By Subham Saha
Rodents carry a variety of diseases, some of which can be deadly. That’s a good enough reason to want them out of your restaurant. Of course, the fact that customers will not return and the health authority has the power to shut you down is also a great incentive to keep rodents out of your restaurant.
Fortunately, it is easier than you think.
1. Regular Inspections
You should contact your local pest control experts and have an inspection undertaken on your premises at least once a year. This looks good to customers. More importantly, they will locate any issue and resolve it for you, ensuring your restaurant is pest-free.
Best of all, the professionals can offer individual advice to help keep the rodents outside your restaurant. It is a good idea to find out more info today.
2. Seal Gaps
In order to be an issue, rodents need to get into your restaurant. They are very good at getting through small gaps, mice are known to squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil! To prevent them from getting into your restaurant you will need to visually inspect the place and seal all gaps that they can get through.
Pay particular attention to doors and windows as this is where many gaps appear.
3. Clean Up
Rodents are attracted to the warmth of your restaurant and the food on offer. The simplest way to make your restaurant unattractive to rodents is to clean the surfaces properly after you’ve cooked. This means sweeping the floor, wiping down all surfaces, and using a disinfectant spray to ensure there are no traces of food left.
It is also a good idea to store all food in sealed containers, eliminating any smell that may attract rodents.
Don’t forget when cleaning up there are plenty of areas that are hard for you to reach where fat and other food debris can collect, this is very attractive to rodents.
4. Get Rid Of Clutter
Once rodents are in they need somewhere to hide. The greater the amount of clutter in your restaurant the easier it will be for them to hide and make a home. In short, eliminate the clutter from your restaurant and you eliminate their hiding places.
If they can’t hide they cannot stay in your restaurant.
5. Check For Water Sources
Finally, rodents don’t just need warmth and food, they also need water to survive. Take a look at your kitchen and seating areas to see if there are any sources of water that will help a rodent. You will need to pay particular attention to leaks, these can often be hard to detect but they will be essential for your rodent friends.
If you are not sure whether you have a leak or not simply take one-meter reading and a second one several hours later. In the gap do not use any water. If the reading has changed you have a leak that will need to be found and fixed.
Leaks don’t just attract rodents and other pests, they can also be surprisingly expensive.
Rodent Infestation in Restaurant? How to Manage
Sometimes you can do everything in your power, and it could still lead to rodent infestation. So, what should you do when something as such happens?
Here is a quick contingency plan!
Assess the Damage
After discovering a rodent infestation in your restaurant, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage.
Check all areas where food is prepared, stored, and served for signs of contamination, like droppings or gnaw marks.
Rodents can spread diseases through their waste, so throwing out any food that could have been exposed is important. Inspect your equipment and surfaces to make sure they are still sanitary and in working order.
Call Professional Pest Control
Once the immediate damage is identified, you should contact a licensed pest control company. Professionals will know how to properly remove the rodents, eliminate their nests, and set traps if necessary.
They can also offer tips on future prevention. Don’t attempt to handle a rodent infestation on your own. The health and safety of your customers and staff are at stake.
Having a professional involved also shows the health authorities that you are serious about addressing the issue.
Deep Clean and Sanitize
Rodents leave behind more than just a mess. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and lead to the spread of diseases.
After the pest control professionals have done their part, it’s time to give your restaurant a thorough, deep cleaning.
Sanitize all surfaces, especially those used for food prep. Pay attention to any hidden areas like behind appliances, under shelves, and in storage rooms where rodents may have traveled.
Notify the Health Department
Depending on local regulations, you may be required to notify your health department after dealing with a rodent infestation.
This could include allowing them to inspect your premises before you reopen. It’s crucial to work with the authorities transparently to avoid fines or, worse, a permanent closure.
Implement Preventive Measures
After resolving the infestation:
- Put preventive measures in place to stop rodents from returning.
- Seal all cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
- Keep your restaurant clean, focusing on hard-to-reach spots that could be missed during daily cleaning.
- Regularly inspect for water leaks and ensure all food is properly stored in sealed containers.
Hiring a pest control company for routine checks is a good long-term strategy!
By taking these steps quickly and thoroughly, you can get your restaurant back on track while ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for customers.
