Every restaurant owner knows how disastrous pests can be for business. Not only do they pose a health risk to your customers and staff, but they also harm your reputation and the customer experience. It’s a pricey problem to have, with the hefty fines or even closures that can arise. That’s why it’s best to avoid pests as much as possible, and putting preventative measures in place is essential to protecting your restaurant. Here are a few strategies:
Keep a Sanitary Establishment
The first step to any effective commercial pest control effort is to maintain a clean environment. Pests are attracted to unsanitary conditions, where they can easily find sources of food and water, as well as plenty of hiding places. This makes implementing daily cleaning procedures essential. Clean any areas where food crumbs, grease or sticky substances build up. Daily cleaning routines should involve tasks such as:
- Cleaning bar mats and floor mats
- Wiping down tables, chairs and countertops
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Cleaning underneath appliances
- Emptying grease traps and clearing out drains
Use Proper Waste Management Strategies
Proper waste management is another huge piece of the commercial pest control puzzle, especially for restaurants. Trash is a major food source for pests, and the unpleasant odor is often an attractant. Proper waste management involves securing trash in bins with tight-fitting lids, emptying receptacles regularly and keeping receptacles clean. There should be no sticky residue or food remnants in or around your waste bins. Outdoor trash bins should never be kept close to your building. Instead, place them a few feet away, and keep them as clean as possible to avoid attracting pests and rodents.
Store Food Properly
Pests like rodents are attracted to the sour smell of spoiled food. Proper food storage plays a key role in reducing spoilage and, in turn, preventing these unpleasant odors from attracting pests in your restaurant. Practice the first-in, first-out method when storing food. This helps you ensure that you’re using inventory before it expires and, therefore, reducing spoilage.
Store food in tightly sealed, airtight containers that pests can’t easily penetrate. Racks and shelves should be off the floor and away from the walls to limit easy access for pests and allow for easier inspection of the area. Food storage areas should always be kept clean and dry, with no moisture or food buildup.
Maintain Outdoor Dining Areas
If your restaurant has an outdoor dining area, it’s important to maintain this space to ensure pests don’t invade. Similar to the kitchen and indoor dining spaces, trash management and sanitation are key. Keep tables, chairs and decor items clean by thoroughly wiping them each day, and make sure no spills, food crumbs or other debris accumulates. Outdoor trash should be emptied regularly, and receptacles should be closed tightly and kept clean.
Overgrown greenery is a popular hiding spot for pests, so keep landscaping well-manicured. Fluorescent lighting, a common choice for outdoor spaces, is known to attract flying insects, so opt for LED alternatives, since these bulbs emit less UV light. To take it a step further, choose a soft yellow or amber color, as these colors aren’t as attractive to insects as bright white.
Seal Entry Points
The tiniest of cracks and crevices are all it takes for pests to infest your restaurant. This makes regularly inspecting your building for entry points a must. Seal any cracks or gaps using caulk, weatherstripping and door sweeps, and plug holes in pipes, vents and utility lines. It’s also important to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible throughout the day, ensuring there are no gaps or openings around them.
Partner With a Professional Pest Control Team
In commercial pest control, exclusion is key. The best way to keep pests out of your restaurant is to partner with a professional pest control company. Regular inspections by the experts ensure early detection of potential pest problems. Technicians have the knowledge and tools to identify possible vulnerabilities and provide preventive treatment plans. If an infestation does arise, these professionals have the equipment and technology to effectively eliminate it and implement solutions to prevent a future one. Having the support of a professional pest control team is the number one way to keep your staff and customers safe.
Keeping a pest-free restaurant can be quite the feat, but it’s necessary for the success and safety of your business. The West Palm Beach commercial pest control experts at Nextgen Pest Solutions, backed by 20 years of industry experience, use the latest Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols to deliver effective, long-lasting solutions. With same-day availability and expert treatments, we’re here to protect your property, your business and your peace of mind. Contact us today to get started with a free quote!
