If you work in the food industry, this may be a dilemma you’re familiar with: your customers love your food, but so do pests. And once a pest infestation occurs, getting rid of them can be a complicated and often costly process. A far easier solution would be to prevent pest infestations from occurring in the first place.
So, with all that said, what should food workers do to prevent pests? You and your employees can implement some simple techniques to minimize the chance of a pest infestation.
Educate Your Staff on Pest Control
Your employees are your first line of defense when it comes to stopping a pest infestation. The sooner an infestation is discovered, the sooner it can be eliminated. Your staff should be trained to notice the most common signs of pests.
Signs of a Pest Infestation:
- Pest droppings
- Dirt or markings on the walls
- Strange sounds
- Unusual odors
- Damaged fabric
- Nesting
- Holes in the walls or baseboards
- Gnawing marks
If an employee notices any of these signs, you should immediately take steps to remove the pest infestation.
Implement Preventive Pest Strategies
The only thing better than eliminating a pest infestation is avoiding it altogether. Just a few simple strategies can help to keep your restaurant pest-free.
Eliminate Entry Points
Pests, drawn to warmth and the scent of food, can only enter if you let them. Patch or seal all cracks or holes where they might enter. Install draft stoppers on doors, so pests can’t squeeze in. And keep windows and doors leading outside closed whenever possible.
Clean Drains
Make sure your drains are free of any food waste. Flush them thoroughly and use the garbage disposal whenever needed. Even better, try to dispose of food waste in garbage cans, dumpsters, or off-site composting.
Store Food Wisely
Keeping food tightly sealed is common practice. You should also store food away from walls, and keep your food at least 6 inches off of the floor.
Maintain a Sanitary Environment
Most restaurants have stringent policies in place for workplace cleanliness. Unfortunately, in the day-to-day flurry of activity, these standards sometimes get a little too relaxed. To avoid pest infestations, ensure that your standards are being met.
Dispose of Trash Regularly
Nothing attracts pests more than the smell of rotting food. Make sure trash is removed on a regular basis – preferably at least once a day, if not more.
Keep Dumpster Areas Clean
Dispose of trash properly. If a trash bag spills or leaks outside of the dumpster, pests will be drawn there. Clean up any messes outside of the dumpster.
Manage and Inspect Your Inventory
Pest infestations are even more frustrating when you are certain that you have taken all of the necessary precautions. Yet somehow, pests are still getting in. In this case, what should food workers do to prevent pests?
It’s time to consider another culprit: your food shipments. Pests can easily hide in your food or food containers. Check them thoroughly for signs of pests, especially droppings or bite marks, before allowing them into your restaurant.
Have a Pest Control Tool on Site
Despite the precautions you have put in place, a pest infestation can still occur. And calling a pest control company may not be the best solution. A quality pest control company might not have open appointments in the near future, or they may charge extra for a quick response. In the meantime, your restaurant will be closed and your reputation will suffer.
For these unexpected and unwanted occasions, you should always have a pest control machine readily available to your staff.
Why the Cryonite Machine Is Ideal
A Cryonite machine is an ideal solution for managing pest infestations in your restaurant. It uses liquid carbon dioxide converted into dry ice to freeze and kill pests on contact, with no need for toxic chemicals. Because Cryonite machines don’t use chemicals, you can safely spray them in your restaurant without worrying about them landing on sensitive surroundings.
With our non-toxic technology:
- Entire staff can be trained to operate a Cryonite machine, with no specialty licensing required.
- You can retreat areas whenever needed, without restrictions.
- Minimal cleanup; no need to sanitize afterwards.
- You can use it on almost any surface, including most electronics.
Please contact us today to see if Cryonite is right for you.