How to Get Rid of Rats in Restaurants

Learn secrets of how to get rid of rats in restaurants! Rats are horrible for business. They contaminate food, damage the restaurant, and damage your reputation. Here are some ways to get rid of rats and keep them from coming back!

Getting Rid of Rats

There are several ways to get rid of rats in restaurants. But for the sake of time I’d like to narrow them down to three main things. Rodents require some of the same things as humans, such as food and shelter. By following these steps, you’ll be able to eliminate what they need to survive. Then you’ll be on your way to getting rid of rats in restaurants. I’ll be starting from the least to the most important thing you’ll need to do.

Sanitation

The third most important thing in how to get rid of rats in restaurants is sanitation. Sanitation is an important factor in rodent control. The lack of sanitation allows trash and food to build up in the kitchen and other areas, which attracts rodents and allows them to survive. Restaurants should never leave food lying around on the floor or leave it unsealed overnight. All food must be refrigerated, sealed, or thrown away appropriately. Throw trash away when it needs to be thrown away and always clean the kitchen, including hard to get areas behind equipment. At the of every night walk you should walk through the kitchen and storage area inspecting for trash, food build-up, or anything that would attract rodents before shutting down for the night. If you have a clean restaurant with great sanitation and no food laying around, rodents will look for another place to call home.

The Dumpster – Keep the dumpster and the area around it clean. Close the dumpster lid when it’s not in use.

Hiring the Right Company

The second most important thing on how to get rid of rats n restaurants is getting the right pest control company. You’re question right now is probably “how do I know who the right company is?” I’m so glad you asked… Most pest control companies use different avenues for getting rid of rodents. Some use live traps, glue boards, snap traps, baits, tracking powder, etc. The truth is it all works, the only difference is how quick the results are. Depending on your situation will depend on the route a pest control company takes. But don’t be fooled. Rodents are a small percentage of pest problems in the restaurant industry. Don’t let them take advantage of you just because you have a situation. Find a company you can grow with that won’t charge you a ridiculous amount. Some companies charge up to $175.00 for a one time service. That’s just ridiculous!

Preventing Rats from Entering

The most important thing in how to get rid of rats in restaurants is doing a full structural inspection, and fixing any holes allowing them inside the building. It’s so simple yet it’s the most important thing of all. Rodents don’t just appear inside a restaurant. We all know 100% of rodents come in from the outside. Usually due to a grass field being recently mowed, construction work, or flooding in the area. Keep your restaurant sealed tight from the inside out and rodents will simply continue down the road to another restaurant which failed to do so.

Sealing Holes – Find any possible places that rats can enter your restaurant. Check doors and windows for openings. If doors or windows have possible entrance ways for pests, use caulk to seal the cracks and crevices. If you have any big holes, you can use sealing foam. Some sealers to consider are GREAT STUFF sealing foam, door and window tape, or copper mesh. If used, these areas should be checked regularly. Rats can chew through many materials, including sealing foam.

Tall Grass – If you have grass around your restaurant, cut it short. Rodents are more likely to travel in tall grass where they can hide.

Trees Hanging Over Roof – Rodents such as roof rats have the ability to jump up to six feet. They are very agile and prefer fruits. Any tree hanging above the roof or need a building can provide an easy access point.

Most companies take care of rodents as part of the monthly service where others may charge additional (south Florida). Bottom line. Why not have a pest control company on your payroll so you don’t have to waste time on how to get rid of rats in restaurants? If you need assistance, we recommend you call a professional. FSC has been in the rat killing business since 1995. We only service restaurants, which makes us the very best. Contact one of our representatives at 866-428-7772!

Here’s an article on how to get rid of roaches in a restaurant.