Pest Control Tips To Keep Your Restaurant Pest-Free

By Derek Roach

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.
• Keep All Food Secure - All food including waste food should be safely stored away and secured. Trash receptacles need to have a secure lid on top. When storing food make sure is it in packaging or sealed container in refrigerator/freezer/pantry. Foods stored in cardboard boxes should not be left out in open and preferably in a pantry or cabinet with closed doors.
• All Surfaces Clean - After every shift, job task, and work day, counters and work stations should be wiped down with disinfectant spray. This will significantly reduce your chance of rodent and bug infestations.
• Reduce the clutter - Everything should be off the floor by at least 3 feet. This will not only eliminate hiding places for bugs and rodents but allow you easy access to clean underneath tables and countertops. The entire floor area will be open to sweep and mop and prevent piece of food that attract pests from being hidden under objects. Rodents also like dark place so leaving a light on in the kitchen area could help your pest control plan.
• 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.

Many restaurants around the nation are being 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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Roach

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