How Do I Prevent Bug and Rodent Infestation?

Insect Control

Considering there are millions of different insects, only a small number are of particular concern in retail food facilities. These include a variety of moths, beetles and cockroaches.

Moth and beetle infestation is associated with food products such as dry pet food, dried fruits, pasta, cereals, nuts, and even non-food items such as tobacco. The most common insects in retail stores are the confused flour beetle, sawtooth grain beetle, warehouse beetle and Indian meal moth. The German cockroach, most commonly found in restaurants, feeds on all types of foods and grease. They also survive with the help of water from leaky pipes and water spills.

The control of moths and beetles, most commonly referred to as "pantry pests," should include the following steps:

• Routinely check all food products most likely to be infested
  
  
• Remove all infested product and product in containers that show evidence of infestation
  
  
• Remove all evidence of moth cocoons and completely clean areas beneath shelves
  
  
• Vacuum all areas and wash with regular detergents
  
  
• Remove product debris from all hard-to-clean areas in storage rooms
  
  
• Rotate stock on a first-in, first-out basis.
  

If severe infestation exists, insecticides can be applied; however we recommend you consult with a professional exterminator prior to applying any poisons yourself.

The control of cockroaches should include the following steps:

Exclusion

• Check for roaches or egg cases before bringing boxes or bags into the facility
  
  
• Patch holes in walls and around pipes with a caulking gun to seal cracks
  
  
• Discourage entry with the use of fly screens and weather stripping

Elimination of Food

• Keep rubbish and garbage in containers with tight fitting lids
  
  
• Clean up food spills, grease, dirty dishes promptly
  
  
• Keep shelves and floors clean
  

Elimination of Water

• Repair leaky pipes and drippy faucets
  
  
• Wrap sweating pipes

Elimination of Harborage

• Remove empty boxes, bottles, newspapers and other clutter
  
  
• Repair holes and cracks

Use of Insecticides

• If severe infestation exists, insecticides can be applied; however we recommend you consult with a professional exterminator prior to the use of residual sprays, dusts, baits and traps.

Rodent Control

There are two types of rats that invade retail food facilities:

Norway Rat

The Norway rat has a heavy body with a tail shorter than its head and body length. It lives on the ground, and seldom climbs trees, shrubs or buildings. Norway rats burrow in the ground to nest and hide. They live under buildings, piles of litter, basements, sewers and creek banks. They eat almost anything, including garbage, pet food, sewage, fruits, nuts, vegetables and meat scraps.

Roof Rat

The roof rat has a slender body with a tail longer than its head and body length. It climbs in shrubs, trees and buildings. Roof rats nest above the ground in wood piles, old furniture, storage sheds and inside buildings. They climb trees, shrubs and vines and can enter buildings at any level. Their food source includes a variety of food scraps, pet food, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

To survive, all animals need food, water and shelter. To control rats, one or all of these needs must be eliminated. The following steps will help solve a rat problem:

Remove Food and Water

• Use refuse cans with tight fitting lids and keep closed at all times. Remove left over food, unwanted fruits, nuts and vegetables. Keep all food stored in containers with tight fitting lids. Repair leaky water faucets and keep drain covers tightly fastened.

Destroy Rats

• After their food sources are removed, rats are more likely to accept trap or poison bait. However, to prevent dispersal, shelter and nesting places should not be disturbed until all or most of the rats are killed.

Traps

• Use large snap traps when rats have infested a building. Poisoned rats may die inside walls and cause serious odor problems. Baited traps are one of the most effective methods for killing rats. Bait traps with peanut butter, bacon or food that rats have been eating. Place traps near nesting areas or where rats are likely to hide. The trap should be placed with the large trigger end facing the wall.

Poison Baits

• It is best to contact a professional exterminator when poison baits are desired. Some poisons require several days of feeding to kill rats and extreme care should be taken to avoid contact by humans or non-target animals.

Ratproof Your Buildings

• After the rats have been killed, care should be taken so they will not reenter your building. Close all openings larger than ¼ inch to exclude mice as well as rats. Close vent holes with 16 gauge, ¼ inch mesh hardware cloth. Use sheet metal collars around pipe entrances on wooden walls. Use cement fill around pipe in brick, stone or cement walls. Use sheet metal edging along door bottoms to prevent entry and gnawing by rats.

Eliminate Shelter

• After ratproofing your building, remove shelter and harborage for rats. Piles of lumber, old furniture, car bodies, outbuildings, ivy, palm trees and densely growing plants provide harborage for rats. Clean up and haul away all junk and debris in and around your building.

REMEMBER............

The removal of food, water and shelter is the only sure method of controlling rats.

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