“Waiter, there’s a fly in my soup” may be the start of a classic Dad joke, but for restaurants, a fly or any other pest landing on a diner’s table is no laughing matter. Pests and restaurants do not make good partners, but yet, cruelly, pests love restaurants. What’s not to love about an endless supply of food, and climate-controlled shelter? Don’t let a scurrying rodent or roach, or buzzing wasp or fly send patrons right out the door. A little prevention can go a long way.
It doesn’t matter what type of pest, they can all cause damage. Mice can chew power cords, termites can weaken walls, and cockroaches can carry germs, including salmonella which causes food-borne illness. Keeping all of them away is not just good for customers, but it can save your business.
Keeping the premises clean, both inside and outside is key to thwarting an infestation. If food, even crumbs, and spills, are not readily available, the appeal of a restaurant falls for pests. Plus practicing cleanliness is just good business.
- Wipe down counters and chopping blocks regularly
- Keep food refrigerated when not in use
- Cover trash and keep trash receptacles clean and secure
Even sound sanitation practices can not remove the fact that restaurants are full of food and pests get inside they’ll quickly share news of their incredible find. Preventing them from getting inside is a critical step.
- Screen vents, doors, and windows
- Seal even the smallest cracks, and holes
- Keep doors and windows closed
but if used frequently, rodents can develop a bait aversion so variety is key. Traps should also be checked frequently so captured rodents can be disposed of before they present a health risk.
Another non-toxic remedy is sticky boards that capture crawling pests that venture too close to food sources or other areas they’re attracted to. The same sticky boards can also be combined with fly lights that use ultraviolet light to attract flying insects. An added benefit of sticky boards is that a pest control professional can monitor the number and types of pests that are infiltrating your restaurant.
Repellants can also be non-toxic with a botanical base that’s combined with an inorganic compound to damage the exoskeletons of insects. Repellants, as the name implies, repel pests, so are a great solution for use around doors, windows, or other openings where pests might find a way inside.
Of course, the best solution to pests is to hire a professional pest management company. Northwest Pest Control has been providing service to commercial and residential clients for more than 30 years. We know a thing or two about bugs and rodents and we’re happy to find out what’s been bugging you. Contact us today.