As a homeowner, a rodent infestation would be a nightmare for your family and loved ones. Still, as a business owner, it'd be hazardous for everyone who steps foot inside your building. The most responsible solution in that situation is finding a reliable pest control company like Pro Active Pest Control, which offers residential and commercial services for common pests, bed bugs, rodents, and more. How much of a threat do rodents pose for your Gilbert restaurant though, and how can you prevent an infestation?
Why Rodents Like Gilbert Restaurants And The Dangers They Pose
The most common rodents that Gilbert restaurant owners have to worry about are roof rats and field mice. Rats can grow up to a foot long, while mice stay around three to four inches in length. Like every creature on the earth, these pests are motivated by the sheer desire to survive. Unfortunately, restaurants possess everything that a family of rodents could ever need: food, water, shelter, and an abundance of things to chew on.
Rodent infestations are common for many restaurants, and while it may be comforting to know you aren't alone in your struggles, it still doesn't take away the dangers they bring with them. From structural damage to health hazards, these pests can sully the name of even the finest dining restaurants. Rodents are known for carrying all kinds of dangerous and potentially deadly pathogens:
- Rat-bite fever
- Hantavirus
- Tularemia
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonella
- Plague
Rodents also have strong incisors that never stop growing and maintaining dental health; they have to keep chewing. They're so powerful, they can chew through paper products, wood, plastic, rubber, drywall, electrical wires, and even low-gauge metal sheets. Another unfortunate problem they bring with them is other pests like fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, and they carry their own blood-borne diseases.
Prevention Tips For Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Gilbert Restaurant
There are many ways for rodents to weasel their way into your Gilbert restaurant, as even the smallest gaps are practically a wide-open door for them to waltz inside. Rats only need a hole roughly the size of a quarter to breach a restaurant, and mice can fit through a hole no bigger than the diameter of a pen. Preventative methods aren't completely fool-proof, but they'll significantly reduce your chances of an infestation:
- Daily thorough cleaning; counters, floors, walls, refrigerators and walk-in freezer, cooking surfaces, food-warming tables, underneath heavy appliances, etc.
- Store food in airtight containers
- Remove any standing water and address any moisture issues
- Repair any cracks, holes, and gaps around the exterior of your facility; foundation, walls, worn-down insulation around windows and doors, roof and trim
- Take out the trash daily, and keep tight-fitting lids on all indoor and outdoor trash cans
- Rearrange inventory regularly to air out dark corners and potential hiding spots
- Never leave exterior-leading doors open for longer than necessary
The Most Reliable Rodent Prevention For Your Gilbert Restaurant
No matter how much you try, DIY prevention won't be enough to keep rodents out of your restaurant forever. If your Gilbert restaurant is struggling with a fuzzy invasion, or even if you're looking to get ahead of the game, ProActive Pest Control is here to help. We use Integrated Pest Management solutions to reduce the number of pesticides we use on your property while still providing long-lasting prevention for your business. We're also health and environmentally conscious, so we only use the best eco-friendly pest control products in our treatments. Don't let rodents chew your restaurant into bankruptcy. Get in contact with us today to see how we can help you with rodent control solutions.