Among all commercial businesses in Northeast Pennsylvania, restaurants are the most at risk for pest infestations and the most vulnerable to damage from them. Not only can pests like mice, cockroaches, and ants spoil food, but they can also spread disease, damage equipment, and harm your reputation.
That’s why many restaurant owners in the area turn to us for preventative restaurant pest control. From following local regulations to keeping your kitchen clean, here are seven tips we often recommend to restaurant pest owners for effective restaurant pest control.
Why Regular Pest Control Is Essential for Restaurants
Serving food to the public should never be taken lightly, and just as you’d never want to serve your customers a bad meal, you should also be committed to maintaining safe practices when handling food in your kitchen.
Restaurant kitchens are more prone to pests than home kitchens, due to the volume of food being cooked at one time and the amount of crumbs and liquid that ends up on the floor by the end of the night.
Therefore, restaurant owners have a taller task when it comes to keeping pests at bay. A pest infestation can result in damaged equipment, spoiled food, and illness outbreaks.
Maintaining a clean and pest-free restaurant is also essential when it comes to preserving your reputation as a business owner. It only takes one bad online review to keep potential customers from wanting to support your business, so pest control is something to take seriously.
Ultimately, keeping up with regular and routine pest control is essential for all restaurants to ensure you’re cooking in a clean and pest-free environment.
How Pest Control Complies with ServSafe
ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training program that helps restaurants prevent food-borne illnesses and maintain the highest level of food safety. Routine pest control can help your restaurant comply with ServSafe standards by ensuring no pests infest your kitchen or dining area and compromise the safety and integrity of your establishment.
Following ServSafe protocols is essential for passing health inspections and getting a positive report.
7 Tips to Keep Restaurant Pests at Bay
When it comes to keeping pests out of your restaurant, here are seven restaurant pest control tips we often recommend.
1. Conduct Regular Inspections
It is recommended that restaurants receive professional pest control services at least once per month. Restaurants that have a history of pest problems may need more frequent inspections, sometimes as often as once per week. Regular inspections help detect early signs of infestations before they become significant issues.
2. Maintain Proper Food Storage
Properly storing food is essential when it comes to preventing pests, so be sure to properly seal and store all food and beverage containers in between busy times and at the end of each night. This practice reduces the risk of attracting pests like rodents and insects, which are drawn to easily accessible food.
3. Keep a Clean Kitchen
Cleaning as you go can be helpful when it comes to maintaining a clean kitchen, as it can be overwhelming to try to clean a big mess at the end of the night. When cleaning your restaurant’s kitchen, be sure you’re using effective cleaning products and sanitizing all floors and surfaces.
Additionally, be sure to pull out equipment weekly to deep clean behind them, as well as any coolers and storage areas. A clean environment drastically reduces the likelihood of attracting pests that thrive in dirty, food-laden areas.
4. Follow Proper Waste Management
Following proper waste management guidelines is essential for preventing pests in a restaurant. Things like properly removing garbage, recycling, and reducing food waste are all essential. To minimize pest sightings, make sure that trash cans are tightly sealed and that waste is removed from the premises regularly.
5. Train Employees on Proper Protocols
As a restaurant owner or manager, training your staff on the proper protocols is essential for preventing pests. Duties like cleaning and taking out trash should all be taught and regularly enforced. Ensuring that all employees follow these protocols consistently helps maintain a pest-free environment.
6. Seal Entry Points
Sealing any entry points that pests can use to get into your restaurant can be highly effective in reducing unwanted visitors. You can do this using store-bought caulk or sealant and applying it in any cracks and crevices you see. Regularly inspect the building’s perimeter and repair any damage to prevent pest entry.
7. Use Pest Prevention Systems
There are various forms of pest control available to restaurant owners, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), in-wall systems, and UV light traps. Talk to a pest control professional to find out what they would recommend for your specific restaurant. Combining several pest prevention systems can provide an added layer of protection against potential infestations.
At The Pest Rangers, we follow standards set by the Food Safety Modernization Act and use different quality control standards in food processing designed to thwart pests and keep your restaurant safe. Contact us today for more information and a quote!
FAQs
How often should a restaurant perform pest control inspections?
It is recommended that most restaurants have pest control inspections performed monthly. However, some restaurants may need inspections more frequently depending on other factors, such as a history of previous infestations.
Are pesticides safe to use in a restaurant environment?
The FDA and USDA strictly regulate the use of pesticides in restaurants. Before using pesticides in your restaurant, be sure to talk to a pest control professional for advice.