By Jim Fredericks 

Commercial facility managers face an evolving landscape of pest pressures that demand more than reactive solutions. Shifting climate patterns, extended pest seasons, and the increasing complexity of commercial environments are converging to create unprecedented challenges. The question isn't whether your facility will face pest threats, it's whether you'll be prepared when they arrive. 

The pest threats commercial facilities face in 2026 and beyond aren't new, but they're becoming more aggressive and challenging to control.  

  • Rodents are among the most concerning pests and for good reason. They can reproduce rapidly, adapt quickly to new environments, and cause extensive damage by chewing through wires, pipes, and building materials. Their droppings and urine contaminate surfaces and products, creating serious health risks for employees and customers alike.  
  • Cockroaches present an equally formidable challenge. German cockroaches remain the undisputed champion of commercial pest problems, spreading bacteria like salmonella and E. coli throughout facilities. A single cockroach sighting can trigger health code violations and damage your facility's reputation instantly. 
  • Flies round out the trifecta of major commercial threats. These disease vectors transmit serious pathogens, making them especially dangerous in food service, healthcare and hospitality environments. As activity increases, flies become more than a nuisance; they become a direct threat to the safety and compliance of your operations. 

Here's the reality: pest management has become too sophisticated for a do-it-yourself approach. The days of simply setting traps and hoping for the best are over. From hospitals and food service establishments to warehouses and office buildings, today’s commercial facilities require comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of infestations, not just their symptoms. This is where partnering with a professional pest control provider to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program becomes essential. IPM isn't just another industry buzzword, it's a proven, science-based approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment to manage pest populations while minimizing risks to people, property and the environment.  

What makes IPM different from traditional pest control is that it starts with understanding that effective pest management is a partnership, not a service you simply purchase. A quality IPM program begins with a thorough inspection to identify conditions that attract and support pest populations like moisture problems, structural gaps, food sources, and harborage areas. Your pest control partner becomes an extension of your facility’s team, working collaboratively to address these underlying issues. Modern IPM programs also leverage technology like monitoring systems and data analytics to provide real-time insights into pest activity. This means your partner can identify and address problems before they escalate into costly infestations. 

Building Your Strategy 

As facility managers for the rest of the year, the National Pest Management Association recommends these critical steps: 

  • Look for pest control professionals with documented IPM expertise and industry certifications. They should provide detailed documentation, regular monitoring schedules, and transparent communication about treatment methods and materials used. 
  • Work with your pest control partner to identify and eliminate conditions that attract pests. This might mean addressing drainage issues, sealing entry points, improving sanitation protocols, or modifying landscaping practices. Prevention is always more cost-effective than remediation. 
  • Regular inspections and monitoring are the backbone of effective IPM. Your pest management partner should provide consistent service visits with detailed reports that track pest activity trends and program effectiveness. 
  • Pest management isn't a one-time fix. Successful programs require ongoing commitment and adjustment based on seasonal changes, facility modifications, and emerging pest pressures. 

The pest challenges facing commercial facilities in the years ahead will be more complex than ever before. Extended activity seasons, climate-driven population shifts, and evolving regulations mean that reactive approaches simply won't cut it. Facility managers who invest in professional IPM partnerships now will protect their properties, safeguard their occupants, and avoid the costly disruptions that come with pest infestations. 

The choice is clear: you can wait for pest problems to find you, or you can take a proactive stance with a comprehensive IPM program. As we've learned from tracking pest trends year after year, preparation beats reaction every time.  

Jim Fredericks is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for?the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)


posted on 2/11/2026