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Pest-Proofing Tips for Your Next Health Inspection

By Hope Bowman, Technical Specialist, Western Pest Services

Health inspectors can drop into your restaurant at any time, unannounced. Unfortunately, so can pests. And, like health inspectors, both have the power to damage your reputation — many news outlets frequently share poor health inspection scores — or even close down your restaurant due to food safety risks.

If the health inspector showed up tomorrow, would you be ready?

There are a few simple steps you can take to discourage pests and be prepared for your next health inspection, even if the health inspector’s visit is unexpected! Focus on these five key areas:

In the Kitchen

Outside

Dining Areas

The Bar

Patios/Outdoor Seating

There are many ways you can pest-proof your establishment, but focusing on these five areas is a great place to start. Limiting pest access points and reducing the elements that attract pests will help your restaurant stay pest-free and in turn earn a better health inspection score.

Hope Bowman is a Technical Specialist and Board-Certified Entomologist with Western Pest Services, a New Jersey-based pest management company serving businesses and homeowners in major Northeastern markets.