Common Pests Found in Restaurants

Here are some of the common pests found in restaurants along with some helpful tips on how to protect your business from a pest infestation.

GERMAN COCKROACH

German cockroaches will most commonly be found where there is moisture and heat in kitchen and service areas. They may also come in on employee personnel belongings.

The German cockroach has been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions in children and can exacerbate asthma attacks. They can contaminate food and damage surfaces with their feces and presence.

Prevention Tips for German Cockroaches

Exclusion is the first step in trying to prevent these pests from even entering your restaurant. Seal around pipe/wall junctures and other openings where the cockroaches may enter from neighboring units to ensure that cockroaches are not introduced on boxes or other items.
Make sure that employees store personal items in a designated area which will help confine any hitchhiking pests to that area.
Inspect incoming goods, keep food and food spills to a minimum and practice good sanitation.

FILTH FLIES

Filth flies are most commonly entering from the outside and may be attracted to a facility by garbage dumpsters and trash receptacles. Frequently opened doors can contribute to interior issues.

Prevention Tips for Filth Flies

Keeping doors closed or use of tight fitting screens
Screening vents which may permit fly entry
Use of air currents when doors are frequently used
Use of quick roll up doors or vestibules to help provide another level of defense and separate sensitive areas from less sensitive areas receiving areas.

RODENTS

Rodents can be found indoors or around the exterior of the building. Mice will prefer undisturbed areas where there is warmth. Norway rats will prefer a ground connection, when possible. Roof rats prefer ceiling and attic areas.

Prevention Tips for Rodents

To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed.
Keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor because mice can hide in clutter.
Regularly inspect for signs of mice including droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food goods.

Common Pests Found in Restaurants

Here are some of the common pests found in restaurants along with some helpful tips on how to protect your business from a pest infestation.

GERMAN COCKROACH

Prevention Tips for German Cockroaches

Exclusion is the first step in trying to prevent these pests from even entering your restaurant. Seal around pipe/wall junctures and other openings where the cockroaches may enter from neighboring units to ensure that cockroaches are not introduced on boxes or other items.

Make sure that employees store personal items in a designated area which will help confine any hitchhiking pests to that area.

Inspect incoming goods, keep food and food spills to a minimum and practice good sanitation.

FILTH FLIES

Prevention Tips for Filth Flies

Keeping doors closed or use of tight fitting screens

Screening vents which may permit fly entry

Use of air currents when doors are frequently used

Use of quick roll up doors or vestibules to help provide another level of defense and separate sensitive areas from less sensitive areas receiving areas.

RODENTS

Prevention Tips for Rodents

To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed.

Keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor because mice can hide in clutter.

Regularly inspect for signs of mice including droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food goods.