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Roaches in a Restaurant Kitchen: What to Do
The German cockroach is the roach most often found in restaurants, according to Penn State Extension. It does not walk in from outside. People bring it in.
How do roaches get into a restaurant?
UF/IFAS Extension says German cockroaches do not enter buildings from outdoors. They spread through people, often on boxes, bags, and supplies. Penn State lists boxes and grocery bags too. That is why checking deliveries matters.
Where do they hide?
Roaches stay in cracks and crevices near food and water. UF/IFAS suggests a flashlight and an inspection mirror, and says to look at:
Behind refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and stoves, where it stays warm
Loose pipe covers around sinks
Unsealed edges around sinks, cabinets, and electrical panels
Hollow table and chair legs that are not sealed
Stored cardboard
What does it mean if you see them in the daytime?
Roaches mostly come out at night. UF/IFAS says roaches in the open during the day can mean a large population. Penn State says the same, or that something is stressing them, like a lack of food.
What can you do right away?
Clean up spills and crumbs right away
Take food trash out at the end of every night
Store dry food in sealed containers
Get rid of cardboard boxes, and use plastic bins for long storage
Fix leaks and wipe up standing water
Clean drains and cracks with an enzyme-based cleaner, as UF/IFAS suggests
Call a professional, and share what you have seen
Should you use foggers or store-bought sprays?
No. Penn State says sprays and foggers inside a building are of little value against German cockroaches. They can scatter the roaches and make control harder and longer.
How do monitors help?
Sticky traps act like eyes. UF/IFAS says to date and number each one and map where they are. One or a few adults may mean a new arrival. Adults and nymphs together point to an established problem.
Quick Answers
Do roaches mean my restaurant is dirty?
Not always. People can carry them in. But crumbs, grease, and moisture help them settle in, and UF/IFAS says health departments see German roaches as a sign of poor sanitation.
Can I use store-bought spray in my kitchen?
It is not a good idea. Penn State says sprays and foggers can scatter roaches and make the job harder.
Where do roaches come from?
German cockroaches usually arrive on boxes, bags, and supplies. They do not come in from outside.
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