Food processing facilities encounter a wide range of pest challenges every day. Every facility may have distinct pest concerns, influenced by its location and the products it manages and manufactures. However, certain pests tend to be common across many processing sites. So the question is, which pests are the most prevalent?
What is risk-based pest control?
In 2015, the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) introduced a shift toward risk-based preventive controls for food manufacturing facilities. This approach mandates that each facility assesses its specific risks, develops and applies measures to minimize or eliminate them, verifies the effectiveness of these controls, and takes corrective actions to maintain them. All controls must be detailed in written plans, with any related activities thoroughly documented.
So, how does this relate to pest control? Identifying the pest challenges your facility faces enables you and your pest management provider to target specific problem areas and establish effective strategies to keep pests out, or address them if they invade the facility.
Risk-based plans should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective. Several factors can alter a facility’s pest control needs, such as:
- The introduction of new products, ingredients, production lines, suppliers, or processes, which may bring new risks.
- Construction or renovations, which might demand updates to pest control programs.
- Extreme weather events like flooding, droughts, or hurricanes, which could require temporary preventive measures.
Highest-risk pests for food processors
Understanding pest challenges faced by others in your industry can provide a fresh perspective and help you identify potential risks at your facility that you might have overlooked.
As you review your pest management strategies, this information can help refine your approach to address the most significant pest threats effectively. If you suspect any of these pests are a concern for your facility, it’s important to address them promptly.
1. Rodents
Rodents are the most common pest challenge for processors, with infestations on the rise across the U.S. Mouse populations are higher than ever, and roof rats are extending their range into new areas.
2. Night-Flying Insects (Moths and Other Nocturnal Pests)
These pests are often found near loading docks and areas that have frequent open access. Installing insect light traps can help minimize their entry into facilities.
3. House Flies
As carriers of disease, house flies present a significant risk to food processing facilities. They can enter through tiny openings or gaps, but insect light traps are an effective method for keeping them out.
4. Small Flies and Gnats
This group includes pests such as phorid flies, fruit flies, and various gnats. They thrive in areas with moisture or organic material, making proper sanitation crucial for control.
5. Pigeons
Pigeons pose a serious threat to food safety and human health due to the contamination they cause. A tailored management plan can help mitigate pigeon activity around your facility.
6. Sparrows
These small birds often nest in gaps around buildings, such as roof overhangs, and can become a problem within loading docks or other entry points. Pest exclusion measures can help keep them out.
7. Warehouse Beetles
This pest targets stored products, especially grains, and thrives in areas where grain dust accumulates. Common problem zones include sifting rooms, coating areas, hammer mills, elevators, and any location with dust buildup, like beams or electrical boxes.
8. Indian Meal Moths
These moths are often seen resting on or flying near areas where dried foods are stored, including raw materials or packaged goods such as rice, birdseed, cornmeal, chocolate, crackers, dog food, dried fruits, and whole wheat products. Nearly any dried food item can become a source of infestation.
9. Bottle and Flesh Flies
These two fly species share similar habits and are commonly found near garbage, rotting organic matter, and animal waste within processing facilities.
10. Cigarette Beetle
Like warehouse beetles, cigarette beetles are problematic in areas where dried foods are handled and fine particles accumulate, such as in milling, coating, or sifting rooms. They are also attracted to locations containing plants, animals, or their byproducts.
If you are a Gregory Pest Solutions customer, your pest control program is tailored to address the specific risks at your facility. During routine services, your designated specialist monitors for emerging pest issues or conditions that might encourage pest activity and will document findings in your Proof of Service Report.
If you are not yet a Gregory customer and want to learn more about our customized pest management solutions for food processing facilities, reach out to us today.