Food safety is the top priority in a restaurant. As a restaurant owner, if you find or your employee reports the presence of cockroaches in the kitchen, it’s a red flag as they may also be on your menu.
As you know, cockroaches carry germs and diseases, making them a significant health hazard for your customers. There’s an old saying that for each cockroach you spot, there are likely 600 more lurking out of sight.
Here are some steps that may be helpful for you to get rid of these unwelcome guests.
1. Inspect How Cockroaches Enter Your Restaurant From Outside
Cockroaches are crafty creatures, to your surprise, they can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, as small as 1/16th of an inch. Cockroaches can enter your restaurant through cracks in the walls, gaps around utility lines, drain pipes, vents, and even hitch a ride on deliveries. They are also attracted to the warmth and can enter through doors and windows left open.
2. Block These Entries
Once you’ve identified potential entry points, it’s time to seal them off. Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps in walls and around utility lines. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair any damaged window screens. Regularly inspect your deliveries to ensure they are not bringing in any unwanted guests.
3. Learn Why Cockroaches Enter Your Restaurant
Cockroaches are attracted to restaurants for three primary reasons: food, water, and shelter. Your restaurant provides an abundant supply of food and water sources, from leftover food to leaky pipes. It also offers plenty of hiding places, making it an ideal habitat for these pests.
4. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Cockroaches can survive on the smallest crumbs, so it’s crucial to eliminate any potential food sources. Clean up spills immediately, store food in airtight containers, and ensure garbage bins are sealed. Fix any leaky pipes and don’t leave standing water anywhere. Remember, even a small puddle can be a water source for a cockroach.
5. Clean and Sanitize the Restaurant Every Day
Your poor cleaning and sanitation practices can be a magnet for cockroaches. Ensure your restaurant is cleaned and sanitized daily. Pay special attention to food disposal, dirty dishes, and surfaces. Regularly clean hard-to-reach areas like behind appliances and under sinks.
6. Spot Common Places Where Cockroaches Hide in Your Restaurant
Cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer to hide in dark, warm, and moist areas. Common hiding places in a restaurant include behind kitchen appliances, under sinks, in cracks and crevices, inside electrical outlets, and in storage areas. Regularly inspect these areas for signs of cockroach activity.
7. Apply Cockroach Gel Bait
Cockroach gel bait is an effective way to control a cockroach infestation. The gel contains food attractants and a slow-acting insecticide. Cockroaches are attracted to the bait, consume it, and carry it back to their nest, poisoning the entire colony.
Cockroach Gel Bait works by disrupting the cockroach’s nervous system, leading to their death. It’s designed to be irresistible to cockroaches and is effective against all species.
8. Hire a Professional Pest Control Service
If the infestation is severe, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control services have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate a cockroach infestation. They can also provide advice on preventing future infestations.
9. Establish a Prevention Plan
Prevention is better than cure. Establish a prevention plan that includes regular inspections, proper sanitation practices, and prompt action at the first sign of an infestation. As said, a single cockroach is a sign of more hiding.
Conclusion
Cockroach control in a restaurant is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. With these steps, hope you can ensure your restaurant remains a safe and healthy environment for both your staff and customers.
