Any business that deals with food should be aware of the telltale signs of pests, like unwanted odors or damage. Effective pest control begins with some basic precautions which can protect a restaurant against pests and make any necessary professional solutions that much simpler. Have a look at the list below to learn more about pest hotspots in restaurants.

How to Practice Effective Restaurant Pest Control

1. Maintain Clean Dumpsters

Dumpsters are the biggest risk area for pest problems in restaurants, with rats, roaches, and flies being attracted to the large amounts of food waste produced every day.

Make sure that you have a dumpster proportionate in size to the needs of your business. Dumpsters should be located away from your main building and regularly hosed down to stop scraps and residue building up.

2. Tighten Food Storage

Wet and dry foods should be stored in tightly-sealed containers to avoid problems with roaches, ants, flies, and other pests eager to find their way into open bags or loosely sealed boxes.

Store food six inches off of the floor and 12 inches away from the walls to allow for thorough daily cleaning and to be able to visually check for signs of infestation. Practice the “first in, first out” method to ensure that older supplies are used before they expire or attract unwanted pests.

3. Check Drains & Cleaning Closets

Drains and other areas where moisture builds up attract flies and provide an entry point for insects and rodents. You can prevent pests from making a home in your floor drains by routinely checking to make sure the grate is clean and free of food scraps or pools of moisture where insects can lay eggs.

4. Clean Floors & Prep Areas

Food can be dropped and kicked out of sight in a busy kitchen, and scraps can easily accumulate in prep areas where vermin might search for their next meal.

Encourage your staff to throw pieces of food into trash cans and to wipe down counters, prep areas, and server stations regularly, particularly when there are visible stains or splashes.

 

When you need help with professional pest control, turn to Garella Pest Service in Staunton, IL. The career pest professionals at this local business offer same-day service in Southwestern Illinois, backed by an average of over 20 years of experience to ensure pest problems are resolved. Call (618) 356-0654 for a free quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.