Going Green? 10 Tips to Help Keep Your Green Roofs Pest-Free

A staple for their aesthetics and ecological benefits, green roofs are remaining a top trend for office buildings across the country. As sustainable construction continues to progress, office managers must understand the pest control implications of vegetative roof systems.

Knowing what pests are a threat and understanding the risks they pose is the first step in figuring out an effective pest management system for these settings. Common pests that could be affecting your office building’s green roof include: rodents, birds, mosquitoes, bees, ants and caterpillars. Some of these critters can cause structural issues by damaging plantings, wires, utility lines, doors and poles, while others can transmit harmful diseases like Lyme disease and Zika virus. Check out our green roof tip sheet for more information on these pests and the risks they pose.

If pests are thriving on your green roof, try these 10 tips to keep your hope of a pest-free environment for tenants alive:

1. Seal gaps around doors, pipes and fixtures with water-resistant sealant and metal mesh.

2. Install door sweeps and weather stripping around all doors, and keep all entries to the roof closed as often as possible.

3. Caulk around utility connections and outlets.

4. Repair or replace torn or missing vent screens.

5. Monitor leaky taps, air conditioning units and irrigation, as they can cause water accumulation.

6. Empty garbage receptacles and keep the lids tightly sealed.

7. Minimize plants that produce nuts, seeds and fruits, as they can attract pests.

8. Avoid overwatering plants and keep water circulating in ponds and fountains.

9. Educate employees and office building occupants on your office pest management system.

10. Schedule staff trainings so that your sanitation and maintenance crews know the signs of pest activity and how to proactively combat them.

Green roofs offer many business benefits from increased employee engagement and productivity to energy that could save your business millions. If you’re thinking about constructing a green roof for your office, check out this blog for information on how pest control plays a role in your new office space construction.