management (Mills and Pedersen, 1990). A
brief discussion of control practices follows.
Components of a rodent integrated pest
management program for food plants
include: (1) exclusion and (2) sanitation.
These components must comprise the main
thrust of the rodent control program. Entry
prevention is paramount to rodent control.
In addition to the implementation of sanita-
tion and rodent proofing efforts, the use of
rodent baits and traps provide a preventive
and remedial role in a rodent IPM program.
Baits and traps are typically incorporated in
a “perimeter defense” program. IPM empha-
sizes sex pheromones because they are envi-
ronmentally friendly, species specific, and
effective at low doses.
Inspection
Inspection is a preventive, monitoring
control measure that is time consuming but
important and cost effective. Increased prac-
tice of IPM to replace chemical control
practices has made inspection a more criti-
cal function. This function can identify exist-
ing problems and detect potential problems,
and can monitor an ongoing sanitation
problem. Both formal and informal inspec-
tions should be conducted periodically (e.g.,
monthly).
Formal inspections should be conducted
with a predetermined frequency. These
inspections should be thorough and should
evaluate the overall progress and effective-
ness of pest management. If well qualified
inspectors can be obtained from outside the
plant (e.g., corporate staff inspector, con-
sultant, or contracting inspection service
representative), this resource should be
used.
Informal inspections should be conducted
periodically through plant personnel
assigned to specific work areas. Supervisory
personnel should encourage and expect
awareness of sanitation problems that may
reduce pest control effectiveness among
plant personnel as they conduct their normal
tasks.
Inspections should include raw materials,
manufactured or prepared products, site,
facilities, and equipment. Inspectors should
be equipped with a flashlight, equipment-
opening tools, and sample containers. An
inspection form should be devised as a guide
and for recoding results. These forms provide
written identification of potential problems
and identification of problem areas.Housekeeping
Mills and Pedersen (1990) suggested that
standards of cleanliness and cleaning sched-
ules must be established with direct account-
ability for cleaning activity. These authors
suggested that, in many areas, cleaning must
be continuous, as even small amounts of
undisturbed product residues can attract
infestation and provide adequate pest
harborage. Furthermore, this residual mate-
rial contains allergens and is the major cause
of asthma in inner city children (Desorbo,
2004).Physical and Mechanical Methods
Because many pesticides once commonly
used are no longer allowed in the control of
pests, physical and mechanical methods have
become more important. Examples are
rodent traps, glue boards, and electric fly-
traps. Generally, these methods are non-con-
taminating and can fill some of the gaps in
an IPM program left by reduced or restricted
pesticide use. One of the effective methods is
temperature manipulation, which is some-
times combined with forced-air movement.
Because the optimal temperature for most
insect species is 24 to 34ºC, variation above
or below this range can reduce pest prolifer-
ation.
Insects depend as much on suitable mois-
ture levels as on acceptable temperatures;Pest Control 253