The presence of pests in food production and preparation areas has always been unacceptable. Pests in food retail, processing and distribution facilities are not just nuisances; they can lead to significant product loss, regulatory action and a public relations nightmare.
Proper pest management is a vital step in protecting you from these consequences. But it’s not just about throwing money as a pest control service provider, the solution is often in your own “backyard” so to speak as keeping pests out requires proper preventive action.
Use this checklist to ensure you are protected.
Landscaping
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Remove excess plant growth.
Maintain the lawns and avoid uneven ground to prevent water from pooling and providing breeding areas.
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Building
surroundings
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A paved area around the building will discourage pest activity. Remove all standing water.
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Exterior
windows & doors
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Install weather stripping around windows and doors to close off any gaps that pests could enter through. Inspect for worn-out door weather strips and sweeps and replace accordingly.
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Vents
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Inspect vents and have them properly screened.
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Walls
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Look for cracks and other damages to exterior wall structures. Make the repairs and seal with weather-resistant sealant. Make sure there are no holes in sheeting however small.
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Roofs
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Inspect the roof for any cracks, holes, missing sheeting, openings and seal these
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Gutters
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Inspect and clean out nests and other debris that can cause pooling water which is a breeding opportunity.
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Location of
Equipment
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Ensure fixed equipment is positioned so it is possible to inspect and clean all the way around and underneath
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Ceilings
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Drop ceilings must be cleaned and maintained as they easily become harbourage sites
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Pipe work
& ducting
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Quick fixes such as capping equipment, inlet piping and keeping drain covers and screens/traps for vents in place also help to eliminate simple shelters for pests
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Trunking for
electrical cables
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Although easier to clean than cable racking, these provide an ideal harbourage for cockroaches. Rather avoid.
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Doors
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Keep them closed – install automatic door returns, Install screen doors work on standard doors, install air curtains and strip doors for dock doors.
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Windows
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Keep them closed – weld closed if necessary, remove if possible. Install screens as a last resort.
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Redundant
equipment
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Get rid of all equipment, pallets and any other engineering junk that can easily harbour pests. Workshops and spares stores are ideal spots for rodents.
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