Thoroughly sanitizing your kitchen regularly is a good way of preventing food-borne illness and pest infestation. However, sometimes surface sanitation only is not enough to defend against pests; sometimes, it requires the maintenance and cleaning of the equipment working behind-the-scenes: namely, your food grease trap. Knowing the importance of warding off pests by regularly maintaining your grease trap is essential when it comes to operating a safe and successful kitchen.
What Draws Pests and Vermin to Your Grease Traps?
Unsurprisingly, flies and mice see your grease trap as an all-you-can-eat buffet, but what sets the course for these pests is a lack of maintenance. Ignoring an unkempt grease trap can not only lead to damaged pipes, but the clogging of pipes caused by fats, oils, grease, and solids (FOGS) also attracts flies, cockroaches, and mice. Furthermore, grease traps that are full can generate a foul odor that can penetrate the establishment, enticing pests to venture inside.
How Can a Neglected Grease Trap Exacerbate an Infestation?
Not only do poorly maintained grease traps attract pests, but they can even become a breeding ground. Drain flies are known for breeding in the gelatinous organic matter that can form in a grease trap’s pipes or the wall of the tank. Pests like these can spread bacteria and disease to food or food-prep surfaces, and since they are attracted to light, they are more likely to be witnessed by your patrons. Since the gestation period of most flies is around one to two days, an unmaintained grease trap can quickly result in an infestation in a matter of days.
How Does a Clean Grease Trap Ward Off Pests?
Since an infestation can result in a failed inspection and spread disease, it’s important to take steps to eliminate the risks that attract pests by regularly scheduling grease trap maintenance and abiding by the one-quarter rule. Particularly, the following methods will help with pest control:
- Cleaning and Pumping: The separated FOGS form a layer in the grease trap that can rot over time. Not regularly emptying and cleaning out your trap can result in this sludge, creating a rotten-egg smell that will attract bugs and vermin.
- Inspections: It’s important to hire a company to inspect your grease trap or grease interceptor to ensure the there is appropriate flow and filtration of FOGS to prevent pipes becoming clogged or to ensure your tank’s capacity is appropriate for your business.
- Bio-Dosing: Some products – such Bio Baskets and Biological Drain Treatment available on our website – utilize eco-friendly bacteria to assist with dissolving the buildup of FOGS, eliminating the source of food for pests and eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
To learn how to aid in the performance of your grease trap, read our blog, Dealing with Grease Sources Before They Hit Your Grease Trap.
Pests are more than just a nuisance; they can be a health hazard to your patrons. Warding off pests by regularly maintaining your grease trap can lead to a safer and cleaner establishment. Scheduling your trap to be serviced by Food Grease Trappers – a company with 28 years in the business – will ensure your grease trap is free of any of the conditions that will attract bugs and vermin. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation or cleaning, contact us today.
