Rodents such as mice and rats can be a major health hazard if they infest a restaurant. Not only do they contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine, but they can also spread dangerous diseases. It is critical for restaurants to be on the lookout for signs of rodent infestation and take action quickly to eliminate the pests.
Here are 5 signs that may indicate a restaurant has a rodent problem.
1. Droppings
One of the most obvious signs of rodents is their droppings. Mouse droppings are small, usually measuring around 3 to 6 mm long, and will be dark in colour. Rat droppings are larger, around 12 to 25 mm long, and often sausage-shaped. Droppings from both types of rodents may be found along skirting boards, in cupboards and cabinets, under sinks and appliances, and in other places where rodents travel. The presence of fresh droppings indicates active infestation.
2. Gnaw Marks
The teeth of rodents grow continuously, requiring them to gnaw constantly to wear them down. This can result in gnaw marks or teeth impressions on various materials. In a restaurant, gnaw marks may be found on wood, plastic, paper, and other surfaces. Look for small grooves in materials along skirting boards, in cabinets, and around pipes where rodents may be actively gnawing. The marks indicate their presence.
3. Odours
Rodents, especially mice, urinate and leave odour trails as they travel. This can result in a musky, ammonia-like smell in infested areas. The odour is particularly strong when rodent population numbers are high. Sniff around appliances, cabinets, wall voids and other possible hidden spots a rodent may travel. If you detect a musky, rodent-like smell, it may indicate an infestation.
4. Nesting Materials
Rodents gather materials like shredded paper, fabric, cardboard and insulation to build nests. Look for signs of nests both inside the restaurant and outside around the building’s exterior. Indoors, inspect cabinet dark spaces, under appliances and behind equipment. Outdoors, check areas like bushes, mulch beds, gaps in the foundation, and overhangs. Nesting materials may accumulate in these spots if rodents are present.
5. Live or Dead Rodents
An actual sighting of live or dead mice or rats in the restaurant is a sure sign of infestation. Rodents are shy creatures that prefer to remain hidden, so typically, by the time they are seen out in the open during the day, their numbers have grown substantially. Even one rodent sighting warrants immediate action to find and eliminate nesting sites. Likewise, dead rodents found in traps or poison bait stations means there are almost certainly more rodents still alive and active.
Call a Commercial Pest Controller
A qualified Bristol pest control exterminator like Advance Pest Control Bristol can inspect for entry points, set bait stations and traps, and use targeted fumigation if necessary. A Bristol pest controller has the proper equipment, chemicals and training to eliminate rodents in a timely manner. Be sure to hire a reputable company that is licensed and insured. Discuss an integrated plan focusing on exclusion, trapping, cleaning and follow-up that provides long-term prevention. With the help of expert Bristol pest control experts, restaurants can swiftly and safely eliminate rodents.
Stopping an infestation quickly helps prevent contamination and damage that can occur when rodents invade a food establishment.
