How To Keep Pests Away From Your Restaurant

Servall Termite & Pest Control knows the importance of a pest free work place, especially a restaurant! One pest sighting by a customer can lead to a huge loss in business. Here is an article from Derek Roach about how to reduce the occurrence of pests in your restaurant.

It will take a constant effort to keep your restaurant clean and sanitary. However, constant cleaning and enforcement of pest and rodent control techniques can keep pests out and health code violations at bay.

Roaches and other types of bugs can infest a restaurant at anytime of the year, but rodents will usually invade homes and commercial properties during colder months. As a restaurant owner, you need to establish a pest control plan that will keep rodents away. With an effective pest management plan, you won't have to worry about a rodent or bug infestation. Also, your clients will leave satisfied without getting sick from food that has been contaminated by rodents.

Here are some tips restaurant owners can enforce to make for a pest-free establishment:
 
Rodent Proof/Exclusion - This is the beginning of your pest control plan. This will prevent rodents from entering your restaurant. First, inspect the interior and exterior walls and roof for any openings (cracks, crevices, holes) the size of a dime. All dime-sized openings should be stuffed or covered with a durable, flexible material (ex. steel wool). If you are a tenant in a complex, contact the property manager for solutions to rodent proof your unit.
 
All Food Should Be In Closed Containers - Food of all types (uncooked, cooked, leftover, trash,etc.) should not be left out or accessible without opening some sort of container (refrigerator, pantry, trash can with secure lid, etc). Foods stored in cardboard boxes should be off the floor.
 
All Surfaces Cleaned - Spray & wipe work areas with disinfectant after each use.
Reduce the clutter - Organize your supplies & tools so that every item is easily accessible. As items become piled up, they provide a place for bugs or rodents to hide. Also, keep all products off the ground.
 
Use Rodent Traps - if you are experiencing a rodent infestation, quickly call a rodent control specialist. They can strategically place rodent traps to capture all the rodents. You will want to avoid rodent control sprays or poisons in a food establishment since rodents can expose food to toxic chemicals. Also, chemicals may take a few days to kill rodents and they can end up dying in between walls. A rodent control professional is the best option to effectively remove your rat problem.

It isn't uncommon for a restaurant to be closed by the health department due to violating health code rules. In New York City, a popular restaurant was shut down due to findings of excessive rodent droppings found near counter tops, fridge, and water heater.

Huge fines are issued for pest infestations like these. Restaurants can avoid citations and the risk of losing the business with a well executed pest control plan. If you suspect rodents in your establish, call a pest control company quickly to keep the problem from getting worse.

If you suspect a rodent or pest issue in your restaurant contact Servall Pest Control at any of our four locations. Visit www.servallpestcontrol.com for more information on our services. Don't let a pest problem get out of hand, let Servall help!