Restaurant and Kitchen Pest Control SOPs, Types of Pest Control Services & Checklist

Pest control is a critical food safety and hygiene requirement in restaurants, hotel kitchens, and food service areas. Effective pest control SOPs protect guests, staff, brand reputation, and ensure compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, ISO 22000, and local health regulations.

We try to covers Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), types of pest control services, and daily, weekly, and monthly checklists for restaurant and kitchen operations.

1. Importance of Pest Control in Restaurant & Kitchen Operations

• Prevents food contamination

• Ensures compliance with food safety laws

• Protects stored raw materials and equipment

• Reduces health risks to guests and staff

• Maintains hygiene audit scores

• Protects brand image and guest trust

2. Common Pests Found in Restaurant & Kitchen Areas

Pest Type	Common Areas
Cockroaches	Drains, cracks, storage areas
Rodents (rats & mice)	Stores, ceilings, garbage zones
Flies	Waste areas, dishwashing section
Ants	Dry stores, service counters
Mosquitoes	Back areas, water stagnation
Lizards	Ceilings, light fixtures
Stored product insects	Flour, grains, pulses

3. Restaurant & Kitchen Pest Control SOPs

3.1 Preventive SOPs

• Maintain strict cleanliness and sanitation

• Ensure proper waste segregation and disposal

• Keep raw and cooked food covered

• Seal cracks, crevices, and drain openings

• Maintain FIFO & FEFO in stores

• Avoid water stagnation in kitchen and back areas

• Install fly catchers and UV insect traps

• Maintain door sweeps and air curtains

3.2 Corrective SOPs

• Immediately report pest sightings

• Isolate contaminated food and discard safely

• Inform pest control vendor and management

• Conduct targeted treatment in affected area

• Deep clean post-treatment

• Record actions in pest control logbook

3.3 Chemical Handling SOPs

• Use only FSSAI-approved chemicals

• Ensure treatment done after kitchen operations

• Remove or cover food before treatment

• Display warning signage during treatment

• Allow safe re-entry time before resuming work

• Maintain MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

4. Types of Pest Control Services Used in Restaurants & Kitchens

4.1 General Pest Control Service

• Controls cockroaches, ants, flies, spiders

• Monthly or bi-monthly service

• Spray and gel-based treatments

4.2 Rodent Control Service

• Use of bait stations and traps

• Placement in non-food areas

• Regular monitoring and replacement

• Monthly inspections

4.3 Fly Control Service

• UV light fly catchers

• Glue boards and attractants

• Proper positioning away from food

4.4 Mosquito Control Service

• Fogging in outdoor/back areas

• Larvicide treatment for water stagnation

• Weekly or fortnightly schedules

4.5 Stored Product Pest Control

• Inspection of dry stores

• Fumigation (only by licensed professionals)

• Stock rotation and moisture control

4.6 Termite Control (Preventive & Curative)

• Pre-construction or annual treatment

• Wooden furniture and storage racks protection

5. Restaurant & Kitchen Pest Control Checklist

5.1 Daily Checklist

• ✔ No visible pests in kitchen or restaurant

• ✔ Waste bins covered and cleaned

• ✔ Floors dry and clean

• ✔ Food containers sealed

• ✔ Drains cleaned and flushed

• ✔ Fly catchers operational

5.2 Weekly Checklist

• ✔ Deep cleaning under equipment

• ✔ Inspection of dry and cold stores

• ✔ Check bait stations and traps

• ✔ Seal any new gaps or cracks

• ✔ Review pest sighting register

5.3 Monthly Checklist

• ✔ Professional pest control service completed

• ✔ Service report signed and filed

• ✔ Chemical usage verified

• ✔ Effectiveness review with vendor

• ✔ Training refresh for staff

• ✔ Compliance audit check

6. Pest Control Vendor Management SOP

• Select licensed and certified vendors

• Verify chemical safety approvals

• Maintain service contracts

• Schedule services during non-operational hours

• Maintain service reports and invoices

• Conduct periodic performance reviews

7. Roles & Responsibilities

Executive Chef / Sous Chef

• Ensure kitchen compliance

• Report pest issues immediately

• Coordinate service schedules

Stewarding & Housekeeping

• Maintain cleanliness

• Support waste management

Engineering

• Seal entry points

• Maintain drains and pipelines

Pest Control Vendor

• Conduct scheduled treatments

• Provide service documentation

• Advise preventive measures

8. Records & Documentation to Maintain

• Pest Control Service Logbook

• Pest Sighting Register

• Chemical MSDS File

• Vendor License & Certificates

• Audit Reports

• Corrective Action Records

9. Best Practices for Effective Pest Control

• Prevention is better than treatment

• Maintain strict hygiene discipline

• Train staff regularly

• Use non-chemical methods wherever possible

• Conduct surprise internal audits

• Integrate pest control into HACCP plan

An effective Restaurant and Kitchen Pest Control SOP combined with the right types of pest control services and systematic checklists ensures food safety, legal compliance, and guest satisfaction. Pest control is not just a service—it is a continuous hygiene management system that protects your business and brand reputation.