Office Tenants Report Low Tolerance for Pests, High Expectations for Property Managers

Orkin and BOMA release statistics surrounding office properties and pests.

Pests are a common issue in offices and a source of anxiety for office managers, according to survey findings released today by pest control leader Orkin and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

The survey, which polled office, building and facility managers in a variety of property types, revealed that 89 percent of office tenants have seen at least one pest in the past 12 months. When it comes to reporting pest sightings, almost one half of office tenants will notify building management after as little as one pest sighting, and that number jumps up to 83 percent by the time the second sighting occurs. Although it is likely that office tenants expect to see pests on occasion, the study shows that half will start looking for a new space after multiple pest sightings.

“These survey results reveal the critical business impact that pest presence can have on a tenant’s perception of a property,” says Patricia Areno, CAE, senior vice president, of BOMA International. “Tenants are saying there’s a very real possibility that they will consider moving office space if pest issues are not resolved quickly and effectively.”

While property managers are typically well informed about service visits from a pest control provider, the same cannot be said of their tenants. According to the study, 25 percent of office tenants rarely, if ever, are notified of pest control visits; yet, two-thirds want to be a part of the visit, or at least know in advance when it is taking place.

“Establishing an open line of communication between pest management providers, property managers and office tenants is essential to helping prevent pests from causing a problem in the workplace,” says Orkin Technical Services Director Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “Communication helps build trust and understanding and can keep your pest management decisions proactive, rather than reactive.”

See full results of our office industry insights .