Pest Control in the Food Industry: What Not to Do

As a business owner, your goal is to eliminate everything that eats away at your profit, both figuratively and -- in the case of pests -- literally. Cutting costs to balance earnings versus expenses is an ongoing objective for savvy entrepreneurs looking to positively influence their bottom line. 

A Delicate Balancing Act

Although simple in theory, the problem is figuring out how to cut costs without detrimentally affecting customer experience, which could reduce sales and essentially negate the positive financial effects of your cost reduction measures. 

Buying non-perishable items in bulk or stocking up on generic cleaning products and other unbranded supplies, such as take-out containers may look good on paper, but often the customer experience suffers, and a loss of business is the result.

One area you should never cut corners: commercial pest control. One of the greatest risks to any business’s profit margin (but especially food-related ventures) is loss due to pests -- loss that is perfectly preventable with no negative effects on the customer experience. 

However, it’s critical to rely on the services of a certified pest control professional, because improper pest control procedures can result in lawsuits, like those brought against a well-known cafe last year for exposing customers to toxic chemicals. 

Embracing the Importance of Integrated Pest Management 

Commercial businesses should use a program known as Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. IPM takes a “big picture” approach to pest control, relying on more than just pesticides and insecticides (although those can be a part of it, too) and making sure, for example, proper food storage procedures, stock rotation, waste removal policies and cleaning protocols are all in place.

Any pest control company providing commercial services should be well-versed in IPM procedures and able to work cooperatively with your business to come up with the best and most affordable plan for your unique needs. That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to selecting a pest control company for commercial services. 

EPA-Approved IPM Guidance 

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a list of questions you should ask any potential pest control company you’re considering contracting. These include:

• How many years have you been in business at your present address?
• Can you provide a list of references?
• Will the professionals providing pest control services be certified, licensed pesticide applicators?
• Can I see a copy of your pest control license and copies of the labels for all the products you will use? 

The EPA has also issued the following red flags to look out for when interviewing pest control companies:

• The company does not have a listed or working telephone number.
• The company sells services door-to-door and/or targets elderly or those who live alone.
• Arrives without an appointment and shows you dead pests they claim were collected from a neighbor’s house.
• Quotes a per-gallon price on termite control. 
• The company claims to have a secret formula.
• The company offers a discount on excess materials from a previous job.
• The company claims to have an official government endorsement (government agencies do not “endorse” pest control companies).

When it comes to your business or restaurant, don’t take chances with anything less than the best. Check out our Restaurant & Retail Food page to learn more.