One cockroach seen by a customer, or a rodent dropping found during a council inspection, can do real damage to a food business’s reputation. The good news is that most pest problems in commercial kitchens can be prevented with regular service and simple routines. This guide covers what Melbourne food businesses need to know about commercial pest control.
What the rules say
Food businesses in Victoria must follow the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Standard 3.2.2 clause 24 requires a food business to take all practicable measures to prevent pests entering the premises, and to eradicate and prevent the harbourage of pests. Councils inspect registered food premises in Victoria, and visible pest activity can lead to enforcement action.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guidance says a pest management plan helps a business show it is taking all practicable measures.
The most common pests in commercial kitchens
| Pest | Where they hide | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|
| German cockroaches | Dishwashers, fridge motors, hinges, behind equipment | Live cockroaches at night, droppings, egg cases |
| Rats and mice | Storerooms, ceilings, wall cavities, bin areas | Droppings, gnawed packaging, grease marks |
| Flies | Bins, drains, open doors | Flies around food and waste areas |
| Ants | Cracks, benches, sugar and syrup stations | Trails along benches and walls |
| Stored product pests | Flour, grains, spices, dry goods | Small beetles or moths in packets |
What a good commercial pest control plan includes
- Regular scheduled visits, with frequency matched to the risk of your business.
- Bait stations and monitoring for rodents and insects, mapped on a site plan.
- Service reports after every visit showing what was found, what was treated and any recommendations.
- Proofing advice on gaps, doors, drains and other entry points.
- Fast response between visits if pests are spotted.
Run a café, restaurant or food business?
Tell us about your business and we’ll quote a regular commercial pest control plan.
Daily habits that keep pests out
- Clean up spills and food scraps straight away, including under and behind equipment.
- Store food off the floor in sealed containers and rotate stock (first in, first out).
- Keep bins lidded, empty them often and clean bin areas.
- Keep doors closed or fitted with strip curtains or screens.
- Check deliveries and cardboard boxes before they come inside.
- Report any pest sighting to the manager and your pest controller immediately.
Cockroaches are the most common kitchen pest. Read our guide to German cockroaches in Melbourne, and see our cockroach control and rodent control services, or all of our pest control services.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a café or restaurant have pest control?
It depends on the size and risk of the business, but many food businesses book regular scheduled visits, with extra visits if pests are seen. We’ll recommend a frequency that suits your premises.
Do I need a pest management plan?
FSANZ guidance says a pest management plan helps a food business show it is taking all practicable measures to deal with pests, as required by the Food Standards Code.
Can you treat outside business hours?
We can often schedule commercial services around your opening hours. Ask us when you request a quote.
Do you offer emergency call-outs for businesses?
We provide 24/7 support for commercial and existing clients.
