Pests in your catering establishment not only tarnish the image and reputation of your business but also impact the health of you, your staff, and your customers. Moreover, it comes with unwelcome costs, and in extreme cases, it can lead to the closure of your business. Fortunately, thanks to preventive pest control by a professional partner like Hygi Masters, you can avoid these problems.
Most common types of pests in catering establishments
Pests can be found in various places, but in catering establishments where food and beverages are handled, the likelihood of unwelcome visitors is high. Mice and rats are the most common rodents in these establishments, often found in storage areas or kitchens where food is abundant. Beyond damaging your infrastructure and supplies, mice and rats also spread various diseases. Additionally, especially in the summer months, flies can cause issues, particularly in seating areas and near waste bins.
In warm and humid environments, cockroaches can be found, especially in kitchens. They can quickly become a difficult-to-control infestation, necessitating professional assistance. In storage rooms where a significant amount of food is kept, be cautious of moths that can swiftly damage supplies. Ants are also common, often found in areas with sweet treats or spilled food.
Hotspots for pests in catering establishments
The prime spots for pests in catering establishments are kitchens and storage rooms. Kitchens, with their warmth and moisture, accumulate food residues. Storage rooms or pantries face pest issues due to insufficiently sealed food packaging. Poorly sealed waste bins with leftover food residues are also breeding grounds for pests.
Furthermore, pests can nest in cellars and crawl spaces, attracted to these dark and sometimes damp areas. Ventilation systems are another entry point, along with poorly sealed doors and windows.
Causes of pests in catering establishments
The causes of pests settling in catering establishments are diverse. Here’s an overview of the most common causes:
- Inadequate cleaning: poor or neglected cleaning and leaving (spilled) food residues.
- Poor waste management: garbage bags and bins not adequately sealed.
- Poor technical maintenance: lack of regular maintenance, such as sealing cracks or holes.
- Water leaks: stagnant water attracting insects.
- Insufficient green maintenance: neglected plants and shrubs.
- Inappropriate storage: storing food in non-sealed or damp places.
- Lack of preventive measures: not engaging a professional partner to identify and treat critical points.
Preventive pest control in the catering industry as foundation
If you are the owner of a catering establishment, the food agency requires you to create a pest control plan. Besides being mandatory and ensuring legal compliance, it creates a sense of security. You can rest assured that you are well-protected against pests.
An effective pest control strategy starts with prevention. Hygi Masters strongly believes in implementing preventive measures to stop pests from gaining entry. The pest control experts at Hygi Masters do more than just combat mice, rats, wasps, and other pests. With their years of experience, they are eager to present you with a safe and environmentally friendly preventive approach.
