The Importance of Pest Control in the Food Industry
The food industry is more vulnerable to pest infestations than any other. With strict food safety standards in place, pests can be debilitating even in small numbers. Many pests are carriers of diseases, including harmful bacteria and viruses, and promote further infestations if left unchecked. Keeping them at bay is best left to registered professionals who know the correct business practices and extermination techniques.
Here are some reasons pest control is vital for businesses in the food industry and what measures to take to achieve better results.
The danger of pests
The most dangerous part of a pest infestation is the likelihood of food contamination. Pests like cockroaches, rodents, flies, and birds will defecate or spill digestive juices over the food products they consume. These fluids carry harmful germs and spread other contaminants they encounter like industrial waste products or sewage.
Most pests can carry a wide array of diseases that can spread to food products, employees, and customers. A pest infestation can quickly become a severe health hazard and lead to potentially deadly consequences. Rodents carry many diseases and multiply rapidly, while bird droppings are poisonous and can host several harmful bacteria and protozoa like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Rodents and birds can also do considerable structural damage. Rodents will gnaw on electric cables and can shut down equipment and machinery. Nesting birds encourage other pests to infiltrate the area and can damage property with their droppings.
A business confirmed to have a pest infestation is at risk of severe fines, public inspections and will usually have its reputation damaged irrevocably. Legal proceedings and temporary closure to improve health rankings can shut down a business for good.
Best pest control methods
Pest prevention is vital when trying to reduce a possible health hazard. Thoroughly inspecting the food manufacturing areas for any signs of animal droppings and meticulous cleanliness standards are the best ways to prevent pest infiltration. You should also apply these preventive measures to ingredient drop-off locations, entry and exit points, and employee break rooms. These are the primary ways for pests to enter compounds and buildings.
Additionally, checking food storage to ensure fresh produce is packaged and kept appropriately will significantly reduce the chance of contamination. Expired or improperly refrigerated products will attract most pests.
Preventing pests from entering the facilities is better than treating the after-effects, but you should always have contingency plans in place. All staff should be aware of proper sanitation procedures and food storage practices to maintain a safe environment.
Stay on top of pest control
If you find any signs of pests in the building, immediately rectify the problem before it spreads. Professional pest extermination services will handle the issue discreetly and with utmost care to abide by all the standards and food cleanliness laws.
Rely on Russell Pest Control’s decades of local expertise to get lasting and reliable commercial pest control solutions in the Phoenix Valley. From initial inspection and assessment to ongoing monitoring and prevention, we follow a thorough and detailed approach to keep your restaurant, office, hotel, school, warehouse, or healthcare facility, free of pesky pests. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
