For Retail Store Owners in Rochester and the Finger Lakes

You’ve built your business with care: great products, loyal customers, and a welcoming space. But all it takes is one pest sighting to undo it all.

The Real Cost of a Single Pest

When a customer spots a pest, the fallout starts fast. That shopper leaves without buying and probably won’t come back. Nearly 90% of customers don’t return after seeing pests, which means losing thousands in lifetime value.

Then come the reviews. One one-star post or viral photo can drop your revenue by up to 9%. And in tight-knit communities, word spreads fast through local Facebook groups.

If you sell food or run a café, you’re also risking health inspections, fines, or temporary closure.

How Pests Get In

Most infestations start behind the scenes. Receiving areas are a top culprit - pests can hitch a ride in cardboard boxes and pallets. Gaps around loading docks or cluttered stockrooms offer easy hiding spots.

On the sales floor, undisturbed displays, packed storage spaces, and break rooms with snacks create perfect conditions for pests to settle in. Seasonal décor stored in basements or upper levels can hide nests that return year after year.

Older retail buildings pose even more challenges. Cracks around vents, worn weather stripping, and foundation gaps are all open doors. Once one pest gets in, more will follow.

Why November Matters

As temperatures drop, rodents and insects start looking for warmth, food, and shelter and your heated retail space is ideal. The holiday season only increases risk: more shipments, extra boxes, and longer hours leave less time for cleaning.

Add seasonal staff who may not know your protocols - pest activity can spike just when your store is busiest.

Everyday Prevention Made Simple

Start with your team. Train employees to inspect shipments, break down boxes promptly, and keep storage areas tidy. Sweep daily, empty trash bins, and store food in sealed containers.

Maintain your building, too. Keep doors closed, fix gaps, and replace worn seals. Small openings can lead to big problems.

Finally, schedule professional service. Regular inspections and treatments ensure your store stays clean, compliant, and pest-free—without disrupting customers.

Holiday Prep: Stay Ahead of the Rush

Before the holiday rush, schedule a full pest inspection, deep clean storage areas, and brief seasonal staff on prevention basics. During the season, remove shipping materials quickly and stay alert for signs of activity. A few small steps now can save major headaches later.

The Excelsior Advantage

Excelsior Pest Group has been the Finger Lakes’ top-rated pest control provider for six straight years. We know local retail - from historic downtown shops to modern storefronts - and offer discreet, effective service with full documentation and fast response times.

Protect your investment and your reputation.
Contact us today to schedule your pre-holiday inspection: https://excelsiorpestgroup.com