November 2018 – Urban Pest Management

In 1950’s Entomologists discovered that insects and pest were developing resistance to pesticides because of their excessive use and abuse. On the other hand Environmentalists were concerned about the destruction and risk of pesticides relating to the atmosphere. In 1960’s Rachel Carson‘s book named as Silent Spring warned people with the problems associated with pesticides.

Then a holistic solution to the problem of managing injurious insects and other pest was evolved named as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective environmentally sensitive approach to manage pest that is based on a combination of more than one appropriate practice. IPM programs use current and wide-ranging information on the life cycles of the pest, history of the pests and their interaction with the environment. This information is used to manage pest and damage caused by it with the least possible hazard to people, their assets, and the environment.

IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather a series or combination of different strategies to reduce and to manage pest at its minimum. For standard pest management practices following steps are being included:

Monitoring, Identification and setting a Threshold: Noticing a single pest does not always mean that control is needed. Firstly monitoring is done to take an idea of pest population if population is enough to cause economic loss (Threshold) then pest is identified to apply an appropriate pest control strategy.

Prevention: It includes Exclusion, Habitat Alteration and Sanitation. Sealing of cracks and crevices, penetration gaps or any other gap that allows a pest to access the building is the part of exclusion. Recommendations in regard to habitat modification or cultural behavior might include proper storage of food along with refuse and recyclable best practices, the importance of addressing moisture issues, spillage and cleaning up of environment are sanitation practices. These practices play the best role in IPM.

Control: Control regarding to pest are of two types.

Physical Control that is incorporation of nonchemical devices to monitor and assist in controlling pest populations. These items include snap traps, multiple catch traps, various insect monitors, animal cadge, rodent adhesion pads and insect light traps.

Chemical Control is least recommended in IPM strategies. Pesticides are used only when all other tactics fail to control pest population. Pesticide that is to be used should be biodegradable and environmental friendly.

Training: It is also an important part of pest management practices. Train staff and clients as well to make them aware of pest, its hazards, identification and about use of pesticides. Person who is to apply pesticides must have PPE’s, must read label and must be aware of its handling, storage and its disposal. Training of client is important to make them engage with your practices of pest control and it will make this job easy to do. Documentation of each and every activity is necessary in the field and it must be communicated with Client.

IPM in Food Industry

Pests are intrinsically drawn towards food following 20% food production losses during post-harvest practices, broadcast deadly diseases, nuisance, contamination of food and structural damage, all these factors making the food industry more vulnerable leading towards proper pest management to meet increasing food demand day by day, international food quality and quantity standards, keeping a positive bottom line and rock-solid reputation for products.

A combo of preventive and treatment practices should run side by side under the umbrella of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to prevent pest infestation losses because food areas are enriched with pest loving accommodations, have ample of sweet and nutritious food stock, so, single treatment will not give enough control due to plenty of breeding and food sources.

IPM program enhances the long-term stability of the assets and protection against pests.
Provide a long-term solution to the pest problem
Decreased use of chemical application
Reduces risks to the health of staff members.
Result in financial savings.

IPM involves the following steps:

Inspection
Monitoring
Preventive Action
Treatment
Documentation

Inspection:

Inspection is done to identify the:

Type and number of actual and potential pests
Locate the possible entryways and gaps of building
Detailed inspection of interior and exterior building and all incoming supplies provides the sources of infestation.

Monitoring:

Monitoring is done by using traps to identify the intensity and distribution of pests in and around the building.

Preventive Actions:

Exclusion, Sanitation and Habitat Alteration a includes in preventive action.

Exclusion:

Performing structural maintenance to close potential entry points revealed during an inspection.
Caulking and sealing of gaps, screening the vents and exhausts, apply nylon door strips, apply Metal sheet injunctions of walls, floors, and ceilings.
Installing air curtains, air doors and strip curtains to the dock doors.

Sanitation:

Sanitation and housekeeping will reduce the potential food and water sources, ultimately reducing the breeding rate that eventually lowers the pest population.

Habitat Alteration:

This approach leads towards the modification or eliminating the possible habitat or shelter of a pest.

Treatment:

In food areas chemical treatment should least be preferred, so use:

Physical and Mechanical means like Heat & Cold-Water Treatment, Vacuuming, Insect Light Traps, Live Traps, Sticky Traps, Lure Traps, Glue Boards, Roach Pheromone Traps etc. They are safe, environment-friendly bio-degradable and less hazardous.
If the infestation is so high and running out of hands, then move towards location-suitable, pest-Gap fit treatment like Non-volatile Gel Baiting, Bait applied in Temper resistant Bait Stations, IRS, Fogging and Misting. Chemicals used in these tactics must be environment-friendly, biodegradable and less hazardous chemical treatment. Application, Storing and Mixing methods should follow International standards.

Documentation:

Installing of different devices, No. of each device installed, Trapping trend of pests, Replacement or adding of devices, Application, Frequency, Quantity, Time and form of application of Chemical against the specific pest, visits from pest management professionals should be documented as a record. It will help to pass Food Safety Audit also give a comprehensive data of pest visit trend and their control measures at a specific place.

Monthly Archives - November 2018

Pest Management Practices

Pest Management Practices

IPM in Food Industry

IPM in Food Industry