It can be quite challenging to get rid of pests and flying insects from your home or commercial kitchen.

It’s easy to spray areas that aren’t otherwise used to prepare meals, but when the problem arises in the kitchen, you must avoid using toxic products that could be harmful to our health.

Commercial kitchens in Australia are supposed to comply with certain strict Food Safety Standards – and these standards should be brought into our kitchens at home to keep ourselves and loved ones safe and healthy!

With the use of natural, effective pest control methods, you can create an environment that’s healthy and free of pests. But it’s easier said than done! Keeping on top of these pesky insects can be a mission. But with the right tools and knowledge, it’s more than possible to have a safe environment.

Dealing with pests

Flying insects, rats, and cockroaches tend to gravitate to spaces where they can find sources of food, such as restaurants and home kitchens. Houseflies, in particular, are most commonly seen at restaurant sites.

They’re responsible for transmitting various food and water-borne illnesses like typhoid, dysentery, diarrhoea, and staphylococcal infections. Rodents are also responsible for carrying a host of other diseases like Salmonellosis, Tularemia, Plague, and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – something you definitely don’t want when you’re dealing with food!

Fly bait stations

One of the best ways to get rid of flies is to install bait stations in the restaurant and dining area. Fly control is one of the most essential steps to eliminating bacteria and other harmful issues in both residential and commercial kitchens. The bait stations contain a sex lure that attracts flies. Once they enter the station, they come in contact with a low toxin insecticide and die.

You can install these bait stations near garbage bins, windows and planters. There are fly traps that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins to promote a healthy environment without the pesky flies.

Flying insect traps

Flying insect traps emit a light that attracts flying insects. Once the insects fly into the trap, they stick to the sticky pad and remain there until they’re discarded. This an excellent chemical-free way to deal with flying insects.

Keeping your kitchen insect-free

What’s worse is that commercial kitchens can earn a bad reputation if a customer finds an insect in the food. But even in our home kitchen – we don’t want to deal with finding these pesky things in our food!

Keeping your kitchen healthy and safe is key to a happy family. General housekeeping and proper sanitary practices can reduce the population of flying insects and rodents. To eliminate insects without the use of harsh chemicals, consider taking a look at our list of recommendations.

Establishing the right cleaning methodologies

Everyone in the household must lay down certain rules and implement a few cleaning methods to follow. Without the proper procedures and rules in place, the pest problem will be a reoccurring one. Keep everyone in the house on board with keeping the eating area and kitchen space tidy to eliminate any pests.

Inspect the premises

You have to try and identify fruit fly breeding areas to kill the insect population. Check the area where you generally store fresh fruit and vegetables. Inspect refrigerators, coolers, garbage bins, and large appliances to find breeding grounds.

Flies thrive in moist and unhygienic environments, so look behind appliances and examine the drains to find them. Female flies can deposit up to 500 eggs at a time. It’s thus important to look around carefully to find their breeding areas.

Clean the premises

Use a mild pressure washer to thoroughly clean areas under the sink and behind appliances. It’s a good idea to add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to the water. Lemongrass has insect-repelling properties and is non-toxic.

Flush the drains

Consider pouring boiling hot water down your sinks and drains to keep them free from bacterial spores and insects. You could also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to get rid of fruit flies from the garbage disposal system.

Seal gaps in the doors

Another important thing to do is to seal all gaps in the doors, windows, and exterior pipes. Insects can easily crawl through tiny spaces. It’s thus important to make sure you keep the kitchen and home sealed properly.

Automatic pyrethrum dispensers

These dispensers are non-toxic and completely safe for use in both commercial and residential kitchens. They dispense small doses of pyrethrum at frequent intervals. You can adjust the settings on the dispenser to suit your business hours. The unit automatically powers off when it’s not required.

Apart from following these suggestions, you could also consider treating your drains with bug foam to break down fly larvae. Lastly, make sure you get rid of garbage as soon as possible and eliminate all standing pools of water.

What do you use in your kitchens to control pests? Share with us in the comments.