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Training Tip: Pest Prevention

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Integrated Pest Management methods
Resource Gallery Like humans, rodents and other pests prefer to be warm during the wintery, cold days. Because of this, pests will
often find ways into homes and buildings, especially if they can sense food. Pests, such as rodents, cockroaches,
and flies, may carry dangerous diseases which can cause people to get very sick. To keep pests from contaminating
Looking for Online Training? food supplies and food contact surfaces, a food establishment should implement an Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) program. An IPM program consists of several precautionary steps that are set up to keep pests out of facilities
Food Handler Training and to eliminate those pests that do get in.
It is important for your employees to understand methods for preventing infestations, be able to identify common
pest indicators, and know what to do if there is a pest problem. This is a key aspect of food manager certification
Alcohol Server Training (https://www.statefoodsafety.com/food-safety-manager-certification). To keep your IPM program running smoothly,
train your employees on the items listed below:

What is the best way to prevent pest infestation?

Food Manager Training
The best way to control a pest infestation is to prevent it from happening. There are two main ways to prevent and
control the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests:
1. Block entry points (exclusion)

Eliminating entry points for pests will help keep them out of your establishment. This could include patching
holes in walls and keeping doors closed as often as possible. In addition to this, inspecting food shipments for
signs of pests and rodents can help keep pests out of your establishment.
2. Eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter

Pests are always on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Denying pests those necessities will deter them from
entering and staying in your restaurant. Some common ways to keep food and shelter from pests include:
Storing food away from walls and at least six inches off the floor
Sealing workplace equipment to the floor or raising it at least six inches above the floor
Maintaining a sanitary work environment by cleaning and sanitizing preparation areas immediately after use
Disposing of trash carefully and regularly
Keeping dumpster areas clean

 Pest infestation signs L I V E C H AT

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28/1/22, 9:38 μ.μ. Training Tip: Pest Prevention
In addition to preventing pests, it is important to know signs of pests to determine if you have a pest problem.
Below are three common pests and indicators of an infestation:
1. Cockroaches
Egg casings (small shells that are black, brown, or dark red)
Small droppings that look like black pepper grains
Strong oily orders
2. Flies
Seeing flies regularly in your establishment
Observing a large number of flies around garbage cans or waste containers
Seeing a few flies every so often may not mean you have an infestation
3.  Rodents
Small black droppings
Mice (droppings about the size of rice grains)
Rats (droppings about the size of jelly beans)
Strong smell of ammonia (rodent urine)
Nests made from materials such as lint and fabric

Restaurant pest control procedure

If you see a pest or find indications that you might have a pest infestation, you should contact a Pest Control
Operator (PCO). Report to your PCO the time, date, and location of the sighting or indicators of the pest problems.
The more information you provide your PCO, the more effective their visit will be. If treatment is needed in your
facility, be sure that your PCO has the tools to treat a food establishment, such as approved pesticides, to help keep
your food and equipment safe.
If you learn how to keep pests from entering your establishment, observe and monitor for pest infestation
indicators, and know what to do if you suspect you do have a problem, you and your employees will maintain a
healthy, safe working environment. To learn more about controlling rodents and pests or gain access to online
trainings that are focused specifically on pest control contact [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]).

Food safety reminder

Seal cracks in walls and floors to keep pests from entering your establishment.

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—Janilyn Hutchings

This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and
comprehensiveness.

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