behind counters and in storage rooms frequently. Pay close attention to cleaning under and behind specialized hospital appliances and equipment where there is potential for organic build-up in small crevices or dead-end spaces, such as medical waste containers, sterilizers, fluid collection systems/units, soiled laundry hampers and surgical equipment trollies.Maintain plumbing and drains: Keep sinks, sink strainers, shower rooms and floor drains free of organic buildup. Repair leaky pipes and faucets promptly; standing water attracts both insects and rodents. Ensure toilet flanges are securely sealed with no gaps.Exclude pests from your structure: Seal gaps around pipes, cables and vents; install door sweeps; and repair screens. Ensure rooftop HVACs systems are pest proof and maintained regularly. Maintain positive air pressure in sensitive rooms or areas, such as in operating rooms. Maintain exterior landscaping to reduce nesting areas near entrances.Organize storage: Keep items off the floor and away from walls. Rotate medical and food inventory on a first-in, first-out basis and inspect all deliveries before acceptance.Monitor consistently: Conduct regular in-house inspections as well as using insect pest monitoring devices such as insect light traps, pheromones, and sticky boards.Train staff: Ensure environmental services, nursing and food service teams can recognize pest signs and know how to report them promptly.Common mistakes to avoidEven well-intentioned efforts can backfire. Avoid these common missteps:DIY treatments: Over-the-counter sprays or traps may provide temporary relief but rarely address root causes. Remember, these treatments may also be unsafe around patients or sterile environments.Inconsistent cleaning: Missed corners or irregular deep cleaning quickly undo progress.Neglecting maintenance: Unsealed openings, gaps and structural cracks invite pests back in.Skipping staff engagement or a lack of cooperation: Pest management requires awareness and commitment across every department, from housekeeping and nutrition services to biomedical and maintenance teams.Building long-term resiliencePest management in healthcare isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing, documented process critical to compliance and accreditation. Partnering with a qualified pest management provider helps hospitals and clinics track seasonal trends, monitor high-risk zones and ensure treatment protocols meet industry and regulatory standards.Routine inspections should include food service, cafeteria, storage, loading docks, waste areas, sterilizing rooms, laundry rooms, common public areas, and patient care units. Vendors and suppliers must also maintain their own pest control programs to prevent cross-contamination.Through consistent sanitation, staff training, facility maintenance and professional monitoring, healthcare organizations and facilities can safeguard patients, protect reputations and ensure their environments are pest free, meeting the highest standards of safety—no matter the season.With more than 20 years of experience, Alice Sinia is responsible for the management of the Orkin Canada Quality Assurance Laboratory. She performs analytical entomology (investigates product adulteration using biochemical and comparative tissue methods) and provides technical support in pest/insect identification to branch offices and clients nationwide. In addition, Alice also prepares scientific reports for Orkin Canada clients and updates Orkin management on any changes or updates to any government regulations pertaining to the pest control industry. She also performs quality assurance account compliance audits.

Keeping pests out this winter: What healthcare facilities need to know

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