How to Stop Pests in Your Business Restaurant Training_

Training your restaurant staff to prevent pests is critical for maintaining health and safety standards. Here’s a comprehensive training guide:

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### **1. Understand Common Pests**
- **Types of Pests**: Teach staff to identify signs of rodents, cockroaches, flies, ants, and other pests.
- **Impact of Pests**: Explain how pests can harm food safety, damage your reputation, and lead to health code violations.

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### **2. Maintain a Clean Environment**
- **Daily Cleaning**:
- Wipe down all surfaces, including counters, tables, and prep areas.
- Sweep and mop floors to remove crumbs and spills.
- **Waste Management**:
- Empty trash cans frequently.
- Keep trash bins covered and away from entry points.
- **Deep Cleaning**:
- Clean behind and under heavy equipment weekly.
- Regularly clean drains and grease traps.

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### **3. Store Food Properly**
- **Storage Guidelines**:
- Keep all food items sealed in pest-proof containers.
- Store food at least 6 inches off the ground and away from walls.
- **FIFO System**:
- Use the "First In, First Out" method to prevent expired food from attracting pests.

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### **4. Inspect and Maintain the Facility**
- **Entry Points**:
- Regularly check doors, windows, and vents for gaps.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
- **Storage Areas**:
- Inspect dry goods and deliveries for pests before accepting them.
- **Plumbing**:
- Repair leaks immediately to prevent standing water, which attracts pests.

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### **5. Implement Preventative Practices**
- **Screen Deliveries**: Train staff to inspect shipments for pests before storing items.
- **Monitor for Signs**: Teach employees to recognize pest droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or live pests.
- **Limit Attractants**:
- Prohibit eating in non-designated areas.
- Quickly clean up food spills and remove leftover food.

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### **6. Educate on Pest Reporting**
- **Reporting System**:
- Encourage staff to report pest sightings immediately.
- Document incidents for follow-up actions.
- **Empower Employees**: Reinforce that pest control is a team effort and everyone plays a role.

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### **7. Partner with Professionals**
- Work with a licensed pest control company for routine inspections and treatments.
- Educate staff on when and how to contact pest control services.

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### **8. Regular Training and Audits**
- Conduct periodic training sessions to reinforce pest prevention practices.
- Schedule random audits to ensure staff compliance with procedures.

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Would you like this turned into a checklist or a formal training document for your team?