What health inspectors look for on pests
Health codes based on the FDA Food Code expect a food business to keep its premises free of insects and rodents and to control pests by routine inspection. An inspector will look for signs, not just live pests.
Updated September 29, 2026
What inspectors check
- Droppings, gnaw marks and live or dead insects
- Gaps under doors, around pipes and in walls
- Food stored off the floor and in closed containers
- Clean floors, drains and areas under equipment
- Traps and bait placed safely away from food
- Your pest control service records
Records worth keeping
- Service reports from every visit, with dates
- What was found and what was treated
- Repairs made to seal entry points
- Any corrective actions after an inspection
Between visits
- Take out trash and clean up at close
- Keep outside doors shut and screened
- Clean floor drains and under equipment regularly
- Report activity to your pest company right away
Questions
How often should a restaurant have pest service?
Monthly is the usual commercial plan for food service. Busy kitchens or buildings with recurring problems may need visits every two weeks. Your local health department sets the requirements for your area.
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