Commercial kitchens are always a buzz with activity. Chefs, wait staff, and kitchen assistants are routinely coming in and going out.
While this hub of activity is normal, few characters shouldn’t be scurrying around in your kitchen. We are referring to pests such as cockroaches, rats, and even ants.
Spotting any of these pests in your kitchen will send you into a panic because they will not only contaminate food but can also damage your reputation.
Your first course of action should be to call the professionals offering the pest control Melbourne locals invest in. Despite this, is there anything else you can do to keep your kitchen pest-free?
In this article, we will discuss the best tips for keeping commercial kitchen pest free.
Take Constant Action to Keep Pests Out: Best Tips For Keeping Commercial Kitchen Pest Free
Upon arrival, your pest control expert will assess the extent of your potential insect problem.
While this is going on, it may be a good idea to take stock of your in-house disciplines that may have encouraged the pests to move in. Our team has compiled a few top pointers to focus on as you eradicate the pests.
1. Deal with Garbage More Effectively
Running a busy kitchen sees many routine tasks getting put on the back burner when everyone is busy. Some of these are fine to be left for a few hours or even until the next day.
However, one task that should never be neglected is clearing out the garbage.
This is especially the case if your garbage bin is in the kitchen where you’re working or immediately outside the back door.
Bins are the number one attraction for rodents and cockroaches, and unfortunately, they don’t stay in the bin. Pests see your bin as a gateway into your kitchen.
This means that clearing out your indoor and outdoor bins should always be a priority. Here are a few additional tips to help you keep pests out of your garbage:
- All rubbish bins should have secure lids.
- Replace or repair bins to seal off any cracks where pests can crawl through.
- Ensure that you are emptying the indoor bins daily and washing them every few days.
- Where possible, move rubbish bins away from the side of the building and entrances.
- Keep the back door closed, as it’s easy for the heat of the kitchen to attract rats.
- The area immediately outside your restaurant should remain clean as though it’s part of the interior. Doing this will go a long way toward keeping the bugs out.
- Where possible, wash your outdoor rubbish bins with bleach and baking soda to remove odors and food spills. Hose down the area around the bins to remove any food spills.
If your kitchen is constantly busy or you routinely have a pest issue, it may be a good idea to hire temp staff or a cleaning service. They can come in a few times a week to help with the cleaning and other basic chores your team isn’t getting to.
2. Remove Any Pest Scraps Immediately
Pests are attracted to the spaces where they can get easy access to food, water, and shelter. This makes your warm, food-filled kitchen the best place for pests to hang out. Consider these few pointers to make your kitchen less appealing to pests:
- Store all food types in airtight containers.
- Keep bulk food bags off the pantry floor. Store food in places where rodents can’t access it.
- Wipe up spills and crumbs as soon as they occur.
- Regularly clean out cupboards and pantries to discourage rats and cockroaches from moving in.
- Ensure that dining tables and floors are cleaned throughout the day, especially when food is spilled.
- Counters and food prep surfaces should be washed off at the end of the evening. Use a solution of bleach and hot water to ensure these surfaces don’t have traces of food scraps.
- Use natural cleaning products that contain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus, as these deter pests.
3. Schedule Preventative Pest Control
In addition to keeping a clean kitchen, you should also speak to your local pest controller about preventative pest control.
These programs involve performing seasonal and annual checks where the pest control agent will check the interior and exterior of your property for signs of infestations.
Solutions must suit the size of your kitchen and property as well as the types of pests you’re trying to deter. Pest controllers will also leave you with recommendations and tips that will help minimize the risk of cockroaches and rodents moving in.
If you have timber structures, it’s a good idea to ask your pest control agent to include termite treatments.
Why Are The Tips For Keeping Commercial Kitchen Pest Free So Important?
Once you follow all these tips for keeping a commercial kitchen pest-free, you will notice a visible difference. To put it simply, there are multiple benefits of keeping your commercial kitchen free of pests.
1. Pest Control Makes Work Conditions Better
A kitchen free of pests always creates a better condition for chefs, assistants, and everyone working. A clean space helps in maintaining a healthy working environment.
Moreover, a clean space ensures better mobility and helps the workers to keep everything organized.
2. Prevention Of Diseases Caused By Pet Infestation
If a commercial kitchen has too many pests, they can spread foodborne diseases. This is crucial for a commercial kitchen service or a caterer to ensure that the surfaces and equipment are clean.
Further, a kitchen free of pests is also free of germs.
Tips For Keeping Commercial Kitchen Pest Free: Save The Reputation Of Your Business
Every commercial space should have a preventive pest control program in place. Pests such as rats and cockroaches can spread disease, but they can also contaminate your food supplies.
In addition to this, a customer reporting an encounter with a pest in your business can lead to significant damage to your business reputation. Avoid this by signing up for a preventative pest control program sooner rather than later!
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