Anyone who owns or runs a commercial kitchen will agree that finding any rodent-a rat or a mouse on the premises is not only bad for business but also hazardous to your food supplies. Not only do these pesky little creatures spread bacteria and nibble on electric wiring, but they can also cause absolute havoc in your pantry or food supply area.
It’s with this in mind that many restaurant and other kitchen owners routinely rely on the rodent control Melbourne locals trust. In addition to opting for quality pest control, there are a few other things you can do to keep your space rodent-free. This post explores a few of the simplest ways to achieve this.
Understanding Why Rats are Bad News for Your Kitchen
Since many people have certain species of rats and mice as pets, you may be wondering if they’re really all that bad for your kitchen. The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
Rats not only spread dirt and bacteria on their fur and feet but also carry harmful diseases such as Leptospirosis and Salmonella, which can be hazardous to humans.
In addition, they can chew through wires in your appliances, eat through food supplies in the pantry, and contaminate everything they come into contact with. From a legislative point of view, a customer reporting the sight of rats in your commercial kitchen or dining area can lead to failed health inspections, forced closures, and enormous fines.
This, in turn, can cause significant harm to your reputation, which may make it difficult for you to own a commercial kitchen in the Australian food industry. A rat infestation can also cause you significant financial expenses if the rats have torn open food supplies.
Keep in mind that no products that have come into contact with rats should be attempted to be salvaged. The food and packaging will need to be discarded. You will also have the added expense of pest control and having the premises cleaned and sanitised.
Keeping Rodents Away Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
It’s not always easy to keep rodents and other pests out of a commercial kitchen or dining area. This is especially the case in an environment where food crumbs are always making their way to the floor, or if the garbage bins are located close to the building. Fortunately, there are several tips you can implement in your kitchen to keep rodents outside.
- Invest in Quality Preventive Pest Control
The number one way to keep pests out of any kitchen is to invest in quality preventative pest control. This process involves applying treatments to the area before the pest shows up. A certified pest controller will also perform seasonal checks for signs of rodents, as well as identify potential risk areas or habits that could lead to an infestation.
- Eliminate Water and Food Sources
Rats and mice will only move into a space if they can find food and water close by. This means that the second-best way to keep rodents at bay is to keep your commercial kitchen as clean as possible. This may not always be easy if you’re running a kitchen that serves food all day.
However, there are a few basic kitchen disciplines that your kitchen staff should implement, such as:
- Keep all ingredients and foods securely covered until they need to be served.
- Have a team of employees dedicated to keeping the dining area and any food preparation sections clean throughout the day.
- Spills, crumbs, and any debris should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
- Don’t store food supplies in open bags (or any that can be chewed through) in the pantry. Always use airtight containers that are stored off the floor.
- Counters and floors must be washed down with bleach at the end of every food service to remove traces of crumbs and food spills.
- Be Strict About Garbage Control
One of the aspects that rodents find most appealing about your café kitchen is the abundance of food scraps that make it into bins in the kitchen and outside. Avoid creating a constant food source by following these simple tips:
- All dustbins should have tightly sealable lids that rodents can’t push open.
- Ensure that bins are emptied several times a day to minimise odours overflowing.
- Where possible, move your outdoor garbage bins away from the building and back entrances to discourage rats near the bins from going inside.
- Use bleach or other specialised cleaning agents to keep dustbins clean and odour-free.
- Keep any composters on the premises clean and sealed, and store them away from the building.
Your Commercial Kitchen
Rats or mice in your commercial kitchen can result in extensive damage to your food supplies and reputation in the hospitality industry. You can avoid having to deal with either one of these scenarios by investing in preventative pest control. In addition to this, use our simple tips to keep your kitchen clean and rodent-free!
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
