It is more important now than ever to ensure that restaurants are clean. Customers are paying closer attention to restaurant cleanliness and aren’t afraid to steer clear of your establishment if it isn’t up to their standards. Overall poor restaurant cleanliness can be detrimental to the success of your business.
Therefore, not only should you and your employees be following the proper guidelines, preventative measures should also be taken such as pest control. There are five spots located throughout the restaurant that should be cleaned with extra care to prevent pest infestations. Let’s take a look.
1. Dumpsters and garbage
This spot attracts the most pests, and it would make the most sense as to why. In order to prevent pests from invading this area it’s important to clean the outside and inside of the dumpster with a hose. It is also important to make sure that it doesn’t overflow and ensure that the lids are being used properly.
The garbage bins inside the restaurant are to always have liners and lids. When you or an employee is changing the liner, clean out the inside of the bin in case there was a hole or tear in the previous liner. It’s also important to make sure that a full trash bin is taken care of as soon as possible.
2. Doors and windows
Pests are experts at being able to sneak in through any crack or crevice, regardless of the size. It would be wise to consider sealing any cracks and crevices in doors or window sills. An air curtain can be used to keep flying insects out, especially when food deliveries arrive and the door is left open for an extended period of time.
3. Dining area
It is common for crumbs to fall into seats and to be left on tables. That’s why it is important that these areas are to be given special attention. Crumbs are to be picked up and vacuumed prior to going home for the night. Although this area isn’t a part of dining, the food prep area is to also be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected continually to prevent both pests and potential foodborne illnesses.
4. Storage areas
Keep dry foods in tightly sealed containers off of the floor and away from the walls so that they are easier to clean. Keep stock rotated and watch for pests.
5. Drains
Floor drains are a common breeding ground for pests. Don’t let drains get clogged and keep drains clear of debris.
Controlling pests is hard work but well worth it. There is no need to stress about health inspections or bad customer reviews. Having a pest management system in place will make all the difference.
