Threats Caused by Pest control
It’s not enough for pests just to be gross and freaky. No, pests need to make even more problems for humans. Pests are kind of overachievers that way. Some of these problems can be a major annoyance–not to mention expensive! Various methods are undertaken and services are provided by pest control company Dubai.
Financial threat
Not taking adequate measures to prevent and control pests can lead to substantial financial costs to the business from stock and product loss, product recall, loss of reputation, and legal action that could ultimately cause the closure of the business.
Threat from the supply chain
Pests can be brought into the food processing facility through the supply chain, in the ingredients or packaging, and the facility itself will attract pests through food odours and lighting. The buildings provide shelter, warmth, food, water, and safety from predators, which are ideal conditions for proliferation unless appropriate action is taken.
The Role of Integrated Pest Management
Pest control company Dubai implemented an Integrated Pest Management program. This has three basic steps: inspection, identification, and treatment but is a complex process that requires specialist expertise to implement to achieve accredited food standards and comply with legislation.
Top pest concerns for food processors
The range of pests found in food processing plants will vary according to climate, geography, and food ingredients processed, but the most common ones are beetles, moths, rodents, cockroaches, and flies.
Stored product insects
Stored product insects (SPIs) are a generic term that covers beetles, weevils, moths, and mites (which are actually arachnids) infesting food in storage anywhere in the food chain from the farm to the kitchen. Stored product pests are most likely to be in a food ingredient on delivery to a processing factory or a processed food product when stored for a long time.
Most dried food products are susceptible to pests, including cereal products, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, spices, powdered milk, tea, and preserved meats.
All stages of the pest can be present simultaneously, egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
In packaging
They can also enter packaging made of paper, cardboard, plastic, cellophane, and foil. The entrance holes of some insects are smaller than can be seen by the human eye, so there may be no visible damage to packaging containing pests.
Insects and mites may only consume a small quantity of food but can contaminate large quantities through physical damage, feces, cocoons, etc and the introduction of microorganisms that cause further degradation, making food unfit or unacceptable for human consumption.
The pest activity in raw product ingredients can also change their physical and chemical properties, causing them to cake during processing which can halt production lines and damage machinery.
With an active approach and the right products, you can ensure pests don’t get in the way of running your business or facility. Routine monitoring and anti-termite treatment in Dubai can go a long way in preventing and controlling pests.
