Commercial kitchens are an important part of many industries, including hospitality, travel, healthcare and more.
Unfortunately, many pests gravitate towards commercial kitchen areas, as they offer warmth, humidity and a reliable food source. As such, anyone working in the food industry needs to be proactive and protect their premises from potential pest problems.
As a leading provider of commercial pest control for food businesses across Berkshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the South West, Countrywide understands the importance of keeping vermin out of food preparation areas. Here is our guide to common pests found in commercial kitchens and how to prevent them from causing lasting damage to your reputation.
The Dangers Of Vermin In Food Preparation Areas
Pest infestations are never enjoyable, but they can pose a particularly serious threat to any food business.
That’s because vermin can contaminate food and spread diseases, potentially causing a public health problem.
Under the Food Safety Act 1990, it is illegal to sell food for human consumption that is contaminated or in any way a risk to health. As such, food hygiene is essential, and a key part of that is keeping pests away.
Additionally, any indication or report of a pest infestation in your commercial kitchen could have a lasting effect on your business’s reputation. With almost everyone owning a smartphone with internet access and a camera, a sighting could turn into a permanent reminder of your pest problem.
Common Pests Found In Commercial Kitchens
Most pests gravitate towards commercial kitchens, as they offer a reliable food source and the humidity that many species prefer. Some of the most common pests found in UK commercial kitchen areas are listed below.
Rodents
Rats and mice are probably the most common kitchen pests, as well as the most frightening, as their presence immediately puts your business in breach of food safety standards. Being large rodent pests, rats and mice are easily recognisable, and if customers or staff notice them then they can quickly damage your reputation.
Both species spread a range of diseases, including Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis and Hantavirus. Being skilled climbers, rats and mice can quickly contaminate food and preparation areas, causing outbreaks that could be a serious risk to public health.
Insects
Many insect pests, including cockroaches, ants and cluster flies are attracted to the bright lights and sweet foods kept in commercial kitchens. Cockroaches also love moist, humid places, and are particularly fond of kitchens. While there are fewer cockroach species in the UK than in tropical climates, your commercial kitchen still runs the risk of a cockroach infestation.
Flying insects such as fruit flies and other fly species, as well as wasps can be a particular nuisance in the summer months, when they fly in through open windows and doors. They can be an irritant, and you’ll often find dead insects that can cause health and safety issues, as well as being unsightly, which is why effective control is required and measures such as ventilation screens are needed to prevent flies and other winged insects.
Birds
While it is rare that birds make their way inside, pigeons, seagulls and other wild birds can perch on commercial properties or build nests on their roofs. When they do, they can make the space look unsightly, and leave behind excessive guano, which carries a range of diseases including Psittacosis, Salmonella, Histoplasmosis, and Cryptococcosis.
For restaurants and food businesses with outdoor seating, birds can be a particular menace, as they make the space look unsightly and can hassle diners to get scraps. Countrywide offers a range of bird proofing solutions, including bird netting and bird spike installation, to keep nuisance birds away from your premises.
Preventative Measures To Keep Pests Out Of Commercial Kitchens
While it is impossible to keep pests out completely, there are some simple ways you can reduce the chances of a pest infestation.
- Keep food waste in sealed bins and make sure they’re emptied regularly
- Use fly screens around open doors and windows
- Store food in sealed containers to make it harder for pests to get to
- Regularly clean food storage areas to remove crumbs and other debris
- If you notice any signs of vermin, book pest treatment immediately
If you choose a commercial kitchen contract with Countrywide, then our staff will provide you with tailored pest prevention advice and ongoing support to help stop pest problems before they occur.
What To Do If You Find Pests On Your Food Business Premises
As this article shows, pests can be a danger to food service providers. Even sites that don’t handle or sell food will need somewhere for staff to prepare and eat meals, so almost every business with a physical premises needs to be aware of pest activity and what to do if they notice it.
Whether you run a restaurant, cafe, or a small commercial kitchen inside a larger premises, Countrywide has pest control services designed specifically for you. Our team can remove all traces of vermin, including droppings and nesting materials, from the affected area and ensure hygiene standards are maintained.
With our help, you can eliminate all traces of any past pest issues, and we’ll also carry out pest proofing to seal entry points and prevent pests from returning. All our commercial pest control contract clients get the benefit of our ongoing support, regular inspections and expert advice, to protect your business and reduce the chances of food contamination and other breaches of relevant safety standards.
If you’re ready to get expert commercial kitchen pest control services for your business, contact us on 0800 078 7255 or by emailing office@countrywide-pestcontrol.co.uk to book your site survey.