When it comes to pest control procedures in the food industry, do you know what the benefits are for your facility? In particular, are you familiar with the steps for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program? Pest control in food processing plants is an important business consideration and part of a facility’s food safety plan, so it’s imperative to know the options and the choices that you have when choosing a commercial pest control partner.
IPM focuses on pest prevention and uses pesticides only as needed. It can offer many key benefits for food processing facilities. Though it has become the industry standard, not all commercial pest control providers incorporate IPM methods in the same manner. Therefore, it’s important to ask specifically about the program and whether pest control companies have experience with it. The company should also have experience serving the specific needs of your food processing facility.
Terminix Commercial has knowledge and experience with both IPM and the specific needs of your facility. With effective and customized food processing solutions and an IPM program that addresses the reasons pests may be present, Terminix Commercial’s IPM program can help prevent pest problems before they start. Terminix Commercial is familiar with structural and sanitation pest threats, as well as food safety regulations and local health codes.
Here’s a close look at what Terminix Commercial will include as part of its IPM program and how each step can benefit food processing facilities:
1. Inspections of facility interior and exterior
Many pests can establish large infestations quickly, posing food contamination threats and potentially causing structural, equipment, packaging and/or product damage. Terminix Commercial’s trained pest professionals can spot early signs of pest activity, as well as the conditions that may attract them. This diligence can help your facility stay ahead of large infestations, reducing problems and minimizing damage and downtime.
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2. Identification of pests and analysis of activity
It’s critical to identify pests correctly so the y can be properly and effectively treated, but it’s hard for the untrained eye to do so. For example, did you know that there are over 700 ant species in the United States? Or that some birds are considered to be protected or endangered species? Knowing how pests are feeding, breeding, nesting and moving in a structure is also a key to determining the best and most efficient treatments.
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Terminix Commercial’s IPM program includes:
Treatment of affected areas and implementation of methods for controlling pests
In addition to determining the most effective treatment, this step encompasses understanding the special needs and requirements of food processing businesses. Terminix Commercial’s trained and experienced technicians know how to treat specific pests and also understand processing schedules, the specific requirements of working around food, as well as maintaining compliance with guidelines from federal agencies like the FDA and USDA, plus local health codes.
Recommendations for helping limit and prevent pest activity
Because IPM encompasses a prevention component, Terminix Commercial professionals will treat your facility today with an eye towards avoiding future problems tomorrow. We’ll recommend steps that you can take that may prevent pest entry an d reduce harborage areas, such as sealing cracks and crevices, and eliminating moisture problems and other conditions that are conducive to pest activity. With IPM, it’s our goal to stop pest problems before they start, which helps protect your facility from pest problems and the potential damage they can cause down the road.
Continuous evaluation of treatment effectiveness and any necessary modifications
Terminix Commercial’s IPM program recognizes that pests and the conditions that attract them are always changing and evolving. That’s why IPM is an ongoing process and we don’t hesitate to modify our treatment plans or recommendations when needed. If pest activity or your facility’s environment changes, our technicians will change their strategy, too.
Education, upon request, of the facility's staff, addressing actions and conditions that can affect pest activity
IPM encourages a team approach to pest prevention. If you desire, Terminix Commercial professionals will consult with you and your staff on the specific pest threats at your facility and how to help avoid the conditions that ma y attract and support them. You may be surprised at how simple some of the solutions are, as well as how effective a team approach can be.
To find out more about Terminix Commercial’s IP M program and food processing pest control plans, request a free estimate for your facility today.
