Outdoor dumpsters used by food service establishments can be a major attractant for pests like rodents, flies, roaches, and other scavengers looking for an easy meal. Keeping dumpsters and the surrounding areas clean is critical to deterring these pests and preventing infestations that can lead to health code violations. Here are some effective ways food workers can help deter pests from outdoor dumpsters.
Maintain Clean Dumpster Areas
The most fundamental way to deter dumpster pests is through cleanliness. Food debris, grease, and liquid waste that builds up on and around the dumpster will act like a magnet for pests. Some best practices include:
Keep Dumpsters Closed and Lids Sealed
Dumpster lids should seal tightly when closed to prevent easy access for pests. Ensure lids are always closed when not in use. Avoid “propping” lids open, which allows pests inside.
Schedule Frequent Dumpster Cleaning & Sanitation
Ideally dumpsters should be professionally steam-cleaned each week. This includes the interior, exterior sides, the lid, and the ground surrounding it. If weekly is not possible, aim for at least once a month.
Use Pest-Proof Dumpsters & Compactors
Invest in dumpsters designed specifically to exclude pests. Look for tight-sealing lids, sides, and panels to eliminate gaps and cracks. Self-contained compactors are also very pest-resistant.
Remove Debris & Grease Buildup
Don’t allow food waste, grease, or debris to accumulate inside or around the dumpster area. Always scrape and wipe down the interior after emptying trash bags. Absorb/clean spills immediately.
Wash Surrounding Ground
Use a pressure washer to regularly clean the pavement around the dumpster. This removes fallen debris/spills that can accumulate.
Drain Dumpsters of Liquid Waste
Don’t allow dumpsters to collect rainwater or drain dumpster ice onto the ground. This attracts pests to moisture. Always drain excess liquid before more waste is added.
Manage Waste Disposal Habits
How kitchen staff dispose of waste can impact pest activity around dumpsters. Train staff to:
Bag Food Waste Securely
Ensure food waste is double-bagged in plastic before placing in the dumpster. This contains smells and prevents leaks that attract pests.
Empty Trash Frequently
Take garbage to the dumpster often, do not allow excess trash to build up indoors. The less time waste sits inside, the less odor it generates.
Dispose of Grease Properly
Never pour fryer grease into dumpsters. Grease should be collected and stored securely in grease traps until removed by a waste oil recycler.
Rinse Cans, Bottles, Containers
All recyclables and food containers going into dumpsters should be rinsed out thoroughly to avoid residue buildup.
Break Down Cardboard Boxes
Collapse all cardboard before dumping to maximize space and minimize big gaps that allow pest entry.
Maintain Proper Dumpster Habits
Training staff on proper habits when taking waste to dumpsters will also help deter pests:
Don’t Overfill the Dumpster
Overloaded dumpsters with waste overflowing or piled up beside it will attract pests. Never overfill the dumpster.
Close Lid Fully After Use
Many staff are guilty of leaving lids propped open or only partially closed after dumping trash. Always close completely.
Use Locking Lids
For staff compliance issues, install industrial dumpster lids with locks so lids cannot be left open or unlocked after use.
Schedule Consistent Waste Pickups
Empty dumpsters regularly to prevent overflow buildup. Arrange waste pickup schedules that match your volume.
Avoid Leaving Waste Outside of Dumpster
Sometimes staff leave waste bags on the ground if the dumpster is full. Leaving waste anywhere besides inside the dumpster invites pests.
Immediately Clean Up Spills
Absorb and sanitize any spills or leaks that occur during dumping. Never allow liquid waste or debris to accumulate around dumpster area.
Discourage Pest Activity Near Dumpsters
There are some extra precautions food workers can implement to make the dumpster less inviting for pests:
Install Exterior Lighting
Motion-sensor lights around the dumpster area helps deter nocturnal pests. Lights make them more vulnerable to predators as well.
Remove Weeds & Debris Near Dumpster
Trim all grass and weeds growing around the dumpster. Remove all wood, rocks, or other debris that rodents can use as habitat.
Use Repellent Landscaping Plants
Certain plants naturally repel pests with odor or toxins. Planting mint, garlic, or sage around the dumpster can deter activity.
Apply Commercial Repellents
Granular insecticides or rodent repellent can be applied around dumpster areas. Follow product instructions carefully.
Use Traps as Needed
For persistent pest problems, work with a licensed exterminator to apply appropriate traps near dumpsters targeting the specific pest (rodent traps, fly strips, roach motels.)
Block Hiding Places
Seal gaps and cracks in the pavement around the dumpster so pests have fewer places to hide and nest.
Keep Area Around Dumpster Clean
Be diligent about leaving no food scraps, standing water, or other pest attractants in the vicinity.
Initiate Preventative Maintenance & Repairs
Fixing up and maintaining the dumpster area will eliminate many pest access points:
Replace Broken Seal Strips
If lid seal strips become damaged, replace immediately so there are no gaps for pests to enter under the lid.
Repair Leaks
Repair any leaking waste oil or liquid draining from the dumpster. Leaks create odors that attract pests directly.
Patch Holes
Seal small holes or cracks in dumpster exterior using silicone caulk or metal patches to deny entry.
Replace or Repair Major Damage
For severely damaged dumpsters, arrange replacement through your waste management company. Rodents can gnaw through rusted areas.
Service Locking Mechanisms
Ensure all latches, levers, chains, or slide locks that seal lids are working properly at all times.
Lubricate Hinges & Wheels
Keep hinges freely moving and wheels greased so lids can close tightly and dumpsters move easily for cleaning.
Add Skirting
Attach skirting around elevated dumpsters without side panels so waste is fully contained.
Work With a Pest Control Company
If persistent pest problems around dumpsters continue despite preventative measures, bring in professional help:
Schedule Routine Inspections
A pest control technician can audit your dumpsters monthly and identify vulnerabilities or signs of infestation needing correction.
Have Pests Professionally Identified
Trap samples of pests found near dumpsters for identification and insights into access points that need sealing.
Discuss Pest Deterrent Options
Find out about advanced solutions like electrified mats, motion-activated pest repellents, dumpster vent seals, or commercial-grade repellents.
Install Monitored Bait Stations
To control an active rodent infestation, install exterior bait stations near dumpsters for continuous monitoring and pesticide application as needed.
Apply Targeted Pesticides
For severe fly or roach infestations, specifically targeted pesticide treatments around dumpsters may be warranted as a supplement to sanitation and trapping.
Consider Preventative Treatments
Some pest control firms offer proactive perimeter spray treatments around dumpsters on a preventative basis to deter pests.
Track Activity Changes
Use trend monitoring reports from pest control technicians to evaluate if deterrence methods are succeeding in reducing pest activity over time.
Educate Staff on Prevention
The most crucial factor in effective dumpster pest deterrence is properly training foodservice staff:
Highlight Importance of Procedures
Ensure all staff understand why proper waste and dumpster procedures are critical to controlling pests.
Post Written Instructions
Post dumpster use guidelines and tips inside the kitchen and break areas for easy reference.
Conduct Routine Training Refreshers
Review dumpster best practices regularly at team meetings as problems are prone to develop over time.
Encourage Staff to Report Issues
Let all employees know to quickly report potential problems like damaged dumpsters or pest sightings so they can be addressed.
Designate Monitoring Responsibilities
Assign daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation tasks to specific staff to maintain accountability.
Lead by Example
Managers should model ideal dumpster habits first and reprimand improper procedures when observed.
Consider Contests or Incentives
Infuse fun through team dumpster maintenance competitions to motivate vigilance.
FAQs About Deterring Dumpster Pests for Food Workers
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping dumpsters and surrounding areas clean to deter pest problems:
How often should dumpster areas be sanitized?
Ideally dumpster interiors should be cleaned 1-2 times per week at minimum. Exteriors and surrounding pavement should be cleaned weekly as well, with deep pressure washing monthly.
What are some affordable DIY options to deter pests from dumpsters?
Handheld steam cleaners, bleach cleaning, caulk sealant, expanding foam, plywood skirting, and vinegar-based repellents are useful DIY tools for maintaining pest-free dumpsters without huge investment.
What are the most common dumpster pests?
Flies, cockroaches, ants, and rodents are commonly found scavenging around restaurant dumpsters if sanitation is poor. Raccoons are also frequent nighttime dumpster pests.
How can you tell if dumpster pests are becoming a bigger problem?
Increasing sightings of live pests around dumpsters, impressions from grease/rub marks, and odors or decomposition from the enclosure are red flags that pest prevention methods require improvement.
Should staff report issues even if another shift is responsible for dumpsters?
Absolutely. Pest prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Issues noticed should be reported immediately regardless of job roles so problems don’t worsen. No blame, just collaboration.
How often should commercial dumpster waste pickup be scheduled?
For most restaurants, dumpster waste pickup 2-3 times per week is ideal to prevent overflowing and pest attraction. High-volume establishments may need daily pickup.
Why is keeping lids closed so important?
Open dumpster lids are an open invitation to pests. Keeping lids fully closed and sealed when not actively dumping waste denies pest entry and blocks odors that attract them.
Conclusion
With crawling pests like cockroaches only needing 1/16th inch gaps to enter, and rodents able to chew through weak spots, uncontrolled dumpster areas can easily become infested and lead to failing health inspections. By taking a proactive approach using cleaning, staff training, exclusion, and collaboration with waste management and pest control vendors, food service establishments can keep their outdoor dumpsters pest-free and passing any health department inspections. Although it requires vigilance, the public health and food safety rewards of deterring dumpster pests is worth the effort.