Pest Prevention Tips for Pubs and Restaurants

Maintaining a pest-free environment in any hospitality setting, but especially in pubs and restaurants, is crucial. Any pest infestation can severely impact the health and safety of the premises for staff and customers, bringing with it a loss of reputation and issues with legal compliance.

To help you prevent pest problems, this month at Pest Defence we’re giving you our top tips for pub and restaurant owners. And remember, if you are having trouble with pests, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team.

What are the most common pests found in pubs and restaurants?

• Rodents – Mice and rats will be drawn to food waste, as well as the opportunity for warmth and shelter.
• Cockroaches – Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid kitchens, where they spread bacteria.
• Flies – A bigger problem in summer, flies can contaminate your surfaces, food and drink.
• Birds – Pigeons and seagulls will also be attracted by food waste, potentially hassling customers outdoors and creating hygiene issues if they find their way indoors.
• Beetles and weevils – These small insects will be attracted to your dry goods, such as flour and grains.

Know your foe

Understanding the pests you’re dealing with, or at least the ones most likely to be attracted to your premises, is half the battle. The more you know about the behaviour of certain pests, such as how they gain access and what attracts them, the better you will be at stopping them. High-risk areas such as your kitchen, bin stores and delivery zones should be monitored regularly for signs of pests.

Regular inspections

You should conduct regular, routine checks all over your pub or restaurant premises to ensure you spot signs of any pest activity early to nip it in the bud. This includes checking hidden areas, such as under appliances, in storage rooms and behind your bar. You should also keep a record of your inspections and maintenance, allowing you to demonstrate your efforts.

Staff training

To fend off pests, you’ll need your whole team to be on alert. That’s why educating your staff on how to recognise pest activity is important. Training should be provided for both kitchen and front-of-house staff on the best practices that will minimise the risk of an infestation. You should also implement a clear system for reporting any pest sightings.

Strict hygiene standards

By upholding the strictest hygiene standards in your business, you can remain pest-free. This includes daily cleaning of food preparation and dining areas, a deep clean of the kitchen, equipment, drains and waste disposal areas, and the proper disposal of food waste that is sealed in bins to prevent it from attracting pests.

Food storage

Food is one of the biggest things that will attract pests to your restaurant or pub. From scraps and waste to where you store your food, it all plays a part. For that reason, your stored food should be kept in sealed, pest-proof containers and dry goods should be rotated regularly to prevent an insect infestation. Where you prepare or throw food away you should be vigilant for spillages, keeping these areas clean, dry and tidy.

Use a reputable pest control company

The importance of professional pest control cannot be underestimated in high-risk environments. If you operate a hospitality venue of any kind, it’s a good idea to get the experts to provide a tailored pest prevention plan, alongside ongoing monitoring. At Pest Defence, we can ensure that you comply with food safety and health regulations with restaurant pest control.

Not only does professional pest control give you peace of mind, but it also preserves your reputation if you’re never afflicted by pest issues. Whether you have a pest problem already or simply want help maintaining the highest standards, contact us today for pest control for your pub or restaurant in Essex and London.