Pest Control Issues in Food Factories And How To Solve Them

No matter how clean and organised a food plant appears to be, pests will always find a way in, causing significant damage and jeopardising the product's safety. From rats and cockroaches to flies and moths, these unwanted guests can cause big problems for factory food manufactures. 

Pest control is a critical part of food production, and ensuring that pests are kept under control is essential to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment. However, pest control can be challenging in a food factory, where many areas are difficult to access, and pests can hide. 

Here, we'll take a look at the most common pest control problems in food factories and how to solve them. In addition, check out our guide to pest control services for commercial properties. 

• Problem: Food contamination caused by pests

Pests can contaminate the food with bacteria and other pathogens, which can cause illness in people who eat the food, leading to diseases like salmonella, listeria, and E.coli. 

        Solution: Keep the factory clean and well organised

Keep your factory clean and well-organised if you want to avoid diseases from the pests such as bacteria and other pathogens. Food factories can make it more difficult for pests to locate food and refuge by keeping them clean and orderly. Pest problems can be reduced by organising storage and work locations.

• Problem: Pests can enter even small cracks

Cracks and crevices are the perfect hiding places for pests. They can enter a factory through tiny openings and quickly reproduce once they're inside. This can lead to infestations that are difficult to control.

The presence of pests in the food factory can create unwanted odours which makes working there unpleasant, leading to lower morale and productivity

        Solution: Inspect the premises regularly

Regular inspections are the best way to control pests in a food factory. During an inspection, all areas of the factory should be checked for signs of pests. If any are found, immediate steps should be taken to eliminate them. 

This may involve treating with pesticides, sealing up cracks and crevices, or removing sources of food and water. By taking regular measures to control pests, a food factory can help to ensure the safety of its products.

• Problem: Pests wreak havoc on food supplies

Pests can ruin food ingredients, and finished products, reducing the amount available for human consumption and spreading disease. 

For example, cockroaches can contaminate food with their droppings, saliva, and vomit. Mice can spread a dangerous virus called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). 

         Solution: Use appropriate pesticides if needed

Pesticides are a necessary part of food production in many cases, as they help to control pests that can contaminate food products. However, it is important to use pesticide products safely and correctly to minimise any risks to human health or the environment. 

When using pesticides in a food factory, always follow the instructions on the label carefully. Make sure to read and understand the entire label before using any product, as well as any restrictions that may be in place. Never use more of a pesticide than is recommended, and always apply it exactly as directed.

         Long term solution for all pest issues

Implementing a pest control program is an excellent long-term strategy for keeping pests out of your food processing facility. A pest management program is a collection of actions made to keep pests out of a certain place, usually a food structure or a farm. 

This could entail the use of organic controls, non-organic controls, and all-in-one solutions. It's crucial and necessary to have a pest control program in place to safeguard your crops, livestock, and people from pest-related harm.

When it comes to pest control in a food factory, the stakes are high. A single pest can contaminate an entire production line and cause serious financial implications for your business. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable pest control partner like Hygiene Group that can help you keep your business safe and healthy. Hygiene Group has been providing quality pest control services over the years, so we know what it takes to get the job done right.

We can help keep your factory safe and free of pests, so you can focus on what you do best - producing quality food products. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Together, we can make sure your food factory is pest-free!