Which of the following are signs of food pest infestation?

No one wants to think about the possibility of a pest infestation in their home or business, but it’s a concern of which property owners need to be aware. Fortunately, if you know what to watch for, you can catch a pest infestation in its early stages and stop the problem before major damage is done. If you notice any of the following signs of pests in your home or business, contact a professional pest control company right away.

Droppings

One of the most common indicators of a pest infestation is the droppings they leave behind. You will most likely find them in hidden corners, cupboards, under appliances, or behind boxes. If you do discover droppings, do not attempt to clean them up yourself. Aside from being gross, the droppings may carry diseases and should be removed by a professional to avoid contamination. It is helpful to do some research to see if you can identify what type of pest left the droppings and if there is anything you else you should be concerned about.

Chewed or Torn Packages

Another thing to watch out for, particularly in the pantry and kitchen, is packaging that has been gnawed on, torn, spilled, scratched, or has any other kind of hole. Hunting for food is a common reason for pests to enter a building, so they will usually make their way into the kitchen at some point. Throw any affected food out immediately and try to store food in airtight containers to prevent pests from getting into anything. 

Nests or Materials

Another reason for pests to enter a building is to find shelter or warmth. If they plan to stay awhile, they may begin to build a nest of some kind. If you notice odd piles like shredded paper, insulation, fabric, leaves, twigs, etc. or see the nest itself, contact a pest control company to remove it for you.

Holes or Sawdust

Carpenter ants and termites are known for leaving small piles of powder or sawdust, especially near window sills and baseboards. You may also see holes dug by larger pests, gnawing or scratching marks, or changes to the home like sagging floors, loose trim, or warping wood.

Tiny Spots of Blood

Bed bugs leave tiny spots on bedding, furniture, walls, or elsewhere that look like tiny drops of dried blood. If you spot anything like this, you most likely have an infestation that needs immediate attention.

Get Help from a Professional

If you find any of these signs of pest infestation, contact a professional pest control company like Preventive Pest Control right away. Learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services and book an appointment today!

When pests find their way into a food business they always bring bad news, a pest infestation left untreated could mean contamination of food, complaints and prosecution.

Companies that have previously been prosecuted all had pest contractors, but, ultimately, they were found responsible for their failings; in all these cases the signs of pest infestation were either not spotted or not reported.

Training your staff to spot signs of an infestation should be at the forefront of your pest control policy; any reported signs should be recorded, and appropriate measures are taken.

The Five Vital Signs

So here they are, the five vital signs everyone in your business should be aware of:

1. Droppings. Mouse and rat droppings are small and dark, they will be scattered randomly and can often be found alongside skirting boards and on top of counters and in cupboards.
2. Gnawing marks and damage. Holes in sacks and bags, damage to food packaging and to storage containers are clear signs that rodents might be present in your food business.
3. Smear marks. Due to their poor eyesight rats run along established paths, often following skirting boards and walls; the oil and grease in their fur will leave dark smudges on walls.
4. Webbing, flour tracks and moulds in grain products. These could all be signs of stored product insects, which might find their way into dry stores. They all not only a source of contamination, but they can also do a lot of damage to stored foods.
5. Bodies. Whether finding dead bodies or casings or actual sightings of live animals, they are all an indication that you might be facing a pest infestation.

Are your staff trained to spot these signs?

More information on control measures can be found in the FSA Safer Food Better Business Pack.

The Ultimate First Aid Checklist

If you are an appointed person or first aider for your company you should carry out regular checks of your business to ensure that your first aid facilities are up to date. This comprehensive checklist will help you ensure you have everything covered! Get your FREE copy now.

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Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

This one-day Level 2 Food Safety course will provide you with knowledge of basic food hygiene practices that are essential in the catering industry.

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Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Manufacturing

This one-day Level 2 Food Safety course will provide you with essential food hygiene knowledge and is perfect if you work in food or drink manfacturing.

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Highfield Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Manufacturing

This Level 3 Food Safety in Manufacturing course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of food safety.

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Highfield Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering

This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of food safety and help you examine everyone’s different roles to help maintain high workplace standards.

What are the signs of a pest infestation?

What are the Signs of Pest Infestation?.

Droppings. Droppings are an obvious sign that a pest may be living or roaming in your area of work. ... .

Footprints. Footprints are another obvious sign of the presence of pests in a location. ... .

Damage to Property and Equipment. ... .

Nests. ... .

Foul or Unusual Odour. ... .

Insects. ... .

Rodents. ... .

Birds..

What are signs of pest infestation in a restaurant?

Signs of Rodents in Restaurants.

Damaged food packaging..

Gnaw marks on restaurant furnishings & equipment..

Droppings in pantries & other areas frequented by rodents..

Grease markings on restaurant walls..

Noises indicating rodent activity..

The presence of indoor nests..

Which of the following may be signs of infestation by mice?

Look for signs of rat or mouse infestation:.

Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink..

Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter..

Signs of chewing on food packaging..

Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home..

What are the 2 most common food pests?

The three main groups of pests that are encountered in food businesses are:.

Rodents - rats and mice..

Insects - cockroaches, beetles, ants and flies..

Birds - pigeons etc..