As a business that serves food to the general public, you are responsible for hygiene and safety. This includes the effective management of pests, of which there are many to be aware of. Here are a few of our most effective tips that have helped countless food businesses protect their stored food products.

What Pests Do Food Businesses Need to Be Aware of?

From rats in the basement to pantry moths and larvae in food storage areas, four main categories of pests affect food businesses. Rodents like rats and mice are some of the most common, actively attracted to your food and nesting close to your food storage, if not inside. 

 

Common insects like wasps and flies will also be attracted to businesses as a potential food source, though they seldom make an infestation and can be easily deterred with insect screens and robust food waste disposal.

 

Stored product insects (SPIs) and cockroaches are the more dangerous type of insect to food stores, actively destroying entire batches and spreading dangerous bacteria. Many businesses focus more on rodent control, not understanding how easily these pantry pests can infiltrate and multiply.

 

Birds like pigeons and seagulls are the last category of pests and are more of a nuisance as they will often focus more on nesting and rearing young, and are not adept at infiltrating food stores. They are still however a hygiene and staff harassment risk.

Store Food In Pest-Proof Containers

No matter if you are dealing with rats, birds, or cockroaches, storing food in tamperproof containers that cannot be chewed through is the number one way to keep your food safe from contamination.

 

Cardboard boxes, cling film, plastic bags, and burlap sacks are not chew-proof materials, and even small insects can wriggle their way through these. Hard plastic, metal, and glass containers with adequate seals are far better choices.

Don’t Leave Food Exposed for Too Long

All it takes is one gravid pantry moth, weevil or beetle to find an open container to contaminate it with dozens of larvae. Then it does not matter how tamper-proof your food storage containers are, the whole container has to have its contents disposed.

 

If you are not immediately using that ingredient frequently and regularly, close the container. If food has to lie exposed to the air, like rising dough, a simple covering like cling film can help reduce exposure to pantry pests.

Clean Food Preparation Areas and Machines Thoroughly

Clean thoroughly and clean regularly. Ensuring no food scraps, grease, or other appealing debris accumulates and creates a food source for pests, even when your food is sealed in containers.

 

Rats, ants and cockroaches in particular are skilled at surviving on food scraps. Many a pantry pest, like the grain beetle, has settled in food processing machines where flour dust has accumulated.

Seal Entry Points

Even with little food left in the open, your business is a potential nesting place for birds, rats and cockroaches that don’t mind a long trek from their secure home to fetch food. From there, they will spread dangerous bacteria in the air that can contaminate food. So seal cracks on the external wall, fix insect screens to doors and walls, and consider bird deterrent spikes and netting to reduce potential encounters with pests.

Keep a Watchful Eye

Our last tip after you have done all the above is to maintain a robust hygiene and pest management plan. Vigilance to keep food secure slips, so do cleaning and maintenance policies. To curb a pantry pest infestation, train your staff to recognise the signs, and report it. Lastly, consult with pest and rodent control experts like ours at Aderyn Pest Control, and see how you can keep on top of potential risks to your business.