Restaurants and Pest Control: Maintaining Hygiene and Compliance

A pest problem in a restaurant can contaminate food, ruin the establishment’s reputation, and potentially put it out of business. Fortunately, pest control practices are a standard part of health code compliance that help ensure restaurants stay safe and clean for customers to enjoy. Here are some of the signs of restaurant pest infestations and how invasive pests can be combated and removed from your eating establishment.

Signs of Common Restaurant Pests

Because they have an abundant source of easily accessible food, restaurants are a big target of pests like rodents, cockroaches, and ants. However, pests such as beetles, weevils and moths can also enter restaurants through packaged food. If you notice any of the following signs of an infestation, it’s time to  contact professional pest control services:

• Droppings: Pests will leave droppings or eggs in populated areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and dining rooms.
• Damaged equipment: Rodents and insects will gnaw through plastic packaging to get access to and contaminate food sources.
• Strong ammonia smell: Rodent urine gives off a strong ammonia smell, especially when it sits and accumulates.
• Noises in walls and cabinets: As pests move throughout a restaurant, they will make noticeable scratching, squeaking, and crawling noises.

Restaurant Pest Control Methods

To ensure you maintain hygiene and compliance codes and keep your restaurant pest-free, it’s important to take the following preventative pest control measures:

• Proper Sanitation: Make sure your food is properly sealed and kept at least six feet off the floor. Follow disposal regulations, and make sure sanitation practices are in place and followed. Keep open food and water sources to a minimum, and regularly sweep floors and tables both in the kitchen and in dining areas.
• Secure Your Building: Proper structural maintenance ensures pests can’t make their way inside the restaurant. Check your property for vulnerable spots, such as cracks in walls and windows. Keep clutter to a minimum, and ensure your AC is working to avoid excess moisture and humidity.
• Know the Compliance Checklist: Inspectors will have a thorough list of items to check when inspecting your restaurant for compliance. Get to know these measures to ensure your restaurant passes compliance before inspectors arrive.
• Keep a Record: To help inspectors with their assessment, it’s important to document your pest control efforts around your restaurant. Keep track of any licenses and insurances, pest control reports, and prior inspections.

Protect Your Restaurant with Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re staying in compliance with your pest control measures is by hiring a pest control professional. A pest control expert will have access to all the proper equipment and methods to keep your business pest-free. If you need professional pest control for your Pittsburgh restaurant, rely on the professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Critter Control® of Pittsburgh uses safe, non-toxic and effective commercial pest control services to prevent and remove pests from your property. Our licensed, trained and experienced team is ready to implement our fast and efficient methods and prevent unwanted pests and wildlife from returning. Call us today at 412-767-4067 to schedule an inspection and receive a free pest control estimate.