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Most animals build nests of one variety or another. Staff should stay alert for any small piles of shredded paper, cardboard, or plant material such as grass clippings or leaves. Pests will normally build nests away from high traffic areas to evade discovery, so regular and thorough inspections are important.

Birds will usually build their nests in elevated locations necessitating the inspection of any warehouse rafters and ledges for signs of occupation.

Rodents and birds tend to use the same routes to and from their nests again and again. In the case of rodents this will be evidenced by a build-up of dirt and grease on surfaces as they repeatedly drag their bodies over them.

Also bear in mind, many animals are not restricted to travelling over horizontal surfaces alone. Therefore, it is important to not only check floors for evidence, but walls as well.

Physical damage to property – such as holes or bite marks – is another sign of possible pest habitation. Rats and mice especially like to gnaw on things, so business owners need to look for evidence of this. Skirting boards, furniture, wiring, pallets, shelving and such can all be prime targets for gnawing. Damage to product packaging – as animals gather soft materials for their nests – is another sign of infestation.

Small holes, especially in wood, can be a sign of a wood boring. These insects can cause timber structures to become brittle and collapse. This can be devastating for both property and personnel.

Food items are a prime target for all types of pests, so any signs of damage to packaging or fresh produce should be reported immediately.

Insects love plants, so signs of trails or bite marks taken from any foliage should be noted. Any outdoor areas need to be monitored as well. Moles and other burrowing pests will leave mounds of soil on lawns, while infestations of ants or other insects can leave grass lengths uneven, or patches of dead or dying foliage.