Running a grocery store is enough work as it is without having to worry about a pest infestation. When you own or manage a grocery store, the last thing you want to hear are reports of cockroaches, ants, rodents, or other pests in your store. That’s why, at Earthwise Pest Management, we offer commercial pest control for your grocery store.
We can help you identify any current infestations, treat them, and prevent future pest problems with our Integrated Pest Management program. We use this environmentally-responsible pest removal and prevention process to ensure that your grocery is and will remain pest-free.
In today’s blog post, we will discuss some tips to prevent pests from making their home in your grocery store. Continue reading to learn more and contact the Sacramento pest control experts at Earthwise Pest Management for all your grocery store pest control needs.
Clean Up Spills Quickly and Thoroughly
It’s inevitable that at a grocery store, spills will happen. When they do, it’s important to clean them up quickly and thoroughly so you will not tempt pests. Sweet drinks, especially, are known to attract fruit flies, ants, and other pests. Spills should be cleaned up immediately and properly. If some liquid gets underneath a shelf or other object, it’s imperative to clean every spot. Just because you can’t see the spill does not mean that a pest will not find it.
Empty Garbage Cans Frequently
Garbage cans, especially those that contain food waste, are a huge attraction for pests. If you want to ensure that pests don’t enter your grocery store, make sure you are emptying your garbage cans frequently and taking them out of the building to the dumpster so you are not attracting ants, cockroaches, and rodents.
Keep the Dumpster Away from the Building
While emptying your garbage cans can help keep pests out of your grocery store, it’s also important to make sure that the dumpster is not too close to the building. A dumpster with a lot of food waste in it will attract pests, but by keeping your dumpster away from your building, those pests will be less likely to make their way into your grocery store next. It’s also a great idea to keep your dumpster covered and the lid locked whenever possible to help keep the pests away.
Tightly Seal Food Containers
Most grocery stores have bakeries, delis, meat counters, and other areas where food is prepped. Ensure that any products that you are using for food prep get tightly sealed when you are finished with them. Transferring products to plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to store food safely and help keep pests away.
Do Not Allow Standing Water
The first thing that pests look for when searching for a new home is a food and water source. One way that you can help prevent this is by ensuring that there is no standing water around your grocery store. That means that sinks should be wiped down after use, and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Keep Foods at Proper Temperatures
Food that is not kept at the proper temperature — think of raw chicken or seafood at room temperature — is a breeding ground for pests. Not only that, but you are also endangering the health of your customers and employees. Frozen and refrigerated foods should be kept at the proper temperatures. If you have the need to thaw frozen food, it should be done in a refrigerator or under cold running water. This will help keep the pests out and ensure that your food is kept at the correct temperature for safety.
Hire Earthwise for Grocery Store Pest Control
If you own or manage a grocery store in Sacramento, you know how hard it is to keep your store pest-free without the help of a professional pest control company. Rodents, cockroaches, ants, and fruit flies love the fresh delicious food that grocery stores supply almost as much as we do, and preventative measures must be taken to keep them out of your grocery store.
At Earthwise Pest Management, we utilize an Integrated Pest Management program that is extremely effective and environmentally-responsible. We can help rid your grocery store of any current infestations and help prevent future ones in a way that is completely safe for you, your employees, and your customers. Contact us today for a free estimate.