Food processing, distribution, storage and service operations are more vital than ever right now. Enhanced cleaning, sanitation and disinfection protocols are the new norm, but it is important to maintain vigilance in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pests as well. Pest pressures from rodents, cockroaches, flies, stored product pests and other pests will not cease during these uncertain times. That is why it is critical to stay on top of your facility’s pest prevention and management programs.
Sprague Pest Solutions is committed to providing its clients with the innovative and IPM-based solutions it has advocated for decades and delivering those solutions with the safety of its employees and clients in mind. Here are the Sprague Essentials – helpful tips for maintaining effective pest management programs in this new era of food safety.
Sprague Essentials – Edition # 1
Stay on Top Sanitation/Equipment Cleaning Protocols
Maintaining good sanitation practices on the production floor, storage and warehousing, and loading dock areas, and on the exterior of a facility are critical to not attracting pests.
- Regularly empty trash receptacles and don’t let used product packaging to collect – pests like clutter.
- Keep trash dumpsters closed and as far from the building as possible. Even in winter trash and its odors will attract pests. Employees should be instructed to place trash only inside trash containers, and all should have pest-resistant lids/covers that are kept closed.
- Clean floor drains to prevent food particles from building up and attracting pests.
Sprague Pest Solutions provides preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services to leading food processing, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality and distribution facilities across the Western U.S. The company operates service centers in seven states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and California.