Data suggests 1 out of 6 Americans fall sick from foodborne illnesses every year. Even if no one falls sick from eating at your restaurant, an insect photo-bomb (Yelp Review) could mean death sentence for a business’ reputation in today’s social media age. Moreover, a pest problem can lead to troubles and penalties from the Health Department. Therefore, a restaurant owner’s top priority is to ensure food safety by keeping the kitchen and adjoining premises pest-free. And the best way to do so is to have a restaurant pest elimination action plan ready. 

This blog covers seven effective tips on pest control for restaurants to help you run your food business smoothly and stop the pest problem for good.  

1. Clean and Pristine is the Way to Go 

It is critical to maintain cleanliness in your restaurant to control the pest problem. Every day, the dining areas and kitchen, including the food preparation stations, floor and under cooklines should be cleaned to remove food and residues completely.  Furthermore, no food should be kept standing in the kitchen or uncovered in storage areas. Additionally, the trash cans and bins should be secured with lids and liners. These dustbins should be emptied daily to eliminate any potential pest hot spots on the property.  

2. Identify the Common Problem Areas 

Pests can infiltrate almost anywhere, therefore the best way to combat them is to identify where they are coming from. Depending on the type of pest, their ideal habitat can take many forms. Furthermore, dustbins serve as a feast for pests such as rodents and cockroaches. Hence, for effective pest control in restaurant kitchens, they should be closed tightly to prevent scavenging. 

3. Know Your Enemy  

If you discover a pest problem, the next step is to identify the type of infestation. For instance, determine whether it’s a rodent, cockroach or fly problem that’s getting your customers repulsed and causing trouble for your business. However, it’s also important to note that not all pests can be easily managed. Therefore, it’s wise to call in pest control services for restaurants to let the experts identify and treat the problem areas.  

4. Act on the Damage Immediately  

If you discover a pest problem, don’t waste time putting it off. Act quickly; a pest problem in the food service industry can spell disaster if the health department discovers it before you. What type of pest issue do you have? How big is it? Determine the extent of the problem, then contact a restaurant exterminator to deal with it immediately. Remember, when it comes to dealing with pest problems, being cautious at every step is the key.  

5. Monitor Storage Spaces  

As a restaurant owner, you must regularly inspect and clean your storage areas. Monitor refrigeration units on a regular basis and discard anything that has passed its expiration date as beetles, weevils, moths, mites, and bacteria can be attracted to old or poorly stored food. Remember that prevention is the best course of action when it comes to pest control for restaurants. Be vigilant at every step to stop the pest situation from getting out of hand.  

6. Build an Action Plan  

Preparedness is the key to handling a pest problem. Therefore, always have an action plan in place to tackle the infestation effectively. In the first step, remove all contaminated food and sanitize the affected areas. If pesticides are required, make sure to follow all FDA rules and regulations. Hire commercial pest control services for restaurants to handle the hazardous pesticide materials carefully and exterminate the area efficiently.  

7. Abide by Food Safety and Hygiene Laws 

The best defense against pest infestation is prevention and education. Keep up to date on the most recent FDA food hygiene rules and regulations to keep customers safe as well as maintain compliance with the laws and take preventative measures to avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, ensure a clean environment, monitor all activity, and train employees regularly in food safety, handling, and storage.  

Hire Effective Pest Control Services for Restaurants from Matrix PE   

If you are a restaurant owner, you are now obliged by law to prevent pest-induced contamination and foodborne illnesses. So, instead of jeopardizing your customers’ health and the success of your business by attempting to control pests on your own, turn to professionals who can assist you every step of the way.  

Reach out to the experts at Matrix PE for restaurant pest elimination services and enjoy peace of mind that all government regulations are met, and your customers are safe. Now, you can utilize the extra time to focus on what’s more important for you and your business!  

Dial 1-800-596-0313 for a free consultation today!  

This article was posted in Blog