If you are the proud owner of a food service establishment, you should be very much aware of the repercussions and complications of pest activity in your building. Not only are they damaging to your reputation, but they can cost you your business license. Unfortunately, where there is an abundant supply of food, coupled with warm shelter, there is undoubtedly going to be insect and rodent activity. Trying to take on this challenge without the help of a professional can be a costly and seemingly relentless battle. Here are three of the most common pests found in Brooklyn, NY, restaurants that will require commercial pest control.
Rodents
Rodents are extremely dangerous to a restaurant environment. They are small enough to fit into many different areas, including kitchen equipment, cabinetry, walls, floor spaces, and the pantry. They are destructive and can chew through wiring, wood, food containers, and other tangible items. The droppings that rodents leave behind will contaminate a restaurant’s food supply as well as equipment surfaces and pots and pans. Rodents can even contaminate the dishes that the food is served upon. This can lead to unsanitary conditions and possible health issues for you, your staff, and your customers.
Flies
There are several species of flies that can be found in restaurant settings. Some of the flies will be found around areas of discarded and decaying food sources, such as garbage cans, drains, and sewage areas. Others species of flies will be attracted to fruits and other foods. Flies are known to lay their eggs in organic material, making the food supply an easy target. Flies are also notorious for carrying disease and illness as they instantly begin to eat and regurgitate when they land on a food source. They are also resistant to many regular cleaning supplies, which makes them difficult to get rid of.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most feared insects of business owners in the food industry. This is because they are extremely difficult to eradicate, and they can cause a significant amount of damage and contamination. A cockroach’s saliva and its droppings contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections, food poisoning, and other illnesses. Cockroaches are so tiny they are able to reach just about any location they want within your restaurant, and they are quick to enter the food and water supply. They multiply at rapid rates and are hardy enough to escape most over-the-counter pest control methods available on the market.
Ants
Ants work together in large numbers, so if ants are present, there is likely already an issue. Additionally, if ants are active, they have already located the food source. It is impossible to prevent spills, crumbs, splatters, drops and other food debris left behind in a restaurant, simply because of the very nature of the restaurant business. Ants can enter through just about any crack or crevice around the building, and they will quickly make their way around the establishment. Once they find a food source they will target it and carry it back to their colonies. They cycle will continue at a constant rate. An experienced and knowledgeable pest control expert will know exactly where to target colonies and how often to target them to ensure the problem is resolved.
It is important to protect your investment and your reputation. But it is even more important to safeguard the health of your customers. The solution does not have to be as difficult as it sounds. In fact, with a professional pest control service you can have the peace of mind knowing you are protected from the fall outs of pest activity. This peace of mind will allow you to focus on what is important – operating a successful restaurant.