Pests in food processing environments can lead to:
- Physical contamination of foodstuffs and packaging.
- Disease-causing organisms (e.g., microbial pathogens and intestinal worms) carried on the bodies of insects or rodents.
- Structural damage.
Threshold-based decision-making recognizes when a pest population is large enough to require control action. Control options include prevention, suppression, and eradication. Contact Facility Pest Control now!
Clutter is more than just an eyesore – it creates an ideal environment for pest infestations. From stacks of boxes in a garage to piles of leaves in a yard, clutter gives rodents the shelter, food, and protection they need to thrive in human environments. It also hinders detection and elevates the chances of a colony’s growth, making pest control much more difficult.
Rodents love hiding in clutter, which provides an array of nooks and crannies that make perfect nesting spots. These areas also provide a sense of security and safety from predators. Cluttered areas also mask spilled crumbs, old trash, and dirty containers that serve as easy meals for rats, cockroaches, mice, and other pests.
In addition, if the items that are stored in clutter are contaminated, such as expired food or chemicals, they can pose serious health risks. They can carry diseases that can cause illness or even death, as well as contaminate the surrounding area. If the contaminated items are not disposed of properly, they may remain in a home or business for an extended period of time, causing further damage.
During this process, the first step is to clear away as much of the clutter as possible. Ideally, the items that are used regularly should be stored in an organized manner, such as plastic bins and shelving. Those that are not used frequently should be labeled and placed in a storage facility, such as an off-site storage company.
Another reason why reducing clutter is so important is that it makes it much easier for pest control professionals to inspect and treat a property. Without the clutter, they are able to determine how severe an infestation is and what the best course of action should be. This way, the right treatment can be put in place to quickly and efficiently rid a property of pests. Without the proper treatment, pests can continue to cause damage to structures and contaminate surfaces, leading to costly repairs and health issues for homeowners or business owners. If you are experiencing a problem with pests, contact us immediately so we can assist in finding the best solution for your needs!
Vegetation
The type of vegetation found in an area depends on many environmental factors, such as soil, climate, and the presence of other organisms. A plant’s habitat influences its growth and development, and whether it will be attractive to pests. Invasive plants such as kudzu, in the US, are considered pests because they overwhelm native vegetation and alter ecosystems. In addition, unwanted vegetation can be a fire hazard and hamper access to buildings and facilities.
Plant-eating pests thrive only as long as their food supply lasts, and their populations will grow and spread until they are suppressed or killed. Climate conditions, such as temperature, day length and humidity, affect the number of pests, as do other natural events, such as rain, freezing temperatures and drought.
Other organisms in the environment, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, feed on some pests or their eggs or larvae, and often control their numbers. Some insects, such as lacewings and ladybugs, parasitize or kill aphids, mites and other pests. Pathogens can also suppress pest populations.
Vegetation is also affected by geographical features, such as mountains and bodies of water that restrict the movement of some pests. The climate of a region also affects how fast pests can spread to new geographic areas, and the amount of “pest pressure” they bring with them [41].
Some pests are continuous, while others appear only occasionally or in certain seasons. It is possible to predict the conditions that favor the appearance of a pest, which can help prevent it from damaging cultivated plants.
Chemicals are sometimes used to reduce the number or prevent pests from attacking cultivated plants. These chemicals can kill or repel the pests, or they can change the condition of the plant so that it is less desirable to the pests.
A variety of devices, machines and methods can be used to physically control pests. Traps, screens, fences and barriers can be placed around a property to keep pests from entering or leaving. Radiation, electricity and other methods of changing the environment, such as temperature and moisture levels (especially humidity) can control some pests. Cultural practices, such as rotating crops, cultivating the soil, varying the time or planting and harvesting, using trap crops, and pruning, thinning and fertilizing cultivated plants, can also be effective at controlling pests.
Food
Food safety programs are a critical part of any food manufacturer’s business. A pest control program is often part of these programs, as pests can contaminate food products and cause other issues. Pests include rodents (e.g. mice and rats), cockroaches, flies, beetles, moths and birds. They can spread bacteria and viruses, trigger allergies in people, damage equipment and create structural problems in facilities.
Regulatory requirements emphasize the importance of keeping facilities free from pests. Pests can contaminate foods and make people sick, which is why many food manufacturers require strict pest inspection, monitoring and control. These requirements include establishing high standards of sanitation and hygiene, implementing IPM strategies, and using professional pest control services.
Sanitation and cleanliness are the primary factors that deter pests from food establishments. Keeping up with cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, including those that aren’t used for food contact, can significantly reduce the chances of a pest infestation. A written schedule for routine cleaning and documentation of pest sightings will also help deter pests from a facility.
Food production also involves the use of pesticides, though farmers should avoid applying more than the amount necessary to protect crops. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, but the levels of pesticides in fruit and vegetable residues decrease dramatically as the foods are washed, exposed to sunlight and cooked.
In addition to the use of pesticides, food producers should follow good agricultural practices. This means planting and growing crops that are resistant to disease, incorporating cover crops that keep soil nutrients in place, avoiding the overuse of fertilizers, and taking measures to control the weeds that compete with the crop for nutrients and moisture. These steps can improve crop yields and lower the cost of producing food, while reducing the environmental impact of farming.
Entry Points
While your home or office may feel like a fortress, the truth is that pests can fit through surprisingly tiny cracks and crevices. That’s why it’s so important to regularly inspect and seal your home or business for entry points.
Floor drains are a favorite hideaway for cockroaches, since they provide an open path into your building. Dock plates used in loading areas are another hiding place for pests, as they often have gaps around them that allow for easy access to your facility. Ventilation intakes are a common spot for birds to perch and roost, and they can also offer a direct route into your facility.
Gaps under door frames and windows, worn weather stripping, and tears in window screens all offer pests a way to sneak into your property. Inspect these areas for signs of deterioration and replace them as needed.
Other potential entry points include openings for wall vents, chimneys, and utility lines that may be uncapped or not sealed properly. Check these areas for holes that are bigger than a pencil, and seal them with caulk.
Garages and basements are popular entry spots for rodents and other pests because they tend to be less insulated than the rest of the house and often have cluttered interiors that provide nesting and harborage opportunities. Clean out and remove garage clutter, as well as food scraps and garbage from the outside of your home.
In addition to cleaning up debris and securing entry points, it’s a good idea to use pheromones in your pest control strategy. Incorporating a synthetic version of the hormones female insects release to attract males can confuse them and prevent mating, which lowers insect numbers.
Regularly sending out email newsletters filled with helpful pest-control tips and discounts can keep your business top of mind for existing customers. In addition, using geofencing tools can help you create highly targeted campaigns that speak directly to your audience, which in turn boosts engagement and loyalty. This, in turn, helps you build a strong online reputation that can help you attract new customers.
