Cockroaches have been around for years. They are very common in homes and restaurants especially because they find food and good hiding places therein. The most unfortunate thing however is that although it is easy for them to reproduce and multiply, getting rid of cockroaches can be hard especially if they have made your restaurant their home. Cockroaches are repulsive in nature especially in food service establishments including restaurants and they can pose a health risk as they are responsible for transporting a host of disease causing organisms such as bacteria which are responsible for different kinds of food poisonings. With this in mind, it is important to know how well you can handle cockroach infestation in your restaurant without exposing yourself and your customers to any health risks. How to handle cockroaches infestation in restaurant
Using residual applications
One of the commonest ways of eliminating cockroach infestation in a restaurant is by applying EPA-approved residual applications. There are different residual applications which can be used in food-handling establishments and this are normally applied on ceilings, walls and floors. These products should be applied without coming into contact with food and utensils to prevent any kind of food contamination. The advantage of these applications is that they not only help eliminate mature cockroaches but also destroy the eggs thus deterring any reproduction and re-infestation.
Fogging method
Commonly known as space spraying or ULV, this method involves the application of approved pesticides in the restaurant and other rooms. It can be done using foggers or sprinklers but should be done on weekends or when the restaurant is not operating to avoid any kind of food contamination. Fogging can be done on cracks, entrances and thresholds thus eliminating the problem and preventing re-infestation. There are many fogging substances available most of which are odorless and ideal for restaurants and other food service establishments.
Using baits
Baits are also useful when dealing with cockroaches in a restaurant. These can be used at night especially around roaches nesting areas thus killing them in huge numbers. Baits are made using slow-acting insecticides which do not kill roaches immediately thus allowing them to return to their colonies where there can infect others. This leads to their death within a day or two. There are different types of baits that can be used in restaurants but the most advantageous thing is that they are effective in controlling a cockroach infestation.
Using boric acid
Boric acid is an effective cockroach control product which can effectively be used in restaurants. The odorless product is normally very lethal to roaches and safe to handle thus giving you an edge when dealing with the pests. Boric acid should be dusted on cracks and crevices. The greatest advantage with boric acid is that cockroaches normally carry it back to their nests using their legs and bodies thus allowing even others to consume it leading to their death. The acid also causes cockroaches to dehydrate since it is abrasive to their exoskeleton.
It is important to control cockroaches early and immediately you spot one as this could be a sure sign of a huge re-infestation on the way. Dealing with the pests early will help prevent their massive reproduction thus saving you a lot of stress and lowering the health risks associated with them.