Keeping your restaurant free of pests maintains your reputation as well as the quality of the food you serve. The damage bugs can create in your business is stressful enough, but they can quickly cause you to lose business, particularly in the age of online reviews. From calling a pest control professional for preventive treatment to keeping an eye on what comes into your establishment, the following tips will give you peace of mind.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Restaurant

1. Remove Trash

Any trash that piles up in your restaurant, whether it’s in the front of the house, the kitchen, or the exterior, will attract pests. Be sure to clear trash throughout the day, tie every garbage bag securely, and remove it from the premises promptly.

Sweep the perimeter outside to clear the area of food scraps, cigarettes, and garbage, so bugs and animals don’t have an invitation to come near the building. 

2. Clean Kitchen

Proper sanitation is an essential aspect of pest control, and kitchens are the epicenter of potential bug infestation. Clean the kitchen every single day and pull back the stove and other equipment weekly to sweep up any fallen food scraps. Ensure food is rotated for efficient usage and thrown out when it’s past its due date.

3. Inspect Shipments

Sometimes bugs and animals don’t come from your own kitchen but from other locations. Check your shipments thoroughly before placing them in your fridges and pantries, and don’t keep the door open while you’re transporting boxes from the outside. Use a UV black light to make sure no fluids, including human and animal, are present on the boxes.

4. Call an Exterminator

A professional inspection is the safest bet when it comes to keeping pests away, even if you’re currently in the clear. If you do spot pests or signs of them, hire a pest control company to treat the property as soon as possible. Technicians will find nests and problem areas and eliminate any population that has invaded your premises. They’ll also take steps to prevent future infestations.

To keep your restaurant free of unwanted guests, contact Select Pest Control in Hebron, KY. Their comprehensive pest control is available for businesses through Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. Whether you find ants, cockroaches, or squirrels, they’ll protect your bottom line with their cost-effective solutions. Call (513) 352-0080 today to book an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.