Spotting Pest Signs in Your Food Facility

Pests in food facilities are not just an inconvenience, they are a serious threat to the safety and integrity of your products. Rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants can infiltrate facilities unnoticed and contaminate raw materials, spoil products, and spread diseases.

Left unchecked, an infestation can escalate quickly, resulting in serious consequences for both food safety and business operations. The key to preventing these issues is early detection.

Key Signs of Pest Infestation

Direct Evidence

Visible Pests

This is the most obvious sign but one that many people overlook. If you spot a pest crawling around your facility—be it a rat, fly, or cockroach—it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. 

Be vigilant for live or dead insects, insect parts (wings, legs), egg casings, and trails or webs. Additionally, monitor any increase in pest activity within traps, such as insect light traps and pheromone traps, as this may indicate a growing issue.

Droppings 

Rodents and cockroaches leave droppings near walls, shelving, or food storage areas. Rodent droppings resemble small grains or seeds. Urine stains are also a key indicator, especially in damp areas.

Gnaw Marks and Damaged Packaging

Rodents chew through materials to access food. If you see gnaw marks or damaged packaging, it’s likely rodents. Insects may also cause damage, leading to contamination risks.

Indirect Evidence

Food Contamination

Moldy or discolored food, along with strange tastes or odors, can be an indirect result of pest infestations in your facility. 

Pest droppings, urine, saliva, and body parts can accelerate spoilage, leading to mold growth and discoloration. These signs should not be ignored, as they indicate compromised food quality and safety.

Structural Damage

While pests are most commonly found near food and waste, some pests, especially rodents, can cause damage to your facility’s infrastructure. 

They may chew through electrical wires, insulation, pipes, or walls, which can lead to costly repairs or fire hazards. Exposed wires or holes in walls should be inspected immediately for potential pests.

Unexplained Noises and Unusual Smell

Scratching, scurrying, or chewing sounds within walls or storage areas may signal an infestation. The smell of decaying food, urine, or even pheromones left by insects can be a sign that pests have infiltrated your facility. 

Be mindful of any musty or pungent smells, particularly near storage, waste areas, or places where food is handled.

How to Respond When You Spot Pest Signs

Once you spot signs of pest activity, it’s important to take swift action to prevent further damage. 

Notify the appropriate personnel: If you have a pest management team or safety officer, inform them immediately so they can assess the situation and take further action.If the infestation is significant, you may need to bring in experts who can identify the source of the problem and offer long-term solutions.

Review your pest management programme: The presence of pests in your facility indicates that regular inspections and preventive measures are insufficient. Work with your pest management partner to adjust your program and activate corrective measures to address existing pests.

Train your staff: Ensure that everyone in your facility is trained to spot early pest signs and knows how to handle them. Keeping your employees alert is an essential part of pest prevention.

Stay vigilant, act quickly, and maintain a pest-free environment for the safety of your customers and your business.