How to Get Rid of Supermarket Pests
If the first step in proper supermarket pests control is to remove any food that might attract hungry pests, supermarkets already start off at a disadvantage. Between the hundreds of pounds of fresh, delicious food lining the shelves to the bins full of expired goods out in the back, there’s more than enough temptation for the passing pest looking to settle in, and keeping them at bay can be a tricky challenge.
At Pegasus Pest Control, it is important for us that businesses in the food retail sector of all sizes maintain sanitation standards and actively prevent pest infestation in order to maintain a high standard of food safety as well as protect both staff, customers and reputation. Here are the top 5 pests that impact supermarkets:
Supermarket Pests
#1 Rodents
Whether scurrying through the walls and along the baseboards or setting up a nest just outside of your back door, mice are often a major problem for supermarket owners and food retailers across the country. Notoriously persistent and famously prolific in increasing their numbers, mice and rodents can be a serious problem once they establish a base in your store.
#2 Cockroaches
Infesting areas in both urban environments and rural retail shops, cockroaches are perhaps one of the most feared pests faced by retailers and supermarket owners today. Due to their small size, quick speed, and prolific breeding, cockroaches are also one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. Nothing draws them to your shop quite as quickly as easy access to food.
#3 Stored Product Insects
Stored product insects is a generic term that covers beetles, weevils, moths, and mites infesting food in storage anywhere in the food chain from the farm to the kitchen. Stored product pests are most likely to be in a food ingredient on delivery to the retail store or in a processed food product when stored for a long time.
#4 Birds
All too often, shoppers in large grocery stores and supermarkets deal with the same minor annoyance. The sight of small birds safely tucked away in the rafters. Although these small birds generally stay out of reach for most shoppers, they can still cause major trouble for shop owners; from the food they steal at night, to the pests they bring inside with them.
#5 Flies
Where there’s fresh fruit, meat, and dairy, there will almost definitely be flies. For supermarkets and food retailers, flies are persistent interlopers who may come in waves with the warm weather. Or may simply stick around through the cold season feeding off of the backroom supply. One thing, however, is for sure: customers will not be happy to see flies buzzing around the shelves.
The application of standard hygiene practices is particularly important for controlling all these pests. As well as to reduce the attractive odors, feeding material, and breeding sites. These can include regular inspection of supplies, cleaning food preparation areas and disposing of garbage regularly.
Get Rid of Supermarket Pests
Keeping an area so stocked with attractive options pest-free can be a major challenge. All too often, those playing catch-up with an infestation are already too late.
Rather than waiting until a crisis to take action, supermarket owners should think proactively. Regular pest inspections can help catch issues long before they spiral out of control. Get in touch with Pegasus Pest Control today at 888.885.5027 and protect your business from and get rid of Supermarket Pests before they even get a chance to get started.