Where there\u2019s food, there are pests \u2014 it\u2019s an unfortunate truth all restaurant owners face. The abundance of snacking opportunities, ideal moisture and temperature conditions, and sites perfect for harboring critters, creates plenty of potential for unwanted dinner guests.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s flies in your dining room or rodents in dry storage, unwanted pests will be a bust for any business. A significant pest problem will even prevent you from complying with the necessary health department regulations to keep your restaurant open to the public.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, most of these problems can be avoided with a few security measures and proper pest control.<\/p>\n
(Not a restaurant owner? We have plenty of tips to keep pests out of your home pantry, too.)<\/p>\n
Common Problem Areas and How to Protect Them<\/strong><\/p>\n The main pest concerns in any restaurant are cockroaches, stored product pests (like beetles, weevils and moths), flies, and rodents. Once you identify the main problem areas in your restaurant, it\u2019s easier to develop a strategy for managing pest infestations.<\/p>\n Outdoor Dumpster Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n These places are an open invitation to pests if waste disposal isn\u2019t handled properly. And once they\u2019re in your garbage, it\u2019s only a matter of time before they follow the food trail to get inside the kitchen \u2014 especially if you leave the door open for them to fly or crawl through.<\/p>\n To protect the dumpster area:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Drains and Cleaning Supply Storage Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n Places that collect moisture, such as sink and floor drains and cleaning stations, are the perfect breeding ground for flies. Flies feed on any food left in these spaces, and where they feed, they will breed. Before you know it, you\u2019re restaurant will be taken over by flying pests.<\/p>\n To protect drains and supply spaces:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Food Storage Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n Open food containers attract cockroaches and ants, so proper food storage is a must. Your dry storage facilities and main kitchen space are at high risk for insects looking for a tasty treat. Cracks, crevices, and hollow areas in equipment legs are all typical havens for roaches, ants and mice.<\/p>\n To protect food storage and your kitchen:<\/p>\n\n
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