Scary Good Habits for Winter Pest Prevention!

By Ikhaeer Howard, Environmental Health Specialist 2

The holidays are rolling on in and the chilly weather has arrived. Guess what that means? The creepy crawlers are looking for a warm place to stay! We understand that infestations are a costly experience so here are some preventative tips you can implement in your establishment before Halloween ends.

Tip 1: Seal those cracks.

Yes, all of the cracks! From the windows to that pesky hole in the wall, the cove base falling apart, and that ray of sunshine peeking through the bottom of your backdoor. Little critters are looking for dark and warm places to get cozy and any small opening in your establishment is an invitation to come inside.

Tip 2: Establish a cleaning schedule.

Professional pest control is a great preventative measure but remember that your daily habits will make their job easier. While in-between pest control visits, make sure you are cleaning all your surfaces of any debris that may have been left behind. From splashes on the wall, liquids pooled in the trash can, trash at the backdoor and around the dumpster, or the most common occurrence… grill exhaust hood grease buildup. Leave nothing behind to make the pests want to stick around!

Tip 3: Know the Signs.

Before an infestation occurs, there are many signs to alert the establishment. Pests will “drop” clues like Scooby Doo so make sure you are paying attention for traces of feces, scurrying noises in the ceiling, and gnaw marks on boxes.

There’s a famous quote from Benjamin Franklin that says, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Start your good habits today and set your establishment up for inspection success!

RELATED: See Food Service Inspection Violation #18: Pest and Animal Control

Straight from the Field: Overflowing Dumpsters!

By Parish Divinity, EHS3

While performing a change of ownership inspection at one of my facilities, I saw what was captured in the image posted above. Garbage should not be left on the ground outside of the dumpster. Not only is it an eyesore but it can attract the attention of insects and rodents.  This violation was documented on the inspection report under 17-B, Garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained.  Per the Georgia Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for Food Service, 511-6-1.06(5) (p) and (r):

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures. A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean.

Frequency. Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be removed from the premises at a frequency that will minimize the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects and rodents. 

Be mindful to monitor the refuse storage area frequently to make sure that the garbage inside the dumpster is being removed.  This will prevent the buildup of food debris and trash that can attract unwanted insects and rodents. Other tips to help keep the area sanitary include posting a “CLOSE DOOR AFTER USE” sign on the dumpster as a reminder for user,  keeping the dumpster’s drain plug securely in place to prevent the entry of rodents, and arranging to have the dumpster rinsed, as needed, by its service company.

Reminder! Free Webinar Today at 4:00!

Just a quick reminder that the free Pest Threats to Food Safety and Health Inspection Scores webinar will begin at 4:00 PM this afternoon (10/27).

If you would like to take part in this event, there’s still time to preregister at the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1105860585698462722

Straight from the Field: Would you like some extra protein with your meal?

Sometimes the easy solution to a pest control problem may not be the best solution, especially when food is involved .  This fly encrusted tape, observed in a kitchen during my routine inspection, is serving as a potential contaminant of food and equipment that may only get worse as it attracts more insects.  Even though the insect’s legs are stuck to the tape, the laws of gravity may take their toll on the rest of the fly’s decaying body. Needless to say, I quickly instructed the Person- In-Charge (PIC) to remove the fly tape and call a licensed pest control operator for assistance.

This serves as a really good reminder—especially since the weather is warming up— to keep all of your exterior doors and windows closed unless they are properly protected by screens and to implement an effective pest control strategy with the assistance of a licensed pest control operator.

Related content from the Rules and Regulations for Food Service:

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence and to remove dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests to prevent their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of pests.

– Contributed by Casey Saenz, EHS3