- 
Too Many Pests in the Kitchen?
by Ron Harrison
Entomologist, Ph.D. Training Director
Orkin, Inc.
We’ve all heard the expression “there are too many cooks in the kitchen.” More than one cook is problematic because it’s hard to get tasks accomplished. But what if there are too many pests in the kitchen? Many resort managers believe that a few pests in the kitchen are harmless and unavoidable. In actuality, pests in the kitchen are also problematic because they present a food-safety threat to your guests.
The resort kitchen is undoubtedly a busy place. Most resorts house full-service kitchens that are adjoined to restaurants and open 24-hours a day for room service. In addition, weddings and business events that take place can require meal preparation for hundreds of additional guests. Unfortunately, much of the activity that occurs preparing these meals can send signals welcoming pests, and the diseases they carry, into the kitchen.
Pests such as cockroaches, flies and rodents are a significant threat to food safety. If a guest becomes ill after eating food from the resort’s kitchen or even if a guest sees a pest, it can harm your resort’s reputation and affect your bottom line.
There are steps you can take, however, to make your kitchen less attractive to pests. Pest management professionals utilize a method called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) because it employs a variety of control methods, first addressing the reasons why pests enter a facility. Under the direction of a professional, you can apply some IPM practices yourself.
Is your kitchen a beacon for pests?
Trash can release powerful odors that serve as homing devices for pests. Be sure to remove your trash often, and when you do, place it as far from the facility as possible. Also, line all trash cans and regularly clean inside the bins to remove debris or residue that has leaked through.
Don’t let pests eat off the floor.
Regular food debris on the floor gives pests plenty of nourishment to survive. Clean any debris immediately and use a mop and disinfectant if liquid has spilled. For further protection, use a vacuum equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters to remove residual crumbs and particles from any cracks or crevices. Also, work with a professional to apply biological products that eat grease off the floor, such as OE-30 (Orkin Environmental - 30-Day). Use these environmentally friendly organic cleaners in all floor and sink drains to prevent flies from feeding off the grime and grease within pipes.
Even pests can play hide and seek
Storage areas provide ideal hiding spots for pests. Make sure all containers are tightly sealed and shelves are clear of any spillage. If you are looking to renovate, open-backed shelves are generally the easiest to disassemble and clean. Inspect all incoming boxes and shipments to make certain pests aren’t a part of the package. Be sure to check the package seams as cockroaches can eat the glue that holds cardboard together. Finally, rotate products from the storage area on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis.
Pests love hard to reach places.
Dishwashing areas provide a great water source for pests. If appliances are leaking, call your maintenance staff for repair. Be sure to clean in and around appliances for spilled food and water, even if they are in hard to reach areas. Seal areas behind appliances to make sure pests cannot harbor there.
Go beyond daily cleaning.
“Deep cleaning” the kitchen twice a year helps to remove grease build-up and grime from under appliances, frying areas and other places that are too labor-intensive to include in regular cleanings. Check with your pest control provider to see if they offer a deep cleaning program for commercial kitchens.
Employee involvement is key.
Sanitation is imperative when it comes to pest management. Review your kitchen’s sanitation guidelines and daily schedule with your employees. Make sure they report any breaches in sanitation immediately so they can be addressed before future issues arise.
Call on a professional.
Because of the size and scope of most resort kitchens, it’s necessary to call a pest management professional for consultation on pest-related issues. They will work with you to improve your daily sanitation procedures and implement chemical treatments, if needed. Remember, spotting even one pest in the kitchen is one too many.