Restaurants are often vulnerable to roach infestations because food attracts the insects. Their presence can diminish an establishment’s cleanliness and deter customers, so it’s best to avoid them in the first place. Here’s a helpful roach control guide to keep them away from your property.

4 Roach Control Tips for Restaurants

1. Pick Up Boxes

When you receive shipments of produce, dried goods, and beverages, don’t leave the boxes on the floor, as roaches tend to build nests and lay eggs in them. Once the boxes are empty, break them down and put them in recycling bins. Store partially filled boxes on shelves, or remove their contents and put them in a commercial pantry before breaking down the cardboard and disposing of it. 

2. Clean Regularly 

A clean environment is less likely to attract roaches. Daily kitchen cleaning tasks should include wiping down countertops and stovetops, washing dishes, and sweeping and mopping the floors. Once every week or two, perform deep cleaning tasks, such as degreasing oven interiors, washing appliance exteriors, and wiping down pantry shelves.

Additionally, wipe down dining room tables and chairs with disinfectant between customers and at the end of the day. Mop or vacuum front-of-house flooring to remove spilled food residues.

3. Prevent Entry

Prevent roaches from entering your eatery by sealing gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and plumbing pipes with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, open shipment boxes outdoors and inspect them for roaches or droppings and egg casings before bringing them into the building. 

4. Remove Trash Frequently

Take out the trash from the kitchen and dining areas at the end of each day, and schedule outdoor garbage pickup with a local waste management service once a week. Disinfect the areas around and beneath indoor trash receptacles once or twice a week to remove food and drink spills. Use tight-fitting lids on outdoor receptacles and dumpsters to keep smells in and roaches out. 

Keep your restaurant insect-free with commercial pest control from Hilo Termite & Pest Control. They provide termite and roach control services to homes and businesses throughout the Big Island. Call (808) 935-8301 to get an estimate, or visit the website to learn more about how these exterminators can keep your property clear of pests.