From roaches to rats, pests can cause big problems for restaurants. In addition to being a sign of poor sanitation, the presence of an infestation can increase the risk of foodborne illness and possible health citations. That’s why all restaurant managers must put strong pest control practices in place. To help you maintain a safe venue and protect your patrons, here are five fundamental ways you can keep these unwanted creatures from making a home out of your kitchen.

How to Keep Your Restaurant Pest-Free

1. Keep All Areas Clean

Keeping a spotless kitchen isn’t just essential for killing germs—it will also help cut down on pest problems. When cleaning, focus on eliminating oil, grease, and food debris from all surfaces—especially drains, shelving, floors, sinks, and counters. Clear away clutter immediately, as boxes and other common types of trash can provide an excellent home for rodents and bugs.

2. Store Food Safely

Constantly on the hunt for an easy meal, pests will gravitate toward any food that isn’t stored securely. To eliminate the attraction, always store food in organized areas and make sure all packaging remains sealed. Stay aware of expiration dates, as rotting items can be particularly appealing to critters.

You should also carefully examine any incoming food shipments for signs of insect activity. Bringing these contaminated items into your restaurant is a surefire way to promote infestation.   

3. Stay Tough About Trash Removal

Taking the trash out throughout the day isn’t enough to keep vermin from invading your kitchen. For thorough protection, it’s critical to tightly tie all garbage bags to block attractive odors.

It’s also smart to lock the dumpster to defend against rodents, raccoons, and other wild animals from rummaging through the waste. Spray down the dumpster and surrounding area at least once a week to remove lingering leftovers.

4. Maintain the Landscape  

If your restaurant features any type of outdoor landscape, it’s important to make sure it’s regularly maintained. When plants overgrow, they can become an ideal hiding spot for pests that will eventually find their way into the building.

5. Schedule Professional Inspections

Routine inspections from a professional exterminator can help identify and address infestations before they become more severe. These specialists can also pinpoint areas of risk and provide solutions to prevent unwanted visitors. For example, they may recommend improved door seals to restrict access to the restaurant. They can also provide preventive treatments to deter roaches, mice, and other critters.

If your restaurant is overrun by rodents or burdened by bugs, turn to the experts at Midstate Termite & Pest Control. Serving clients in Cookeville and Crossville, TN, this exterminator utilizes advanced solutions to eliminate infestations and prevent them from coming back. Well-versed in food safety requirements, this provider will take steps to keep facilities safe for both employees and customers. To learn more about their custom commercial pest control capabilities, visit this extermination company online. For estimates or service requests, call (877) 526-4222.