Cockroaches are generally brought into restaurants and foodservice facilities with deliveries, supplies or even employee belongings. Some species can travel between and enter buildings through drain/sewer pipes. Once they are in, they survive when food and water are available. They reproduce rapidly and thrive in hard-to-reach cracks and crevices that offer warmth and humidity.

What You Can Do To Prevent Cockroaches

There are steps you can take to prevent entry of cockroaches and other pests:

• Inspect incoming goods: Check all deliveries for any signs of pest presence and refuse those that show any evidence of contamination.
• Make structural modifications: Repair and seal gaps and cracks through which pests can enter. Maintain door seals and screens to keep pests out.
• Sanitize: Limit pest access to food and water by thoroughly cleaning food spills, grease and other debris from floors, counters, cook tops and other surfaces. Maintain garbage areas, repair leaky faucets and pipes, and clean drains.
• Notify your pest management provider: If you see cockroaches or other pests, notify your pest service company right away.

Cockroaches are known to transmit diseases such as E. coli, Salmonella, and dysentery. Read about the dangers of cockroaches and how they affect food safety.