Pests like mice, termites, and bedbugs can cause financial loss as well as illness if not well controlled. In any company, controlling pests is necessary. Any business should follow safety as well as sanitation guidelines as required by the state, federal and local governments. It is necessary to follow a standard operating procedure in the course of pest control process. It clearly states those in charge of handling pest issues, chemicals and tools to use, and the control methods to apply.
Steps to a proper pest management process:
- Inspection
This is one of the most important stages of any effective pest management process. For food processors, inspections are normally done on weekly basis. These routine inspections need to focus on places where pests are likely to appear-storage areas, receiving docks, places with recent ingredient spills, and employee break rooms. The aim of inspections by experts is to identify water and food sources, potential entry points, and harborage zones, which can encourage pest issues.
- Preventive Action
Exclusion is one of the most important prevention measures. It involves building services gold coast maintenance in order to close possible entry points realized during an inspection process. You can avoid options such as chemical countermeasures by keeping pests out through physical means.
- Identification and analysis
Pests differ in terms of characteristics and behaviors. Spotting the problematic species will help you eliminate pests easily and without harming other organisms. Before starting out ensure you have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pest identification as well as behavior. Are they getting into your facility via the floor or the walls? Proper analysis will help you apply the most appropriate control techniques.
- Treatment selection
Before applying chemical options, try out non-chemical control techniques like trapping or exclusion. It is advisable to use chemical control methods only if other control techniques have completely failed or are not appropriate for the situation. Apply the right treatment procedures in the right areas and to treat the right pests. A correct treatment process may comprise a combination of techniques, from trapping to baiting to chemical treatments. Non-chemical options will help you eliminate pests without risking non-target organisms, food safety programs as well as the environment.
- Monitoring and documentation
Pest management is a continuous process. By constantly monitoring or checking your facility for operational changes and for pest activity, you’ll be able to protect infestation and also eradicate the existing ones. Proper and up-to-date documentation is important when it comes to pest control. Important documents include service reports, the scope of service, corrective action reports, trap layout maps, pesticide usage reports, applicator licenses, and list of accepted pesticides.
Conclusion
The pest control program may not be that easy especially if the correct procedure is not followed. Use chemical pest control methods only if other non-chemical techniques have completely failed. If you are less knowledgeable in matters related to pest control methods, consider hiring an expert who have knowledge and expertise in this area.
