While pests may be not as dangerous as the ones people think, they can carry diseases. Not only can these illnesses be difficult to treat but they can cause shortages of staff. Worse, employees may even leave their jobs to avoid such unhygienic conditions. This is where proper kitchen pest control comes into play. Read on for tips to keep pests out of your kitchen.

Eliminating entry points

One way to prevent pests from infesting your kitchen is to clean out your pantry regularly. Look for any small holes or cracks around the pantry. Mice, ants, and fruit flies can fit through these gaps or cracks to get to your food supplies. To prevent them from entering, seal these areas with glue or caulk. To prevent further infestations, use a pest repellent on the area.

Leaky faucets, pipes under the sink, and discarded food can all be entry points for insects and other pests. Also, keep in mind that food purchased at fresh air markets might contain bugs. Avoid leaving out leftover food or trash in the kitchen for more than a few days, as crumbs and debris can attract pests. Eliminate these sources of food and pests before you begin to notice an infestation.

Cleaning surfaces

To keep pests out of your kitchen, you should make sure that all your cooking equipment and work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. Food waste can attract a number of pests, including rats, which are notorious scavengers and carriers of disease. In addition to causing asthma and other allergies, food waste can attract rodents and flies. In addition, many surfaces in the kitchen may attract bacteria from flies or other pests. Therefore, cleaning surfaces and cooking equipment is vital for pest-free kitchens.

Before you begin cleaning surfaces, be sure to rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and scrub them with a vegetable brush. Remove any bags or books from the surface of the kitchen. To remove dirt and stains, you can use a solution of one-half cup of liquid detergent and two-thirds cup of water. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water, which will remove any type of soil and stain.

Cooking food at appropriate temperatures

Food safety is a priority in commercial kitchens, and ensuring that food is cooked to the correct temperature is critical for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. If you are cooking poultry, the recommended temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When reheating poultry, make sure it is warmed to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. When in doubt, use an instant-read thermometer to check food temperatures.

When storing raw meat, keep it on lower shelves of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. If you need to store food for later use, it is a good idea to use a food thermometer. Be sure that the thermometer does not touch bones, fat, or gristle. When storing meat, make sure that it is kept at around 140 degrees F. To keep pests out of kitchens, you should keep raw meats, fish, and poultry on lower shelves of the fridge and in the freezer.

Reporting pest problems

In addition to health risks, food-handlers should also pay attention to their reputation and business. When pests are present, they can contaminate food and cause illnesses. Not only can they damage a business’ reputation, but they can also cause financial loss. If you have been suffering from pest infestations for a while, it might be time to hire a pest control company. Here are some steps you can take to prevent pests from affecting your food-handling business.

First, keep your kitchen clean. Keep food sealed up or out of the way. Close any openings and keep trash cans tightly covered. Trash cans should be cleaned regularly, and leaky plumbing should be addressed. Also, do not leave pet food out overnight or in trays under houseplants. Pests love moisture, and can breed rapidly. Infested foods are dangerous to customers, and pest control will help keep your kitchen clean and safe.