Pest Risk Assessment for Your Business Premises

A pest risk assessment tells you where your business is vulnerable and what to do first.

It is useful for planning, budgeting and audits.

The short answer

A pest risk assessment lists likely pests, entry points, food, water and shelter sources, the consequences of an infestation and current controls. Rate each risk, then plan actions and review. Walk the site, including outdoors, and involve staff and your provider.

How to do it

1. Walk the building and surroundings.
2. List the pests likely at your site.
3. Mark entry points, food and water sources.
4. Rate likelihood and impact.
5. Plan controls and owners.
6. Review regularly.

Typical risk areas

• Kitchens and pantries.
• Storage and receiving areas.
• Waste and drains.
• Roof, basements and ducts.
• Outdoor yards and vegetation.

Controls to consider

• Proofing.
• Cleaning schedules.
• Waste management.
• Monitoring devices.
• Staff training.

Keep it alive

Update after changes: renovations, new tenants, new suppliers or an infestation.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Who should do it?

A manager with input from the provider.

How often?

At least yearly, and after changes.

Is it required?

Some standards expect it.

What is the output?

A list of risks, controls and actions.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on commercial pest control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full commercial pest control guide for Bangalore.