Pests are constantly on the lookout for food and shelter. If restaurants lack proper waste management practices, they could become prime targets for infestations and risk having their reputations tarnished. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions, you can put customers’ minds at ease and ensure that the establishment remains pest-free.

5 Waste Management Tips for Restaurant Pest Control

1. Break Down Cardboard Boxes

Take care of empty boxes as soon as possible. Allowing them to remain in the back of the restaurant could encourage pests to set up camp. The thick material provides adequate shelter, and the glue could become a food source for insects.

2. Tightly Seal Trash Cans

Remind your employees to check the lids every time they close the cans or dumpster. The smell could entice pests to your property in the hopes of finding some leftover scraps. Neglecting to shut the lid could provide easy access and increase the difficulty of keeping them at bay.

3. Clean Up Loose Trash

Perform a waste management walkthrough at the end of every shift. Pieces of material that blow in from the street have a tendency to collect along the back of the building. Leaving them to sit for days at a time could create an ideal environment for pests and encourage them to come back for more.

4. Upgrade Your Dumpster

If your dumpster is constantly overflowing on a busy day, it’s probably time to secure a larger size. Generating more trash than the container can handle will only cause the waste to spill over the sides or prevent you from keeping the lid shut. The residue will eventually attract pests to the property.

5. Maintain a Safe Distance

Avoid keeping trash near the back of your building, even during a busy dinner rush. The closer your bins are, the greater the chance of pests finding a way inside the restaurant. Keeping the dumpster and all waste receptacles a safe distance away is an effective method for preventing an infestation. 

Secure quality waste management for your restaurant by working with Freedom From Waste in Farmington, MO. These professionals offer a vast assortment of garbage collection services and tailor each to suit customers’ needs. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment and are always working to provide more sustainable and environmentally friendly waste disposal solutions. They’re also a community-focused company and stimulate the economy by sourcing from other local businesses. Learn more about their services by visiting their website or call (573) 747-0550 to talk about your restaurant’s needs.