Tips for using rodent traps

• Make sure to choose the correct size trap for a mouse or rat.
• Make sure to use the correct trap. i.e.: mouse = mouse trap, rat = rat trap.
• Place the traps where you have seen the most activity from the rodent.

Keep your home clean

• Remove excess trash build up.
• Vacuum/sweep up the crumbs left on the floor or counter tops.
• Do not leave food out overnight. If you do, make sure they are sealed properly in proper tamper proof containers.
• Have a tight sealing lid on top of your garbage to prevent the rodent from getting in.

Most Common Pests in Restaurants

When it comes to restaurant pests, there are some pest that are more common than others. Some of the most common pests include:

• Cockroaches: These ugly bugs are some of the most feared by restaurant owners because they are full of bacteria and germs. They can also trigger allergens and allergy symptoms.
• Rodents: Along with being unsettling and unsightly, rodents can cause damage to packaging, structures, equipment, and restaurant products.
• Files: Flies can come into your restaurant through open windows, doors, and other openings in buildings. They are both irritating and hard to control. Some files bite, too. They tend to thrive in drains, trash receptacles, and grow in excess populations during the hotter months of the year.
• Stinging Pests: If you have an outdoor eating or waiting area, stinging pests can cause serious issues. Along with scaring your customers away, insect stings are painful and could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Ants: There are many ant species that can pose issues for restaurant owners. The first step is to properly identify the ant present and eliminate all potential food sources and possible entry points.
• Stored Product Pests: These are the pests that can be broken into four distinctive groups, which include scavengers, internal feeders, secondary pests, and external feeders. The external feeders include moths and beetles that will feed on processed grains. The internal feeders will create larvae inside the kernels of various seeds and grains, with weevils being the most common pest seen. And scavengers will feed on the damaged grains that are left by the other pests, with the secondary pests resulting in damages to the food packages.

Restaurant Pest Control

Pests are a huge threat to any restaurant business. Ants, rodents, roaches, and other pests in your restaurant will compromise quality, sanitation and may result in regulatory fines. Even worse, these pests may hurt your restaurant’s reputation, costing you customers in the long run.

Remember, pest control is not a set it and forget it service. Maintenance and prevention are key in keeping your restaurant pest free. You have to make a continual investment to ensure the pests stay away. Be sure to keep this in mind when you are ready to hire a pest control service professional.

The Benefits of a Good Restaurant Pest Control Program

When you have a pest problem in your restaurant, you will know right away how serious the problem is. Having a good pest control program in place is the best way to ensure you eradicate the pest problem and get the pests gone for good. A comprehensive and customized food service pest control program (which can be provided to you by a qualified pest professional) of prevention is key.

When it comes to pests in restaurants, you can’t afford to wait around and see what happens. You need to take action right away to ensure the problem doesn’t get worse!