Everyone has seen, or at least heard of Disney's charming movie about a rat who wanted nothing more than to be a chef. Spoiler alert: His wish comes true and he runs a five-star restaurant. "Ratatouille" is undoubtedly a unique story idea, however it should make restaurant owners cringe. The thought of a rat as a head chef is not cute, in fact, the thought of a rat in the kitchen at all should be absolutely unheard of.
Here are all the reasons why you need to fire your head chef if he just so happens to be a large rodent:
Rats carry dangerous diseases
If you have rats in your kitchen they are likely running around contaminating your food and work space as they look for a bite to eat. These are very unclean animals that carry a host of dangerous diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided the following list of some of the diseases that are directly transmitted by rats in the kitchen:
Rats can cause serious structural damage
Rats can cause all kinds of property damage to your business. The Guardian explained that rats like to chew, and they don't care if that is your decor, or if it's through your inventory. If inventory shows signs of bite marks, this means you'll likely have to get rid of entire stock and purchase clean food to prevent customers from getting sick. This, as you can imagine, can be incredibly costly. The source also noted that rats like to go after wires. This could ruin appliances and force you to buy entire new ones, or even create a devastating electrical fire.
Rat extermination is cheaper than losing your entire business
The second you see signs of an infestation you should absolutely call a rat exterminator to take care of your problem immediately. If you do not, the price you pay could be the loss of your business. Health inspectors will quickly shut down a restaurant that has signs of rats running about, and even if you manage to get rid of the rodents, the public might not regain trust. Therefore, you need to be proactive about the rodent removal process. In order to properly dispose of rats, it might be necessary to close your doors for a couple of days so the exterminator can do a thorough job - but even that is better than a permanent closure.
Poison-free solutions are easy
However, if you've done a quick pest inspection and find you have a mild infestation, you might want to consider a poison-free solution so you don't have to worry about closing up shop while you take care of your rodent issue. Some of these solutions are also good to implement as proactive prevention strategies to keep rats from even entering your establishment in the first place. Everyday Roots explained that peppermint essential oil is an overwhelming scent for rodents, and will likely steer them away from your establishment. The source said to either spray openings where rats are getting in, or soak cotton balls in a solution and refresh every couple of weeks or so.
Cloves are another smell that deter rodents, said Everyday Roots, and it can be done with the same method as the peppermint spray. But of course, you could also set out traps near possible entry points to catch rodents as soon as they enter.
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.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
