A Bug’s Life

Whether they fly, walk, slither, or squeak, the last thing anybody wants to see is a pest while enjoying a meal—and for most customers, seeing one is a deal breaker. In many cases, this causes irreparable damage to the concept and could potentially put the location out of business. Obviously, we know food attracts pests, so it’s vital that you have a proper pest control program. But what are some other areas of concern, what steps need to be taken prior to pest control application, and how can we prevent further infestations?

Your New Tenants

A pest sighting is an unsettling feeling, especially with looming inspections and a constant flow of customers. The unfortunate side of actually seeing one of the little buggers is that by the time we do, there are a multitude just waiting to make their appearance. If you’re not prone to pest invasions, it could be caused by a nearby construction site, removal of woodlands, or improper food storage. Regardless, once a pest has been sighted, the problem has to be addressed. Pests are attracted to these main areas:

• Trash receptacles
• Lighting fixtures
• Entry/Exit ways
• Food storage/Prep areas
• Food debris in grout/behind equipment
• Holes in walls and ceilings

The Eviction Process

Giving your new friends the boot may not be as easy as calling your local pest control company and scheduling a time for them to spray. Often, a pest control technician will be dispatched to assess the situation and identify “hotspots,” or the problem areas. These areas will need to be repaired prior to the pesticide application. Some of the most common hotspots are deteriorating grout that has trapped food, unclean garbage/dumpster area, light fixtures, holes in walls, rotted walls, and entry/exit doors that are not properly sealed. Given the urgency of the situation, these repairs will most likely be considered “emergency,” therefore costing significantly more. This process can be tedious and may take longer than estimated, further inhibiting cash flow if you (or the health department) have decided to close down your facility to address the problem.

Keeping the Neighborhood Clean

Although pests are impossible to avoid altogether, there are steps you can take to manage and prevent infestations. Maintaining and addressing any problems in the facility that may be a haven for pests is vital. Implementing a grout maintenance program, for example, will circumvent debris build-up in difficult grout lines. Also, ensuring doors are properly mounted and sealed prevents pests from gaining access from outside. And, while we’re talking about sealing, it is imperative to make sure that all plumbing lines are leak-free as those pesky creatures love moisture!

A properly-maintained facility will help significantly decrease your likeliness of an infestation. It’s important to have an experienced contractor on your team who knows what to look for and how to solve it. RFS would love to be that contractor for you!