Ask a Boston Commercial Pest Control Expert Pest-Proofing your Boston Restaurant
There's nothing worse than pest problems in a place of business, especially a local business in which people know and trust you. If you're a local food service business we don't have to lecture you about keeping pest problems under control. Even the smallest pest problem in a food service business can cause a failed inspection, food borne illness and eventually business closures. Unfortunately warm places full of food are an attractive buffet to common pests. So how do you keep pests out of your restaurant, cafe and fast food place? While it's not the easiest thing to do here are a few useful tips. The best way to control a pest infestation is to prevent it from happening.
Methods for Preventing Pest Infestations
The best way to control a pest infestation is to prevent it from happening. There are two main ways to prevent and control the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests:
Block entry points
Eliminating entry points for pests will help keep them out of your establishment. Eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter - It's getting cold out so pest will be seeking food water and shelter. Store food away from walls and at least six inches off the floor
Clean often -
Maintaining a sanitary work environment by cleaning and sanitizing preparation areas immediately after use
Disposing of trash regularly - Keep dumpster areas clean and do not leave bags outside of the dumpster as you will quickly develop a rat problem. If you end up with too much garbage consider recycling what you can, composting food waste or increasing the number of scheduled pickups.
Common Pest Signs
Cockroaches
Egg casings (they look like peanut skins)
Small pepper looking droppings
Strong oily orders
Flies
While not common in winter a fly or 2 is pretty typical every once in awhile but when you start seeing swarming it becomes a problem. Make sure all trash is sealed to prevent maggots and other issues.
Rodents
Small black droppings
Mice - Rice grain droppings
Rats - Jelly bean droppings
Ammonia smell (rodent urine)
Nests made from materials such as lint and fabric
If you learn how to keep pests from entering your establishment, observe and monitor for pest infestations and set up regular barrier protection appointments with a pest control professional your Boston food service business will be in great shape.
