What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Integrated pest management means preventing pests first and using the least-toxic control that works. Pesticides come last, applied only by a licensed pro. The Food Code requires four things:

  1. Inspect every delivery of food and supplies.
  2. Inspect the building and grounds for signs of pests.
  3. Remove anything that shelters or feeds pests.
  4. If pests show up, get rid of them with approved methods.

Sources: Food Code 6-501.111 · Source protocols: integrated pest management (IPM) program

How do pests get in?

  • Outside doors close by themselves, fit tight, and have door sweeps. Keep them closed.
  • Screens on windows and vents (at least 16 mesh per inch).
  • Seal gaps over ¼ inch around pipes, wires and walls. A mouse fits through ¼ inch.
  • Keep plants and debris at least 2 feet from the building.
  • Keep dumpster lids closed and the dumpster away from doors.

Sources: Source protocols: IPM prevention (exclusion); inspection checklist (building and grounds) · R392-102-6(10)

What draws pests in?

  • Clean spills right away. No food left out overnight.
  • Store food in sealed containers, 6 inches off the floor and away from walls.
  • Fix leaks and drips. No standing water.
  • Remove clutter, cardboard and unused equipment.
  • Clean under and behind equipment weekly. Keep floor drains clean.
  • Empty trash every day and keep lids on.

Sources: Food Code 6-501.111 · Source protocols: IPM prevention (sanitation, storage, moisture, harborage)

How do you get rid of flies in a restaurant kitchen?

Do these today, in this order:

  1. Find where flies gather: trash, drains, mop sink, produce, back door.
  2. Take out the trash, wash the cans, and cover ripe produce.
  3. Scrub drains and the mop sink. Hang mops to dry. Leave no standing water.
  4. Set fly traps away from food, prep areas and clean dishes. A fly light never hangs over food or a prep area.
  5. Call your licensed pest company. Staff never spray or bait, even with a store-bought spray. Call the same day if flies keep coming back.

Then keep new ones out: outside doors close on their own and stay shut, door sweeps on, drains covered, screens on anything kept open.

Sources: Food Code 6-501.111 · Food Code 6-202.13 · Food Code 6-202.15 · Food Code 7-202.12 · Source protocols: action thresholds · Source protocols: IPM prevention (exclusion, sanitation, moisture)

How often do you look for pests?

  • Every delivery: check before it goes into storage. Reject and note anything damaged or infested.
  • Start and end of every day: quick walk-through of the kitchen, storage and serving area.
  • Weekly: a detailed checklist inspection.
  • A licensed pest control operator services traps and bait stations. Numbered traps are marked on a map.

Sources: Source protocols: pest control inspection methodology; monitoring

The rules behind it

  • Pest control. Keep premises free of pests: inspect deliveries and the building, remove harborage, licensed operator only for pesticides. Food Code 6-501.111, 6-501.112, 7-206.12; R392-102-13