In today’s current state of affairs, sanitation is always top of mind. This is especially true for the bar and restaurant industry, as food businesses around the country have had to close their doors or solely focus on delivery and take-out services. Unfortunately, insects have not been following social distancing rules, which is why pest control has been deemed an essential service.
Whether facing an extended shutdown or approaching an opportunity to reopen, there are steps that bar and restaurant owners can take to strengthen their sanitation strategy to curb any potential insect infestations. The Zoëcon team reached out to some pest management customers to ask the best ways professionals can work alongside restaurant clients to help effectively treat insect infestations and prepare for a new normal.
While Doors are Closed: Clean Sweep
Empty restaurants and bars provide a great opportunity to have everything thoroughly cleaned. PMPs should work alongside their clients to educate them on the necessary steps they should be taking to keep their cleanliness high and their infestations low. Most PMPs we spoke with expect service calls to spike in coming months as restaurants open back up.
While Doors are Closed: Time to Treat
Now is the time for the pest management professionals to come in and take care of the pest issues that cannot be properly addressed when the restaurant is in full operation. The PMPs we spoke with cited cockroaches as their primary insect of concern for bars and restaurants, adding that now is a great opportunity to do a thorough treatment.
Open for Business: Now What?
Before officially opening back up, remind owners to seek advice and cleaning recommendations from their PMP that apply to their specific restaurant or bar. Pest control technicians should do a full-service treatment that involves a residual, flushing, and dusting solution. If any equipment such as bait stations or traps were placed in open areas, be sure they are removed to avoid patrons spotting them. Cleanliness will be paramount moving forward, and all areas should be disinfected daily using an approved product labeled for each area. Encourage owners to re-educate employees on how to use a pest sighting log to stay on top of any new potential infestations.
The Best Tools for the Job
Featuring IGR (S)-hydroprene, The Gentrol® product line has delivered responsible solutions in food handling establishments since 1984. Professionals who use Gentrol® products see them as indispensable in protocol strategies. Using IGR technology with a translocating active ingredient, Gentrol® products are an insurance policy to prevent future reinfestations and callbacks for cockroaches, drain and fruit flies, stored product pests, and more.
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