Rentokil finds pests where you can’t!

In our previous blog post on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, we provided some information on how pests like the Stink Bug, Asian Gypsy Moth, and Shot Hole Borer Beetles can be transferred via cargo from one country to another, and once they have had a chance to establish themselves, could have deleterious effects on the economy or the environment. Similarly, infested food products can be harmful to us humans and to our pets.

Imports and Exports:

Importing and exporting – in very simple terms – is basically bartering between countries and has been around since the year dot. We have – however – become more savvy with regards to pests hitchhiking to other destinations. We know where they find refuge, their food of choice, and the damage they cause. In fact, Rentokil knows everything about them, from their biology to how we can break their resistance to ongoing pest control measures.

Food and beverage manufacturing and processing plants – as with any large company producing goods for consumption – need to comply with specific food safety legislation. Pest control, prevention, and management is just one of many precautionary measures that are assessed by auditing bodies such as AIB, BRC, FSSC, Intertek, SAI, SGS and Yum. These audits are specifically designed to ensure that products are safe for both human and animal consumption.

Pests can be well hidden:

Cereals and spices are a good example, with a recent FDA report stating that 12% of imported spices are contaminated with insect parts and hair.

Spice manufacturers work with huge quantities of dry goods which are imported from various countries, and if not thoroughly checked and treated, these could be infested with various Stored Product Insects. These, in turn, could infest other, similar goods. If even one infested ingredient goes undetected, it could contaminate the entire batch. It could even contaminate other products in the factory, and – worst-case scenario – infest your supply chain, making it all the way to the supermarket to infest their goods as well.

Businesses like food processors or grain storage can benefit from an ongoing professional pest management program to mitigate the risk of pest infestations along with high standards of hygiene and sanitation, including stock rotation practices in accordance with any applicable regulations.

Hitchhiking Pests:

Whilst the utmost care is taken during the processing and manufacture of your product, what about pest prevention during the export process?

Most goods are packaged on wooden pallets and these need to be treated too. Like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, other pests can also find harbourage here, as well as in the dunnage used inside the shipping containers.

The actual vehicles and vessels transporting these goods could also become infested. If they are not treated it could lead to an ongoing infestation of any goods transported in the same container or hull. These are usually quite clean as the treatment of goods is sometimes done within the container before it is loaded onto the vessel.

Stop hitchhiking pests from travelling:

In the scenarios mentioned above, an effective pest control program must be in place. This is especially important for those customers who are audited, or who export goods. Regular pest inspections and rotation of stock are imperative, as well as the quick eradication of any pests to prevent further recurrence or damage to goods.

Why Choose Rentokil for Fumigation?

As one of the leading providers of pest control and fumigation services in South Africa, Rentokil will follow strict protocol when it comes to ensuring both the health and safety of your staff and that your product is pest free.

Our safety processes start prior to the commencement of work and include (but are not limited to) a full site inspection and risk analysis of both the goods to be fumigated and the surrounding area. The best method of control, as well as the preparations and application, are decided upon and a full brief is discussed with the client prior to, and during, the fumigation.

With over 50 years of experience in South Africa – and even more globally – we are sure to customize the most effective solution to your pest problems. Contact us today for a free survey.