The hotels may soon be reopening their rooms, restaurants, bars, or café for the first time after being closed due to Covid-19 Control Movement Order. As for now we are moving to 2nd and 3rd phase of the restriction, hospitality industry players now in a joy mood to welcome their guests again.

To resume the operations and to meet customer expectation will be an uphill battle to the management team. Neelay Carlson, Sales Manager Food Service & Hospitality at National Restaurant Association of USA has established an article in her LinkedIn regarding this issue. From her own perspective as a hotel manager, she has presented her ideas on how to recognize the risk and taking proactive measures to control pest problem in hotel mostly after the hotel decided to reopen their door one more time.

According to her, hospitality properties have many of the things that pests love – food, moisture, frequently opened doors, foot traffic and shipments coming in. Without a commercial pest control partner, it can be a challenge to keep pests out of your establishment. By recognizing the risk and taking proactive measure , you can minimize the risk of unwanted pests. 

Here are the tips shared by her :

Restaurants or Bars: Where there is food, there are also pests.

• Keep food covered and properly stored.
• Carefully inspect all boxes of food and alcohol that come into the facility for pest waste or bite marks.
• Store all food and supplies at least six inches off the floor and away from walls. Use FIFO to rotate products, so pests do not have time to settle into them and breed.
• Cover all liquor bottles and frequently wipe down barstools, tables and chairs to remove any sticky reside that attracts fruit flies, such as beer or fruity mixers. Also wash bar mats and beer drip trays in soapy water. 
• Wipe down soda guns and beer taps. You should also cap open bottles and fruit trays before storing them.
• Store recyclables in clean, pest-proof containers and as far away from your building as regulations allow. 
• Throw out garbage quickly. Outdoor containers should be kept covered and indoor containers should be washed regularly.
• Be extra vigilant with all cleaning tasks. Clean up food and beverage spills immediately, including crumbs and scraps. 
• Be sure to clean frequently behind and under appliances and furniture, and have a regular schedule for wiping down cabinet shelves and food storage areas where crumbs and residue can gather. 
• Keep drains and grease traps clean and free of debris.

Outdoor Areas: To help keep pests from coming into your operation, reduce outside risks as well.

• Have the grass mowed regularly, tree branches cut and shrubbery trimmed away from the building.
•  Inspect the walls for gaps, cracks or crevices that should be sealed to help prevent pest entry.
• Check door and window seals and weather stripping for signs of wear and tear.
• If you have an outdoor eating area, keep it clean and free of standing water.
• Remove unnecessary items that can provide harborage areas for pest and rodents. Understanding pest behavior is a key to mitigate the risk of pest infestation.

Swimming Pool: With its endless standing water supply and warm, moist environment, a pool is an ideal hangout for pests. 

• Remove any standing water on the pool deck daily and more frequently if needed. This will not only help remove mosquito breeding grounds, it also reduce the risk for slip and falls.
• Warm climates can attract cockroaches and rodents. Check for leaks around indoor pools and whirlpools.
• Throw out any unattended food. Trash cans should be lined, covered and regularly cleaned to prevent food debris from building up.
• Monitor and inspect pump room for standing water and be sure drains are kept filled with water. 

Fitness & Spa Centers: Many spas and fitness centers create a humid environment that is inviting to pests.

• Installing an odor eliminating system.
• Wipe down equipment and mop up any liquids.
• Regularly removing used wash towels will help keep moisture levels down.

The hospitality industry presents unique challenges when it comes to pest control. That is why it is crucial to work with a pest control company that understands your needs. Your pest control company should utilize the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and focuses on pest prevention, not just control.