Stored product pests are one of the most economically important pests for food processing facilities such as grain silos, bakeries, breweries and retail food stores that store or use large amounts of unprocessed and cereal based grain products.

Confused flour beetles, Indian meal moths, saw-toothed grain beetles, weevils and other stored product pests can infest and spoil grain, flour, rice and finished goods rendering products inedible. This causes downtime in production, damaging the brand name and creating negative consumer feedback. If noticed by a third-party auditor, causes a facility to receive a reduced score or even failure of their audit.

One method for controlling stored product pests that threaten food processing and storage facilities is mating disruption. Scientist are working on several mating disruption materials, the one currently available and highly effective is for Indian meal moths and related food moths.

Mating disruption is the process of introducing artificial sex attractant pheromones into a facility with the intention of distracting male stored product pests – Indian meal and flour moths mainly – as they are trying to make a love connection with their female counterparts during mating season.

The artificial pheromones create “false trails” that make it harder for male moths to find their soul mates and when that happens mating doesn’t occur, eggs are not laid and the populations of these destructive pests drops.

Female Indian meal moths communicate with males through pheromone plumes. This directs male moths to their location. By using the mating disruption pheromone, the males chase a false trail, exhaust their energy reserves and die before successfully finding and mating with a female. These disruptions have a significant impact on their ability to mate and reproduce.

Even though pheromones products are naturally occurring this particular application method makes them a registered pesticide. However, they are certified for use in organic food processing facilities and there is no danger of food product absorbing the pheromones unless it comes in direct contact with the dispenser.

Pheromone mating disruption dispensers are typically installed and replaced twice a year to ensure coverage through the entire moth mating season. The dispensers are placed within facilities and can treat an entire warehouse but they have also proven successful in treating specific sections or even aisles in a facility.

A thorough pest monitoring program is also a key part of the process. Deploying standard pheromone traps and light traps, technicians can track pest population levels and when fewer male moths are caught the more likely the program is working.

If you are looking for a pest management partner that will deliver exceptional results, provide outstanding customer care, and protect your employees and customers from unwanted and potentially harmful pests, give Clark Pest Control a call at 800/936-3339 or visit http://www.clarkpest.com/commercial-pest-control

California’s wet and wild winter certainly was a departure from the dry and unusually warm winters the state has endured over much of the preceding decade. But what will the change in weather mean for pest pressures this spring and summer?

Water – along with food and shelter – is one of the three basic staples that insect pests need to survive. Cockroaches, flies, and ants are only a few of the pests that flourish when they have consistent access to water, which keeps them from drying out. Abundant water also factors into where they instinctively locate harborage and nesting sites.

The Clark Man visited with Darren Van Steenwyk, B.C.E., Technical Director for Clark Pest Control, to see what impact this winter’s weather will have on pest pressures this spring. Here’s what he has to say:

“Based on the extremely wet weather we experienced this winter, it is possible that homeowners could see increased pest pressure this spring,” says Van Steenwyk. “Spiders could be more of a nuisance, and there is good chance we will see more small flies, due to increased moisture levels and decaying organic matter as a result of flooding and standing water.”

Clark Pest Control’s technical point man also thinks this year’s termite swarms could be more prevalent, due to moist soil conditions that are music to subterranean termites’ ears. These destructive pests silently attack structures from well-hidden nests that are entrenched in the soil beneath homes and other structures.

Other soil-dwelling pests, such as crickets and earwigs, may also experience a renaissance due to the moist conditions that exist.

One pest that may suffer a setback because of the wet conditions is also one of California’s most commonly encountered pests – ants.

These insects, like the Argentine ant, do need moisture to survive. However, heavy flooding may have wiped out their underground nests. Also, such food sources as grasses and plants, on which the ants feed, may be getting choked out by weeds that are thriving due to the wet conditions.

What can you do to deflate spring pest pressures due to excess moisture? The Clark Man offers the following tips:

• Eliminate standing water 
• Repair leaky faucets and irrigation sprinkler heads and pipes
• Make sure attics and crawlspaces are well vented
• Clean out leaves from gutters to avoid water buildup

If you think the wet weather is causing increased pest activity, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com

With the third-party auditing being more and more subjective, it would serve food processing, storage, transportation and distribution facilities and their pest management partners well to insert a hefty dose of sound science into the discussion.

Part of this sound science approach relies on the collection, interpretation and sharing of pest trend reports. These reports are gathered with intelligence gleaned by technicians from monitoring insect and rodent traps within facilities, first-hand observations, review of pest logs kept by the client and conversations with facility staff.

Trend reports share information on pest activity and evidence of their presence (i.e. rodent droppings, gnaw marks on packaging, dead insects, etc.) within a facility.

These reports not only tell a pest management professional and facility staff where pest activity is present and how great the pressure but when pests are most likely to be active based on history.

The proper analysis of trend reports is something the commercial pest experts at Clark Pest Control thrive on. We sift through mounds of data collected from our clients to identify pest trends and use that data to get ahead of potential issues.

Pests, like humans, are creatures of habit and through trend report analysis we can predict when Indian meal moths may be an issue or from what access point rodents are entering a warehouse.

By combing our expertise in pest prevention and elimination with trend data we can deliver a more comprehensive and complete pest program.

Under mandates of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food processors and their pest management partners are being required to take a pro-active approach to pest management and food safety.

Written pest management programs are required to be developed and carried out in food processing facilities both big and small. And the programs must place a strong emphasis on adopting a proactive, preventive – not reactive – approach to pest management.

Pest trend reporting and analysis falls in line perfectly with this approach, and can provide all stakeholders involved in the process – food processors, pest management providers, auditors and inspectors – with accurate, detailed and current information.

Clark Pest Control has always been committed to deploying cutting-edge technology to solve clients’ pest issues and trend reporting is part of that. These examples of trend reports show how we gather and disseminate valuable pest data for the benefit of our clients. 

Clark Pest Control is excited to be exhibiting at this year's North Coast Wine Industry Trade Show and Conference. Make sure to stop by our Booth #528 in Hall of Flowers!

Spring officially arrives on March 20. However, unseasonably warm weather in California and parts of northern Nevada has caused some pests in and around commercial facilities to act confused, while other pests are acting like one might expect.

Greg Ingram, A.C.E., a corporate QA manager for Clark Pest Control, says he has witnessed a spike in mosquito and flying insect activity recently, something that Clark pest experts typically don’t see until spring.

“California and northern Nevada enjoy a variety of micro-climates that can impact not only the type of pest you might encounter, but where and when you encounter them,” says Ingram. “This winter, we have seen earlier activity with some non-seasonal pests, and slightly increased activity of more traditional winter pests – including rodents and wildlife.”

Abundant rain from the winter of 2016-2017 yielded an increase in plant growth, which helped to provide plentiful sources of food and harborage for disease-transmitting and destructive commensal rodents – mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.

With more places to eat and live on the exterior of a commercial facility, rodents improved their chances of gaining access to the holy grail of more food, water, and shelter on the inside.

And when colder temperatures and drier conditions arrived this winter, eliminating the rodents’ natural food sources, their first move was to use that proximity to structures to their advantage.

“This placed an emphasis on making sure our commercial facilities were focusing on pest exclusion and eliminating conducive conditions that could attract them,” says Ingram.

Ingram says three common conditions that attract pests to a facility in the winter include:

1. Deficiencies in a facility’s sanitation programs

2. Structural deficiencies, such as missing screens, openings in the foundation or roof, lack of door sweeps, loose seals on doors, windows, etc.

3. Excess clutter inside and outside the facility (i.e., overcrowded storerooms, stacked wooden pallets, etc.)

Another factor that helped increase pest pressure in certain areas is the havoc wreaked by California’s wildfires, flooding, and mudslides.

“The natural habitats of rodents and other pests were disrupted by these events,” says Ingram, “and as a result, they went in search of more welcome environments – usually the closest structure.”

To keep pests out of your facility this winter (and all year around), Ingram recommends the following:

• Take preventive action in the fall months to correct conditions that attract pests and allow them to gain access to your facility.
• Get outside and perform a thorough inspection of the exterior of your facility with your maintenance staff and your pest management provider, so that you can identify items that need correction.
• Create a defensible space around your facility by reducing excess landscape plantings and other conducive conditions.

If you are looking for a pest management partner that understands your business and can help your company create a culture of food safety, as well as deliver exceptional results and outstanding client care, call or text Clark Pest Control at (800) 936-3339.

Keeping New Years’ resolutions isn’t easy. Keeping pests from trying to gain access to a commercial property also isn’t easy. What resolutions should QA and property managers make in 2021 to keep pests from becoming an issue?

Frank Giannico, regional sales manager in central and southern California for Clark Pest Control, says addressing behavioral and operational issues – sanitation, structural and behavioral practices – is the most important resolution to make.

“It starts and ends there,” says Giannico. “Pests are the symptoms that lead to discovering the root cause of a pest infestation.”

A missing door sweep, a crack in a slab floor in the production area or a missed cleaning on a piece of processing equipment can lead to an unwanted pest infestation.

Giannico encourages QA and property managers to make it a point to become more active in their facility and property’s pest management programs in 2021. He also encourages clients to expand education and training for team members emphasizing the important role they play in sustaining a successful pest management program.

Why do pest management resolutions fail? Giannico says it often starts with clients not having a clear vision of what is needed to establish and sustain an effective pest management or food safety program.

“You can’t start on a journey without a map or destination in mind,” says Giannico. “Identifying the requirements needed to achieve internal and external goals is the first step and Clark can work with clients to make that happen.”

It is also important to share your vision and specific requirements with your pest management service provider and for them to reciprocate. An effective pest management program is a collaborative effort.

Cost is another consideration, especially under current conditions where businesses are impacted by another round of pandemic-related closures and restrictions.

Giannico says commercial clients must weigh the cost of not acting to prevent or eliminate a rodent or cockroach problem. In the long run, it costs much less to prevent a pest issue than to react to one once it has become established.

The threat of product recalls, failed audits, reputational damage or legal action from clients, not to mention the potential danger to consumers who may purchase and consume tainted food products caused by bacteria-laden pests, speak loudly for resolving to maintain a regular pest management program.

Another final resolution is to engage coworkers from the c-suite to the processing floor to get behind the effort to prevent pests. As mentioned earlier, providing employees a clear target and access to training and education will go a long way to altering the negative impact a pest infestation presents.

Key Points

• Address the behavioral actions that promote pest conducive conditions.
  
  
• Promptly fix any structural, sanitation or behavioral issues and document what was done and if it worked.
  
  
• Communicate with your pest management services provider – what are you seeing, what are your concerns and requirements – and ask the same of them.
  
  
• Commit to expanding training and education programs for staff.
  
  

Clark Pest Control remains committed to safeguarding your business from pests during these uncertain times. Our service technicians use personal protective equipment – gloves, masks and respirators – practice social distancing, deploy call ahead notifications and strictly adhere to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your business.

If your company is looking for a pest management partner that understands your business, and can help you protect your products, employees and customers, give Clark Pest Control a call at (800) 936-3339.

https://www.clarkpest.com/commercial-service-blog/setting-a-new-years-resolution-to-prevent-pests

Wineries aren't just about producing great wine—they’re about creating memorable experiences. That means your tasting room, event space, vineyard grounds, and production facilities need to be not only spotless, but also free of pest-related health and safety risks.

Clark Pest Control works closely with wineries to implement non-invasive, audit-ready pest management plans that help you stay compliant with food safety standards and prepared for third-party inspections. From vineyard events to private dinners and seasonal festivals, we help you maintain clean, welcoming, and pest-free environments all year long.

Our Winery-Focused Pest Control Approach Includes:

• Targeted pest management for common winery threats, including rodents, ants, flies, and occasional invaders
  

• Preventive maintenance to stop pests before they become a problem—like removing entry points and improving sanitation practices
  

• Audit prep and reporting tailored to the wine industry, including proper documentation and compliance support for organic, kosher, and GMP-certified facilities
  

• Grounds care and exclusion tactics to deter outdoor pests from migrating inside
  

The Clark Pest Control Advantage:

• S.M.A.R.T.™ Sustainable Methods And Responsible Treatments: A low-impact, food-safe approach ideal for wineries
  

• Online customer portal to access reports, service history, and trend analysis anytime
  

• Ongoing support and employee training to empower your team to help prevent pest problems between service visits
  

• Flexible payment options that work for estates with shared spaces or multiple buildings
  
  

Wineries face unique challenges at the intersection of agriculture, hospitality, and food service. Clark brings decades of experience and proven success in the hospitality industry to help you manage those risks with confidence.

🎯 Want to keep your wine experience pest-free from vineyard to glass? Let Clark Pest Control show you how.

LEED/Organic Pest Control

PREPARING FOR THE BEST THROUGH LEED

While organic pest management only represents a small portion of LEED credits, its successful deployment is vital to completing LEED's rigorous requirements. Our approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) follows these ideals and can qualify for credits in your facility’s LEED scoring. Learn More about LEED here.

ABSOLUTELY ORGANIC

We also understand how important it is to adhere to the strict standards of organic regulations, so Clark's organic pest control program is specially designed to meet your specific needs and maintain your facility’s hard-won certification. We fully support the philosophy and standards of the U.S. National Organic Program (NOP).

CLARK'S ORGANIC PEST CONTROL PROCESS:

• We adhere to a thorough process of inspecting, identifying, monitoring, and evaluating before selecting appropriate control methods. This involves routine inspection and accurate identification of pests, two vital steps in selecting the safest, most effective control methods.
• At LEED facilities, we only apply pesticides after conducive conditions are addressed and other non-chemical certified interventions are employed.
• We use exclusion, maintenance, and sanitation solutions to minimize the need for chemical intervention. We often employ pest traps, vacuums, or low-impact methods like botanical oils.
• Our employees receive regular training in organic food safety to ensure they stay abreast of industry regulations and emerging organic pest control technologies; we are certified by NPMA Food Safety, QualityPro, and GreenPro, and are trained to adhere to GMPs.
• We offer third-party audit preparation, consultation, and representation.
• Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program documents the details of all operations, inspection findings, and recommendations.
• We provide you with an on-site binder or online access via our secure web portal to documentation that covers all service details clearly and concisely.
• To ensure that your facility meets all NOP guidelines, both the local branch supervisors and corporate quality assurance personnel perform periodic quality assurance inspections.
• We guarantee our work 100 percent.

For more information on LEED or our certified organic certified pest control, call 1-800-882-0374 or click here.

 

Whether you’re hosting guests in your tasting room, coordinating vineyard events, or welcoming visitors to your wine country retreat, first impressions matter—and pests can ruin them instantly. Wineries often double as hospitality venues, and that unique combination brings both beauty and challenges. High foot traffic, food and beverage service, and open-air spaces create ideal conditions for pests to thrive.

At Clark Pest Control, we understand the specific pest pressures wineries face. Since 1950, we've partnered with hospitality-driven businesses to ensure their guests stay delighted—and pests stay out.

Common Pest Challenges in Winery Hospitality Spaces:

• Flies and gnats in tasting rooms and outdoor patios

• Rodents nesting in storage areas or near food service zones
  

• Ants and crawling insects drawn to wine production waste or sugary spills

• Wasps around event areas and patios during warmer months

• Mosquitos around the winery property during the warmer, more higher traffic months
  
  

How Clark Helps Wineries Stay Pest-Free:

Our integrated pest management (IPM) approach focuses on prevention, minimal disruption, and environmentally responsible treatments. Here's how we protect your guest-facing areas:

• Thorough inspections by licensed technicians trained in hospitality protocols
  

• Physical pest exclusion: sealing cracks, gaps in wall voids, around pipes, and entry points
  

• Customized pest monitoring and trapping plans based on your facility's layout and risk zones
  

• Pre-audit support and documentation to help you meet organic, kosher, or food safety compliance standards
  

• GreenPro and QualityPro certified technicians who follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  
  

With Clark’s Pest-Away® year-round program, you’ll not only prevent infestations—you’ll preserve your brand’s reputation and ensure that every guest has a five-star experience, free of unwanted intrusions.

📞 Ready to protect your tasting room, event space, or wine country retreat? Contact Clark Pest Control today for a customized consultation and get back to focusing on what you do best—hospitality.

Non-Chemical Pest Solutions

Kinder and Gentler Effective Pest Control

Clark Pest Control understands that pesticides are not always the answer. There are a number of non-chemical solutions that are just as effective when it comes to preventing and eliminating unwanted pests in commercial facilities. Our pest management experts have developed and currently deploy a wide variety of natural alternatives.

Clark's Chemical-free Pest Control Options:

• Pest Exclusion is the cornerstone of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program since it works by denying pests access to your commercial facility. Our experts perform a top-to-bottom inspection of your facility to identify potential entry points, and then recommend corrective actions to secure them.
• Cultural practices include maintaining good sanitation habits, regularly rotating products and providing up-to-date employee training; these go a long way towards avoiding pests.
• Vacuum pest control physically removes pests from your facility and is often the most efficient way to reduce the pest population.
• Heat extermination uses both volumetric heat and the direct application of hot vapors to eliminate pests. Volumetric heat penetrates and treats targeted areas of your facility by raising controlled temperatures to a lethal level. We also apply direct hot vapor applications to enable dry steam to raise the temperature of an immediate area (spot treatment) to a lethal level.
• Removal and repair of door and window frames, HVAC vents, openings in the foundation, or furniture – which is either allowing access to pests or has been infested – to immediately stop the infestation and prevent future incidents.
• Pheromone-Baited Traps are highly targeted and extremely effective pest deterrents for most stored-product pest species. They can detect specific pests, and work well for stored products in restaurants, grocery stores, pet stores and large and small food-processing plants and warehouses. These insect-emitted, naturally occurring chemicals are used to attract other like insects or keep them away.

Clark's Process:

• At each service appointment, we thoroughly inspect your property and review our findings with you to determine the best course of action.
• We only apply pesticides after conducive conditions are addressed and other non-chemical certified interventions are employed.
• We offer third-party audit preparation, consultation and representation.
• Our IPM program documents the details of all operations, inspection findings and recommendations.
• We provide you with an on-site binder or online access via our secure web portal to documentation that covers all service details clearly and concisely.
• We guarantee our work 100 percent.

To find out more about chemical-free pest control, call Clark today at 1-800-882-0374, or click here.

Clark Pest Control will be offering information related to pest management in and around your winery. We offer structural pest control solutions as well as burrowing rodent control and weed abatement solutions to your property. We’re here to discuss all of your pest-related questions and hope to provide you with the solutions to keep your business pest free. Stop by our booth and schedule a free site evaluation with us. We hope to see you there!

Clark Pest Control
Unified Symposium Booth: 804

Clark Pest Control is celebrating 75 years in business in 2025! We offer pest control solutions to fit your facility needs. Our services include flying insect management, stinging insect services, bird/bat/rodent exclusion and clean-up, burrowing rodent control in and around your property, fire breaks and weed control, just to name a few. Stop by our booth to see what we may be able to offer you!

Multiple cockroach species can be found commercial properties, particularly restaurants, food service outlets in malls, airports and entertainment venues, and food processing plants. The most common species found in commercial properties is the German or American cockroach, but the Turkestan cockroach is making its presence known more around commercial properties.

While both German and Turkestan cockroaches are pests capable of causing problems for commercial property owners and managers, their differences in size, appearance, habitat preferences and behavior, make them distinct species with unique characteristics.

SIZE AND APPEARANCE

• German cockroaches are smaller in size, typically ranging from 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length. They are light brown to tan in color, with two dark stripes running lengthwise behind their head.
• Turkestan cockroaches are larger, with adults reaching up to 1 inch in length. They are darker in color compared to German cockroaches, ranging from brown to black, and have a shiny appearance.

BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION

• Both species are known for their rapid reproduction rates, but German cockroaches are notorious for their ability to quickly infest indoor spaces due to their preference for human habitats and their ability to reproduce rapidly in warm, humid conditions.
• Turkestan cockroaches typically have a slower reproductive rate compared to German cockroaches and are less likely to become as widespread indoors, but they can still be a nuisance when they invade outdoor spaces around commercial properties.

HABITAT PREFERENCES

• German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found indoors, particularly in commercial kitchens, furnace rooms, motor compartments of food processing machinery, bathrooms, and other areas with access to food and water.
• Turkestan cockroaches are more adaptable to various environments. While they can also be found indoors in similar areas as German cockroaches, they are more commonly found outdoors in areas with moderate temperatures, such as gardens, mulch beds, and around buildings.

PREVENTING COCKROACHES IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Why is effective cockroach prevention so critical for commercial properties, especially those involved with food service and processing, healthcare and education facilities? The bottom line is cockroaches are purveyors of filth.

Cockroaches can contaminate food with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that they pick up while crawling through unsanitary areas such as sewers and garbage dumps. They can carry and spread diseases, such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious health problems in humans if ingested. In addition, their droppings and shed skin can trigger allergic reactions in people, especially those with asthma.

Preventing cockroaches in commercial properties involves a multi-tiered approach that includes sanitation, exclusion, and regular inspections.

Maintain Cleanliness

• Keep the premises clean, especially in areas where food is prepared or stored.
• Remove food debris and spills promptly.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers.
• Empty garbage bins regularly and keep them clean.

Eliminate Hiding Places

• Declutter storage areas and remove unused items.
• Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate water sources.

Exclusion

• Install door sweeps and weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows.
• Use screens on windows and vents to prevent entry.
• Seal openings around utility pipes and ducts.

Regular Inspections

• Conduct regular inspections for signs of cockroach activity, such as droppings, egg cases, or live insects.
• Address any issues promptly to prevent infestations from becoming established.

Employee Training

• Educate employees on the importance of cleanliness and proper food storage.
• Encourage them to report any signs of pest activity promptly.

  Monitor and Maintain

  • Keep track of pest activity and adjust your prevention strategies as needed.
  • Maintain a proactive approach to prevent future infestations.

    Consult a Pest Control Professional

• Consider hiring a pest control professional to conduct a thorough inspection and design a IPM-based pest control program for the facility.

CLARK PEST CONTROL – COMMERCIAL PEST SOLUTION EXPERTS

If you are looking for a pest management partner that understands your business and can help your company create an effective year-around pest management program, give Clark Pest Control a call at (800) 936-3339.

https://www.clarkpest.com/commercial-service-blog/german-vs.-turkestan-cockroach--what-you-need-to-know

Risk assessments and trend analysis in pest control provide valuable insights into potential threats and patterns related to pest infestations. They tell the story of what is going on inside your commercial property when it comes to pest activity.

Risk assessments help identify the likelihood of pest problems occurring in a particular area of a commercial property. Factors such as climate, surrounding area, and the presence of conducive conditions (i.e., sanitation protocols, structural conditions, employee actions, etc.) for pests are evaluated to determine the level of risk. This information allows for proactive measures to be taken to prevent or mitigate pest issues before they escalate.

Trend analysis, on the other hand, involves examining historical data to identify patterns and recurring pest problems. This helps in understanding the seasonal variations, population cycles, and other trends related to pest activity. By recognizing these patterns, pest control professionals can develop more effective and targeted strategies for pest management.

Together, risk assessments and trend analysis contribute to a comprehensive pest control strategy, allowing for a more proactive and efficient approach to pest prevention and management.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

Having a risk assessment performed at your facility is the first step in developing an IPM program, and when done regularly and properly, it will continuously improve existing pest management programs.

In food processing facilities, FSMA requirements place significant emphasis on having a science-based risk assessment be performed. Third-party audit standards can require that risk assessments be performed annually and anytime there is a change made in a facility’s pest management program.

What is involved in a risk assessment? Defined as “the scientific evaluation of known or potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to foodborne hazards" a risk assessment is a task meant to evaluate and assess a facility’s IPM program.

A true risk assessment is NOT just an inventory of control and monitoring devices within a facility or a means to report how many rodents or insects were caught or killed in that time.

Risk assessments will help answer the following questions:

• Why was the pest present?
• Why did the pest issue occur?
• What was the root cause of the problem?

The information provided in a risk assessment can be used to help adjust and improve existing pest programs.

Risk assessments should be conducted by your pest management service provider with input from plant management since both share the responsibility to create and maintain a pest-free environment and safeguard the food products that are produced or stored at the facility.

Elements of a risk assessment can include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Audit preparation
• Monitoring
• Control measures
• Corrective actions
• Documentation

TREND ANALYSIS

One of the most beneficial tools used to help evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a pest management program is trend analysis.

Trend analysis is the collection of information to identify pest behavior and patterns to predict future pest activity and take action to prevent it. It will verify the success of ongoing pest programs, while the IPM risk assessments will validate it. However, without accurate data, trend analysis is useless.

Questions that need to be asked when performing a trend analysis include:

• Is the data being collected accurately and being interpreted correctly?
• Is the pest control technician identifying the root-cause for the pest infestation?
• Are technicians noting the conductive conditions and developing a preventive corrective action/plan or are they just noting ‘caught mouse’ and moving on to the next trap?

Pest management service providers and their clients need to make sure pest management programs – no matter the size and scope – include regular risk assessments and trend analysis.

CLARK PEST CONTROL – COMMERCIAL PEST SOLUTION EXPERTS

If you are looking for a pest management partner that understands your business and can help your company create an effective year-around pest management program, give Clark Pest Control a call at (800) 936-3339.

The need for innovative and dependable pest management services in commercial properties is not a luxury. It is essential, especially for facilities that are involved with food processing, storage and services, healthcare, and education.

It isn’t only the clients and their customers who demand pest-free environments in which to eat, work, shop, and stay. Local, state, and federal inspectors – and independent third-party auditors – also want to ensure that food is safe to eat. Everyone wants to see a pest-free facility. Whether that facility is a massive food processing plant, a chain or independent restaurant, a grocery store, a five-star resort, an urgent care clinic or nursing home, or an office building, it can be vulnerable to invasive pests.

Commercial property owners and managers should identify pest management companies that are experienced at working in commercial facilities. These companies should be willing to adapt to your schedule and emergency situations when needed. The company should be able to demonstrate that it can tailor its services to the specific needs and challenges of your commercial property.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

When selecting a pest management provider for the first time or you’re changing providers, it’s important to have a selection criterion in place. What does the company bring to the table that will allow it to design and deliver an effective program and provide exceptional service for your brand?

Does the company have an investigative mindset? Will the company’s technicians and inspectors look deeper for the root cause of a pest infestation and resolve the issue, instead of merely installing more traps or applying more product? How well does it know your business or industry and the specific pest management and food safety requirements that it requires?

Are the company’s service protocols based on IPM principles? Ask for a sample pest management program for a similar facility and check to see if it’s truly IPM-based. What does it include? Is it innovative? Is the goal to reduce the environmental footprint of any service?

Does the company have audit experience? Successful passage of third-party audits is non-negotiable for food processors. What is the company’s experience working with various certification bodies? Do its clients routinely pass audits? Does the company have experience working in organic-certified facilities or clean-room environments?

Does the company have a documentation management system? If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. Accurate recordkeeping is a critical component in the FSMA-era of food safety, and pest management companies play a key role in that process. What system does the company have to manage documents? Is its system on a digital platform? How is it shared and is it easily accessible?

Does the company embrace technology and data analysis? Has it adopted such technologies as remote monitoring, video, and others? How does it collect, share, and analyze data for your facility’s benefit? What types of reporting and analysis does it provide?

Is communication a priority? Does the company engage you and your staff during the service process and ask questions? Will it offer training for your staff, and does it list its expectations of your staff?

What is the company’s reputation? Look for established companies with a good reputation in the industry. Read reviews and testimonials from other commercial property owners or managers. Ask for references.

Is the company licensed and certified, and does it carry insurance? Ensure that the pest management company you choose is licensed and certified by relevant authorities. Check if its technicians are trained and certified for commercial pest management. Verify the company carries liability insurance to cover any potential damage during its services.

What service guarantees does the company offer? Understand the terms of its service contracts, including frequency of visits. Check if it offers guarantees and what its policies are for callbacks and follow-up visits if needed.

Transparent pricing: Obtain a detailed quote that includes all costs and potential additional charges for the company’s services. Avoid companies that provide vague or unclear pricing structures.

If you’re looking for a pest management partner that understands your business and can help your company create an effective year-round pest management program, call Clark Pest Control at (800) 936-3339.

https://www.clarkpest.com/commercial-services/industries-served/food-beverage-processing

Clark Pest Control will have knowledgeable experts on hand to discuss all of your pest-related questions. Whether you operate a winery, vineyard, or tasting room, we’re here to help. We have solutions for all properties, including those with an Organic Certifications. Are gophers, ground squirrels, rats, or mice eating into your profits? Are ants, black widows, yellow jackets, and fruit flies keeping guests out of your tasting rooms? Then just say, “Clark! We Need You!”

Clark Pest Control
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Clark Pest Control has solutions to fit your business and its pest control needs.  We offer an in-depth inspection of the property in order to identify the pests on site and determine the appropriate course of action to address them. Our service offerings include:

• Bird, Bat and Rodent Exclusion
• Weed Control
• WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspections, treatment and repairs
• Burrowing Rodent Control
• Swat Away Mosquito Service

Stored product pests are one of the most economically important pests for the food processing and storage facilities – including grain silos, bakeries, breweries, and retail food stores – which store or use large amounts of unprocessed and cereal-based grain products.

Confused flour beetles, Indianmeal moths, sawtoothed grain beetles, weevils, and other stored product pests can infest and spoil grain, flour, rice, and finished goods, rendering these products inedible.

This causes downtime in production, damages the brand name, and creates numerous headaches –in time, operational disruptions, and financial resources – for the facility’s management. Also, if a third-party auditor notices the presence or conditions conducive for stored product pests, it can result in a facility receiving a reduced score or even a failure of their audit.

THE CASE FOR STORED PRODUCT PEST MANAGEMENT

As mentioned above, the economic impact that stored product pests have, if left untreated or undetected in a food processing or storage facility, is considerable. That’s why it’s vital for these facilities to partner with a highly trained pest management professional to design and implement a comprehensive prevention or treatment program.

Protect product quality: Stored product pests, such as beetles, moths, weevils, and mites, can infest and contaminate food products, leading to quality issues. They can cause physical damage, consume or spoil the food, and leave behind eggs, larvae, or excrement. Effective pest management helps prevent such infestations and ensures the quality and integrity of the stored products.

Prevent product loss: Infestations by stored product pests can result in significant product loss. Pests can consume or damage massive quantities of food, leading to financial losses for the facility. By implementing proper pest management strategies, food processing facilities can minimize the risk of product loss and protect their investments.

Comply with regulations: Food processing facilities are subject to strict regulations and standards regarding food safety and hygiene. Many regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, require facilities to implement pest control measures as part of their food safety programs. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid failed third-party audits, penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage.

Reduce health risks: Some stored product pests, such as certain types of beetles and moths, can produce allergens and toxins that pose health risks to consumers. If contaminated products reach the market, they can cause allergic reactions or other health issues. By effectively managing stored product pests, food processing facilities can minimize the risk of such health hazards and ensure the safety of their products.

Preserve brand reputation: Any incident of pest infestation or contaminated products can harm the reputation of a food processing facility. Consumers have high expectations regarding the quality and safety of the food they purchase. News of pests or contaminants found in products can quickly spread through social media and negatively affect the facility's reputation. By implementing rigorous stored product pest management practices, facilities can demonstrate their commitment to quality and food safety, enhancing their reputation in the industry.

CONTROL OPTIONS

A common method for controlling stored product pests that threaten food processing and storage facilities is mating disruption. This is the process of introducing artificial sex attractant pheromones into a facility with the intention of distracting male stored product pests – Indianmeal and flour moths, mainly – as they try to make a love connection with their female counterparts during mating season.

These artificial pheromones create false trails that make it harder for male moths to find their sex partners. When that happens, mating does not occur, eggs are not laid, and the populations of these destructive pests drops.

Female Indianmeal moths communicate with males through pheromone plumes, which direct male moths to their location. By using the mating disruption pheromone, the males chase a false trail, exhaust their energy reserves, and die before successfully finding and mating with a female. These disruptions have a significant impact on the moths’ ability to mate and reproduce.

Even though pheromone products are naturally occurring, this application method makes them a registered pesticide. However, they are certified for use in organic food processing facilities, and there is no danger of food products absorbing pheromones unless they come into direct contact with the dispenser.

Pheromone mating disruption dispensers are typically installed and replaced twice a year to ensure coverage through the entire moth mating season. The dispensers are placed within facilities and can treat an entire warehouse, but they have also proven successful in treating specific sections or even aisles in a facility.

A thorough pest monitoring program is also a key part of the process. By deploying standard pheromone traps and light traps, technicians can track pest population levels, and when fewer male moths are caught, it’s more likely that the program is working.

If you are looking for a pest management partner that understands your business and can help your company create an effective year-around pest management program, call Clark Pest Control at (800) 936-3339.