One of the joys of summer is being able to eat al fresco, enjoying a great meal at a favorite restaurant while the sun sets in the background. On a balmy night - or sunny lunchtime - it can be one of the most relaxing ways to socialize with friends.
The last thing you and the restaurant want is a spoiler to such an outing, but that may come in the form of summertime insects. For you, it may mean losing your appetite and a ruined meal. For the restaurant, it means the possibility of word-of-mouth criticism that this eating establishment is a place to avoid.
There are plenty of pests that commercial pest control outfits like Abell Pest Control are called to remove from restaurants all the time. Food is one of the most universal draws for bugs, particularly in warm, humid weather when many insects are likely to appear. Ants may be among the smallest, but they're also some of the most persistent pests that create unsanitary conditions that no restaurant wants to be associated with.
Until the pest control experts appear on the scene, restaurant owners can fight small populations of ants with some success if they believe in old-time home remedies. Sprinkling cinnamon, pepper or vinegar is said to combat ant colonies effectively, but they're unlikely to do as well as the professionals.
A better approach is to stop pests from infiltrating a restaurant by taking preventive steps so a full-fledged infestation doesn't occur. Ants can get through any cracks or openings leading to food preparation and serving areas.
Patching those holes and caulking edges can limit the ants' access to an eatery. Restaurant owners need to follow a plan diligently each year to maintain outdoor repairs that will keep insects out of their business. Wooden parts are very vulnerable to insects if they're in contact with soil rather than a material like concrete, so repairs should be undertaken to remedy such issues. Untreated wood should also be sealed or painted.
Since insects are routinely drawn to garbage, the trash disposal operation at a restaurant has to be maintained meticulously by staff members. Any garbage, however small, that's carelessly disposed opens the restaurant to health violations and continued presence by pests.
Keeping exterior doors closed at all times, particularly those that lead to food preparation and serving areas, has to be observed continuously. In warm weather, that may mean keeping screen doors in good repair and seals around the doors in sturdy condition.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
