On the fly

Glue boards, light traps and multi-catch traps are your first line of defense in minimizing flies and other pests in plant environments

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-         Heat requires minimized preparation of the area to be treated.

-         Spot treatments can be performed, making it unnecessary to shut down or evacuate an entire facility, thereby reducing plant downtime and production losses.
 

Heat treatment works by raising room temperature to 126 to 131 degrees F in increments of five to 10 degrees per hour. This process may take as little as eight or as many as 30 hours. During heat treatment, insects are killed by dehydration, and the destruction of some of their key enzymes and proteins. Some food processing and storage facilities are ideal candidates for heat treatment because the products and equipment are able to withstand the high temperature levels. Warehouses used for imported commodities that require fumigation also are good candidates.

 

IPM considers a multitude of situations and solutions for pest control. Since each environment is unique, sanitation and quality control managers should work with their pest control provider to design customized solutions.

 

As new research and federal regulations continue to limit pesticide use in food processing, pest control companies are continually developing effective new products and treatments. Food processors can potentially improve their corporate image and enhance employee safety by choosing environmentally friendly solutions.

 

 

Frank Meek is a board-certified entomologist and national pest control technical manager for Orkin Pest Control. A 16-year industry veteran, Meek's varied experience in all areas of pest control. During his tenure at Orkin, Meek has worked in both residential and commercial pest control. He works closely with leading universities on Orkin's behalf to learn more about the impact of pests on society.

 

 

 

 

SIDEBAR

 

Insect light traps: do's and don'ts

 

DO:

 

  • Use wall mounted units low to the floor, three to six feet, for daytime flying insects.
  • Use wall mounted units high, eight to ten feet, for nighttime flying insects in facilities with ceilings no more than ten feet high.
  • Use ceiling mounted units placed eight to ten feet from the floor for nighttime flying insects when the ceiling is higher than ten feet.
  • Position ILTs between the attracting source and the production areas.
  • Keep wall mounted units at least five feet from the food production areas.

 

 

DON'T:

 

  • Mount units where natural light from outside can compete with the light from the ILT.
  • Mount inside where high intensity mercury vapor lights are installed.
  • Use ceiling mounted units in food processing areas. There is a possibility of the contents being blown out if the glue boards dry out in between service calls.
  • Place where light from the ILT can be seen from the outside.
  • Place in explosive environments.
  • Rely solely on ILTs for a control program. They are only one tool in an integrated program of sanitation and exclusion.

 
 

 

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