Controlling pests of stored food can be especially challenging, since the process has the risk of contaminating food products and causing health hazards if handled incorrectly. Termex Pest Management has a team of qualified inspectors who will work on effectively and safely removing pests of stored food products both in residential properties and in the food-handling industry.
To ensure that the treatment method will result in the eradication of pests, Termex technicians will inspect the building to determine the degree and nature of infestation. Food products that are found to be infested may have to be disposed of to prevent widespread pest problems.
Non-chemical Prevention of Pests
Presence of food is the easiest way to attract pests, most especially when it is left lying around in the kitchen or dining area. The first step to stop pests from invading your stored food supply is to keep your environment clean and tidy. Food preparation can lead to spillage and any unsealed leftover can entice pests to regularly forage for food in your property.
Keeping your food in sealed airtight containers can avoid pests from tracking your food supply. Kitchen counters, dining tables, storage cabinets and floors should also be free of crumbs, spillages and any food items that can be accessed by pests. Food products, even when sealed, should also be placed away from walls or the ground as to prevent pests from easily locating them. Equipment used for cooking, storage and processing food items should be thoroughly cleaned.
In the food business industry, the receiving area of new stocks should be separated from the main storage area and proper inspection should be conducted prior to storing new stocks. Pest inspections in the premises should also be regularly and extensively practised.
Getting Rid of Pests in Stored Food
In the event that our team has discovered infestation in the food storage, we will recommend a plan of action for the removal and prevention of food pests. A suitable treatment process will be implemented for complete elimination of pests. The pesticides we use are approved safe for application in food-handling areas.
Chemical treatments can be done through space sprays, where the area is cleaned and vacated, and the room is sprayed with the appropriate pesticide. This allows adult pests (usually those in the air and open space) to be killed by the chemical. It is essential that food materials are not in direct contact with the pesticide to avoid contamination, which is why it is best to leave the job to professional technicians.
In areas where wet sprays cannot be applied, insecticidal dusts may be the better option. Although the effect is short-term, this is efficient for applications in cracks or crevices, so long as the dust formulation is not used in areas where it can be mistaken for food powder or flour.
Fumigation is another method for effectively eradicating pests in stored products. The area to be treated is usually sealed and the fumigant is released in the air. It may then be left to stand for a few days, depending on the size and degree of infestation, to allow the chemicals to kill the hiding pests. Handling these chemicals can be hazardous and requires proper training and licensing.
If you are in need of advice in determining and dealing with pests found in your food storage, our team of inspectors will be glad to help you.
