A good way to prevent pests is to deny their access to your facility and to deny them food and shelter. Some ways to prevent pest problems include:

• Deny Access
  • Keep exterior doors closed when not in use and tightly sealed so no light is visible around or under the door.
  • Ensure that windows and openings to the outside are screened.
  • Ensure drive-thru or pass through windows are self-closing or have a working air curtain.
  • Inspect deliveries for signs of pests and refuse any delivery with evidence of pests.
• Deny Food & Shelter
  • Seal food containers.
  • Store food at least 6 inches off the floor.
  • Repair plumbing leaks and eliminate standing water.
  • Maintain the facility in a clean condition.
  • Keep dumpsters and grease containers closed and the area around them clean.
  • Repair/replace cracked tiles and grout.
  • Seal cracks or holes in walls and ceiling.
  • Remove unnecessary equipment and other harborage areas.