Restaurant workers are always looking for ways to attract new customers, but one type of diner is never welcome - the pesky fly.
Flies can carry disease, spread germs and, worst of all, they can scare away crowds of hungry customers. No one likes to be seated next to a dining companion that buzzes in her ear, walks on her tablecloth and lands on her plate.
The problem gets tougher to deal with as the weather warms up in the spring, and worried hospitality managers call pest management companies in to help, according to the Foodie Knowledge blog. One of the best strategies for defeating flies is to act early, before the insects have a chance to lay eggs and start breeding. Experienced restaurant workers and professional pest control specialists agree that careful sanitation and facility design will defeat far more flying pests than fly swatters and sticky tape, Restaurant Hospitality magazine reported.
Remove the food and moisture that flies need to breed and you can stop the problem in its tracks, the blog reported. Move those overripe fruits and vegetables to an outdoor dumpster, scrub those sink drains and beer taps clean every night, and send the stack of used towels to the laundry service. Fresh food and cold beer will always attract a small number of flies, but with careful cleaning practice, a restaurant can ensure that human diners have the upper hand.
Another clever way to deny the flies a seat at your table is basic room design, according to the story in Restaurant Hospitality. We all know that flies travel by flying through the air, but many people don't realize there are some simple ways to block that path. Install two sets of doors at the entrance to the restaurant and insects won't be able to find a clear flow of air to enter the building. Make it even harder for flies to flap inside by aiming strong fans at the exterior doors, ensuring that the breeze flows out when the door is open.
Bistros and cafes with sidewalk seating may have a more difficult challenge because their customers are actually sitting outside to eat, the magazine noted. But careful tactics can keep the problem to a minimum, discouraging flies from visiting by swiftly clearing plates when diners finish and scrubbing tables energetically between every party. For more advice and help on fixing the toughest fly problems, reach out to pest control service providers such as Abell Pest Control Inc.
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:
