As a pastry chef or bakery owner, pests are one of the worst things that can come your way. No one wants to enter a coffee shop filled with flies. An entire shelf of warm, delicious donuts, muffins and pastries can quickly turn unappetizing with the presence of just one little bug. The Bakers Journal reported that flies can carry up to 100 pathogens and are common carriers of food borne diseases such as salmonella and E.Coli. To ensure that your bakery stays safe, clean and welcoming, follow these precautions and tips for preventing a pest infestation.
According to the Department of Entomology at North Carolina State University, whole grains, flour, nuts, spices, candies, chocolate and powdered milk are all at risk of becoming infested with insects. Even though a box of grains or package of flour may appear sealed, that does not necessarily mean it is free of pests. Beetles and moths, the two pests most likely to attack stored and packaged foods, have the ability to get inside packaging at the factory, during production or even once it's on your shelf in the pantry.
According to NC State University signs of infestation include larvae on attacked material, holes in the packaging, sawdust-like material on the bag or box and moths flying near the pantry. Beetles, flies, ants and earwigs are all common invaders, but the pests most likely to attack your pantry are the Indianmeal moth and the merchant grain beetle, according to the National Pest Management Association. While they can wreak havoc on your stored goods, the good news is that these two pests do not pose any serious health threats.
First and foremost, all products should be sealed in tight containers and refrigerated if need be. However, as stated above, pests can still invade. Always double check dates on products, inspect all newly purchased groceries and clean up after any spill occurs. To ensure that pests cannot enter your kitchen or pantry, it's wise to seal all holes and cracks as thoroughly as possible, according to the Bakers Journal. The NPMA recommended placing a bay leaf in all dry goods that are stored in your pantry. The smell of the leaf is so strong for pests that they will avoid it at all costs and therefore, stay away from your baking ingredients. Above all, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen and bakery will help keep your business free from pests.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
In the summer months, people love to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some even venture to farmers markets where the food is cheaper. However, not only do fruits come home with you, fruit flies may too. Once they've gotten acclimated in your home, they might stay all summer. These pests breed quickly, and tend to spread through whatever food you've got around. They also are happy to join in on any meal you have, be it a sit-down dinner or a barbecue in your backyard. Worst of all, like other flies, they carry disease. Consider these tips on how to prevent fruit flies from coming home with you.
