Proper Pest Control in the Food Service Industry

All across the country, there are thousands of Canadians that rely on commercial kitchens, food prep and delivery services, on a frequent or even daily basis. This is a lot of pressure to put on any kitchen but it is even worse when that kitchen happens to be dealing with bug problems. Having pests in any kitchen is a real problem, for both visual appeal as well as for sanitation, health and safety.

When managing insects in your area, it is important to consider your responsibility to your customers, as well as the consequences of having bugs buzzing around your space. Depending on the type of insect or rodent creeping through your cupboards, restaurant owners or kitchen managers can expect bacteria, illness and an awful reputation.

Types of Kitchens: What to Expect From Pests

When thinking about insects invading kitchens, restaurants are the first things that come to mind. These are common places for pests to take hold but it is also important to consider kitchens around hotels, hospitals, assisted living centres, schools and other vulnerable areas. No matter whether the size of a food service area, in a home or a commercial space, certain pests can lead to big problems - even the small ones!

Rodents: Mice are tiny contortionists, able to squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Rats are larger but these animals don’t slouch when it comes to sneakiness. These common pests might be cute from afar but the reality of an infestation is ugly. These intruders are known for their bad bathroom habits, leaving behind a trail of droppings and urine. When these are disturbed, it can lead to respiratory illness, and when they come into contact with food sources, it can mean digestive distress. In addition to droppings, rodents contaminate food stores with saliva, as they chew through packaging.

Cockroaches: A scurrying roach can give you a fright but they might leave behind much more than you bargained for. Cockroaches lurk in areas with access to reoccurring food sources, which make commercial kitchens an ideal space. These pests are stubborn and nearly impossible to get rid of without experience and specialized tools. In the meantime, roaches are growing their numbers and spreading bacteria across vulnerable surfaces. Instead of sticking to contaminating food sources themselves, roaches are able to spread germs through contact with countertops, dishes, plates and anywhere else that pests might crawl.

Toodaloo Services

Calling in an expert at the first sign of pests can mean the difference between a minor treatment and a full-scale infestation. Local services mean prompt service and consideration for every nook and cranny of your space. For the best in treatments, after-care and environmentally friendly practices, call Toodaloo today.