4 Pest Problems You May Not Expect at the Big Football Game

Getting ready for the big game? No matter where you’re watching the game, the last thing you’re likely to think about is who is tackling pests and pest control at the stadium. Well, the reality is that stadiums all around the country have their fair share of pest issues. In fact, stadiums present unique pest control challenges that must be addressed. Especially on the night when more than 100 million people are watching.

When it comes to the pest management playbook for stadiums, here are four of the players we expect to face and how we help ensure your coverage is up to snuff:

• Birds: In parking lots where fans are tailgating, sparrows, starlings and pigeons may try to swoop down to intercept food. These pest birds may also quarterback sneak into the stadiums, where they can loaf, roost and nest. Unfortunately, birds can harbor diseases, and their droppings can corrode building finishes and cause unsanitary conditions, making them a triple threat to any defensive plan.
  The Play: Pest management providers use a variety of habitat modification methods such as spikes (no, not cleats) and netting (not at the goal post) that can help prevent bird activity. Note: Pest birds do not include Cardinals, Eagles, Falcons or Ravens.
• House flies and midge flies: Bright stadium lights, as well as food odors in tailgating areas or near concession stands, can attract flying pests such as house flies and midge flies during the warmer months. Flies are a serious issue because they can carry pathogens that may cause illness and disease.
  The Play: Pre-season prep like stringent sanitation and a waste management plan, along with mechanical methods such as insect light traps (ILTs), can help reduce fly activity in trouble areas.
• Spiders: When flies are around, spiders tend to follow. Spiders can cause issues when they create webs on the sides of the stadiums, on walls and near light fixtures – all areas where flies may zip past.
  The Play: Pest management providers will knock the webs down during service visits as if they were busting through a banner out of the locker room. But the true key to defense against a spider infestation is to blitz other pest activity, like flies.
• Cockroaches and rodents: Concession stands and food storage areas are a loose ball for cockroaches and rodents – even when they are closed or not in use. These pests can slip through tiny openings and gaps to access food, water and shelter.
  The Play: As with flies, consistent performance on sanitation and waste management will help block cockroaches and rodents from gaining yardage. De-cluttering, discarding cardboard immediately after it’s emptied and storing food in tightly sealed containers can also help. Lastly, pest control providers should take advantage of film study – traps to help monitor and manage cockroach and rodent activity, too.

And let’s not forget special teams. There are even more considerations to factor into the pest control equation at stadiums. For example, stadiums built near freeways, major waterways and expansive green space are likely to experience increased pest pressure. Companies are building multi-use retail and residential developments near stadiums as well, so the extra foot traffic and activity that comes with those developments can increase pest pressure. And new stadium design trends that include opening features, green roofs and balconies also present challenges in regard to pest activity.

When it comes to commercial pest control at stadiums and other major entertainment venues, you’ve got to know what the other team is thinking so you don’t get beat on your own turf.

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