STRICTER LAWS REQUIRE NEW PEST CONTROL METHODS
Pest control is shifting towards proactive and non-chemical methods due to stricter regulations. In the past, many pesticides were permitted, but now their use is heavily restricted. Globally, the use of chemicals has been reduced in public spaces, agriculture, nature reserves, and sensitive areas.
Adopting a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan can help you achieve sustainability goals and ensure compliance with audits, standards, and regulations. This approach ensures your business remains 100% compliant with the latest laws.
Learn more about regulatory requirements and commercial standards in the food processing industry.
What is the Purpose of IPM?
The purpose of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to reduce the use of harmful chemicals to safe and responsible levels. IPM relies on four key steps, which must be followed in the right order:
- Inspection
- Monitoring
- Prevention
- Control
For control, IPM uses three methods:
- Biological Control: Managing the environment to support natural pest predators
- Physical Control: Using traps or barriers
- Chemical Control: Applying pesticides only when necessary
Anticimex Approach and Our Sustainability Focus Areas
Using sustainable pest management in the food industry aligns with environmental care, promotes health and safety, follows regulations, boosts brand image, and can save businesses money in the long run.
At Anticimex, we take corporate responsibility seriously. We are dedicated to making our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) processes and products more sustainable and humane.
We focus on three key impact areas, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Preventing the spread of pest-borne diseases
- Reducing property loss and food waste
- Protecting biodiversity by minimizing the use of biocides, rodenticides, and insecticides
With Anticimex SMART, our digital monitoring and non-toxic control system, and the data we collect via our online customer portal, we also:
- Reduce CO² emissions by needing fewer technician visits
- Cut down on paper waste
- Protect biodiversity by using fewer biocides, preventing secondary poisoning, and enhancing our environmental impact.
Inspection
Inventory and Evaluation
Starting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program begins with a "baseline measurement" to compare future efforts. We inspect the premises for pests, risk areas, entry points, potential hazards, and missing protocols.
During the inspection, we review historical data, past reports, documentation, compliance with standards, and other relevant events.
With this information, we create a customized IPM program for your needs. The plan's effectiveness is evaluated annually using trend analysis and our SMART data system.
Common Pests in the Food Industry
The most common pests in the food industry are Storage Product Insects (SPIs), cockroaches, and flies. These insects spread diseases like typhoid and cholera through their excrement, contaminated legs, saliva, and hair. Beetle larvae can damage stored supplies by consuming them and leaving behind webbing and waste, which lowers the quality of the product and can render it unusable.
Rodents, such as mice and rats, are also a major threat. They spread germs like Salmonella and plague bacteria through their feces and urine. Additionally, rodents can cause significant damage by gnawing on food products, packaging, and electrical cables.
Digital Monitoring and Real-Time Data
When pests infiltrate a facility, it is crucial to detect their presence and assess the threat to control them effectively.
Traditional pest control methods rely on monthly, quarterly, or annual inspections. However, the integration of intelligent and digital monitoring systems has transformed how we protect food processing facilities.
Anticimex SMART uses intelligent traps, sensors, and cameras to monitor 24/7 for pest activity and temperature changes. These units are strategically placed throughout the facility, including hard-to-reach areas and places with minimal human traffic.
The Anticimex SMART system continuously reports results to a SMART Hub and our customer portal. This real-time data enables early pest detection, allowing for quick and targeted responses. Additionally, it provides comprehensive documentation for auditors and helps meet compliance requirements.
IPM Supports Data-Driven Decision Making
Practical Pest Prevention Tips
- Seal Entry Points: Close up any holes in walls or cracks under doors to block the entry of mice, ants, and other crawling pests.
- Watch Your Plants: Be mindful of plants near open windows and doors, as pests may be drawn to them, using them as a bridge into your home or business.
- Maintain Cleanliness & Sanitation: Establish and follow a strict cleaning and food safety routine. Ensure all crumbs and food waste are cleaned up immediately.
- Inspect Incoming Goods: Thoroughly check all incoming items for signs of pests before bringing them indoors to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
> More information on how to prevent pest infestation at your food processing facility.
Risk Analysis for Effective Pest Control
Before resorting to chemical solutions, a thorough risk analysis is crucial. This process begins by evaluating the type of pest, the environment, commercial standards, thresholds, and the biocides being considered. The key question: how could the pest spread germs and potentially contaminate your products?
The next step is assessing the methods and products used for pest control. Will these solutions pose any risk of contamination? And importantly, is there a possibility of primary or secondary poisoning to non-target species?
By conducting a detailed risk analysis, you can ensure that your pest control measures are both effective and safe for your environment.
Big Data Enhances Pest Management
Anticimex uses data to boost pest control and prevention. By analyzing pest activity over time, we can plan more effective strategies for the future.
Trend Analysis for Better Pest Control
Trend analysis looks at past data to spot patterns and changes in pest activity. By understanding these trends, businesses can predict future pest problems and take preventive steps early, reducing the risk of infestations.
By identifying these patterns, businesses can better allocate resources, improve operations, and make their pest control programs more efficient. This approach saves money and supports sustainable practices.