Camera loss due to pest infestation is common, especially during the winter season when rodents and other vermin like to find their way indoors from the cold. Damage to a cable is a quick and easy fix, but rodents can also cause damage to the connector and parts of the camera that require a total replacement of the camera. Since most mice, squirrels, rats, and other vermin can eventually gnaw through most physical barriers, staying vigilant is key to preventing damage to your security cameras. Make rodent and pest control part of your security plan by employing these tips to protect your security cameras.
Know the warning signs
In business settings, you may never see a mouse or rat unless the infestation becomes severe. Knowing the warning signs of a potential problem is an important first step in protecting your security camera system.
Start in your staff kitchen area where food is likely to draw rodents first. Look for telltale signs like droppings in cabinets and drawers and gnaw marks on food packages. Encourage employees to listen for and report any suspicious scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls. You should also go into your attic or crawl space and look for droppings, gnaw marks on cables, and signs of a nest. Rodents like to build nests out of packing materials and wall insulation, so check for scraps of insulation in areas where it shouldn’t be.
Regular inspections are key
It’s important that you call in a professional exterminator to conduct periodic inspections for rodents in your business. Professionals are trained to address any current infestation you may be experiencing and can help you prevent future problems. Your exterminator will have special tools that help them identify the scope of your infestation and the type of critter or critters you may be dealing with. This allows them to develop a plan of attack to get rid of your rodent problem.
While your inspector will check your entire building, you should ask them to pay special attention to the crawl spaces where your security camera cables run and at connection points. These precautions can help you detect problems early and eliminate your infestation before any of your cameras go offline.
Keep an eye on sensitive areas
Motion detecting cameras installed within the wall near the connection point for sensitive, high-security cameras can be used to identify potential infestation issues and ensure that you can treat the problem early. These cameras can also help you identify the type of critter you’re dealing with, ensuring that your exterminator is able to deploy the appropriate elimination methods the first time – saving you money and lost equipment.
Keeping rodents out
After you’ve addressed the issue, you can talk to your exterminator or other contractor about sealing any structural cracks, crevices, or other openings larger than a pencil with caulk or steel wool. You should also consider providing glass or metal containers for staff to store vulnerable food items, like coffee, cream, and sugar. Caution staff members against storing any foods like crackers and candy in their desks. Ensure that your janitorial service or designated staff member are regularly disposing of garbage.
With more than 30 years of experience, CameraSecurityNow.com can answer any questions you have about surveillance cameras and how to protect your investment. Get a quote for all of your security camera needs.
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