Grocery stores aim to provide the best produce and experience for their customers. One major threat to that goal is pests. Quality pest control is essential to grocery stores, as grocery offers a wealth of attractions for pests, including food, water, and sanctuary. Additionally, constant foot traffic and new shipments provide opportunities for new pest introductions. However, there are effective ways for grocery store owners and staff to fight back against pests.
How to Avoid Pests in Grocery Stores
Inspect Deliveries
With constant food deliveries, it is important for staff to inspect all deliveries upon arrival. Cockroaches can be transported through paper items, including cardboard boxes, and can be hiding in your shipments. Additionally, store product pests, such as beetles, weevils, moths, and mites, can infest processed food and whole grains throughout many points in the food production process. Be sure your staff is aware of signs of a pest infestation, including:
- Unpleasant or strange odors
- Damage to the product or product packaging
- Holes or webbing on the outside of packets or bags
Maintain a Sanitary Environment
Grocery stores need constant upkeep to stay clean. With a large amount of product and constant foot traffic, it is common for grocery stores to get messy. To keep the environment clean, keep food tightly sealed and in an organized fashion. If there is a leaking product or spill, be sure to discard the product and clean the area thoroughly. Additionally, store food away from walls and at least 6 inches off the floor to avoid attracting pests.
Eliminate Entry Points
In addition to shipments bringing in pests, they can also make their way into the store themselves. Be sure to inspect your store for all openings including cracks, holes, windows, and doors. To avoid pest entry, patch or seal all cracks or holes, install draft stoppers on doors, and keep windows and doors leading outside closed whenever possible.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Waste and rotting food will attract pests. Be sure to have a system in place where trash is removed regularly and properly. Take the trash out at least once a day. If a trash bag spills or leaks outside of the dumpster, clean up the excess waste. As for the dumpster, be sure it is sealed entirely.
Have a Pest Control Tool on Site
Despite the precautions you have put in place, a pest infestation can still occur. Having a tool on site to combat these pests can save you time and money. The Cryonite Machine is an effective, non-toxic option that works well in sensitive environments like grocery stores.
The Cryonite Machine and Grocery Stores
Cryonite makes it simple to eliminate pest issues when you see the first signs of an infestation. Our convenient and easy-to-use design requires no license for treating pests. This gives you an on-site ability to fight back. Another benefit of Cryonite is our non-toxic formula. You can treat areas with Cryonite without worrying about chemical damage to other produce.
For more information on Cryonite machines and how they work for grocery stores, please contact us.