MALUM Southern Pest & Bird Control
Pest control contracts for commercial kitchens
Commercial Pest emergency? Call us now for a free survey and quote
Welcome to Malum, pest control experts for commercial kitchens
The discovery of pests in food premises can ruin the reputation of a business, not to mention cause a serious risk to public health. Companies in the food industry such as restaurants, takeaways, caterers and food storage facilities, have a legal obligation to put food safety measures in place to prevent pests.
Even with the best intentions and procedures, however, there is always a risk of pests in commercial kitchens and storage areas. When it happens, it is best to act without delay to protect your customers, staff and business.
If an infestation at your premises does occur, it is crucial to take fast action by calling an experienced commercial pest control company such as Malum Southern Pest and Bird Control. We can take care of a wide range of pest issues swiftly, discreetly and effectively.
Free pest control quotes for commercial kitchens
Malum Southern Pest & Bird Control is a highly professional and respected pest control service serving food businesses in Hampshire, West Sussex and Dorset. We offer a free, no-obligation inspection of your site to identify the pest source, before advising you of the best pest control solution along with advice to ensure they don’t return.
If you suspect pest activity at your food premises, contact the experts at Malum today for a free consultation. We will work swiftly to eliminate pests from your commercial kitchen, protecting your business from reputational and financial damage.
Are you looking for a pest infestation solution for a restaurant or takeaway?
The team at Malum are experts in restaurant pest control, freeing commercial kitchens from pests such as rats, flies and cockroaches. We understand the distress that pests in food premises can cause, and will work to solve your pest infestation problem swiftly, sensitively and with as little disruption as possible.
Alongside this, we can provide pest awareness training for your staff and advice on preventing future infestations. From identification, treatment to prevention, we have a solution to keep your food business pest-free.
Request a free quote today
Commercial Pest Control for Rats in Kitchens
Rats are always bad news but especially so for a food business. They are expert scavengers and will nest as close as possible to their food source. Left unattended, rodents can be incredibly destructive and create a significant health hazard, making them a serious threat to your business.
Signs of a rat infestation
- Scratching noises
- Small dark brown droppings
- Unpleasant odour
- Smear marks on work surfaces
Why it's important to eliminate rodents from your commercial kitchen
In the interest of food safety, the reputation of your business and your livelihood, it is best to deal with a rat infestation as soon as you suspect it.
- Destruction of fixtures and equipment – Rats are well-known for equipment and property damage. They can destroy valuable electrical goods and also catering storage equipment, as they ransack it for food.
- Carriers of pathogens and diseases – Rodents leave a trail of contamination behind them in the form of urine and droppings, plus whatever they pick up from burrowing and scavenging. They are spreaders of pathogens such as Salmonellosis, Lyme disease and rat-bite fever.
- Food contamination. Not only do they eat through your supplies, rats contaminate food with their droppings making it unfit for human consumption.
Malum's three-point treatment for rats
- After a full inspection, we will safely lay rodenticides and/or traps.
- We will return to dispose of dead rodents with one week and replenish traps if necessary.
- Upon our final visit we will remove all rodenticides and traps, and provide recommendations to reduce the risk of any future infestations.
Commercial Pest Control in Kitchens for Flies
Flies can multiply at a rapid rate due to their ability to lay eggs on a wide variety of surfaces, both organic and non-organic. So while the sign of the odd fly may not be a cause for concern, it can escalate very quickly.
Why it's important to prevent flies in food production areas
Flies carry bacteria that cause nasty diseases such as typhoid and dysentery, by transferring filth and faeces on their legs. While feeding, they can also regurgitate and defecate, causing food contamination. Some species can also give nasty bites.
Pest control for different fly species
- House flies – The common house fly is considered one of the most dangerous insects to man because of how they spread disease. House flies also contaminate food by transporting the eggs of parasitic worms.
- Blowflies – Blowflies, such as bluebottles, deposit their eggs on animal carcasses, meat and fish, so they are a particular threat in a food establishment. Their smell is well developed so they can smell rotting food from a long way away.
- Fruit flies – As their name would suggest, they are found where fruit and vegetables are stored, as are also attracted by beer, wine and other fermented food stuff.
- Filter flies – This species includes moth flies, drain flies, sewage flies or filter flies. Although most commonly found in sewage works, they can also appear where water stagnates, like in kitchen drains and around the feet of industrial equipment.
Pest control treatments for flies
When it comes to flies, prevention is key. Good hygiene practices in food preparation areas are obviously a must, to remove any spilled food stuff or decaying matter where flies may lay their eggs. If an infestation does occur, it can be treated with insecticides by a qualified pest control expert such as Malum. We will identify the species of fly, their nesting place and take action to eradicate them from your kitchen.
Commercial Pest Control in Kitchens for Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a repulsive sight when spotted on a food premises, especially in dining areas. Unfortunately, they have become perfectly adapted to live alongside us and, being omnivorous, will consume pretty much any type of food. They pose a serious threat to food safety if left untreated.
Signs of a cockroach infestation
- It can be difficult to find evidence of live cockroaches as they are nocturnal. Look out for dead insects and discarded skins.
- Foul smells and smears can be detected in the case of large infestations.
- Look out for large, mouse-like droppings and also their eggs.
Problems caused by cockroaches in kitchens
- Cockroaches carry disease-causing bacteria, including Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli.
- They cause contamination with their faeces and saliva, making food unfit for consumption.
- Cockroach droppings and skins contain allergens that can trigger asthma attacks.
Treatments for cockroaches in commercial kitchens
As cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, it is important to employ the services of a professional pest controller to identify the source of an infestation, determine the species and take appropriate action. They can be treated in a variety of ways, including pesticide sprays and heat treatment.
Is pest control in commercial kitchens a legal requirement?
While professional pest control procedures are not a legal requirement in commercial kitchens, food businesses are bound by food safety legislation to take adequate action to prevent, manage and eradicate pest problems.
Food safety legislation
All companies in the UK food industry must adhere to food safety legislation, or else face unlimited fines that could ruin their business. Firms such as restaurants, caterers and food warehouses, must have a plan based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
This includes: conducting regular checks, maintaining hygiene standards in food preparation and storage areas, keeping food stuff stored in appropriate conditions to prevent contamination, and ensuring decaying matter and food waste is disposed of efficiently.
Food waste
Where there is neglected food waste there is guaranteed to be pests. The UK Food Standards Act and associated food safety regulations include directives on the disposal of food waste. Food businesses are required to have adequate stores for refuse and make sure they are designed for ease of cleaning and emptying on a regular basis.
Is it possible to eradicate pests from commercial kitchens?
Pests such as flies, rats and cockroaches are relentless in their pursuit of shelter and sustenance, so wherever there is food there is a risk of a pest problem. But you can (and if fact must, by law) put measures in place that reduce the risk of pest infestations. By adopting certain food safety standards and procedures, the risk of a full blown infestation is greatly reduced.
- Hygiene – Maintaining a very clean environment is essential to protect your commercial kitchen from pests, eg. regularly cleaning down surfaces, walls and storage equipment, removing spillages, ensuring bins are emptied regularly and clearing drains.
- Preventative measures – It is prudent to put pest control equipment in place such as fly screens, electronic fly ‘zappers’ and ventilation screens to deter pests.
- Regular maintenance – Pests can enter food premises through the tiniest of gaps, so it is essential to reduce their points of entry, eg. replace cracked tiles, seal gaps, fix leaking pipes, remove standing water.
Staff pest control training in commercial kitchens
Another effective way to prevent pests is to make sure your staff are fully trained in food safety and pest prevention. Malum offers pest awareness training designed to educate staff on pest behaviours, what signs to look for, and the best practice if pests are found.
Malum Southern Pest & Bird Control
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