Food Handling & Pest Control

Your infestation may not be obvious, but can still pose a health threat.

Pest control near food handling areas is vital to the health and safety of the entire family. Pests can carry viruses and bacteria, leaving these behind on food and kitchen surfaces. Pests are attracted to human food items, water, packaging and some home construction materials.

Prevention and Exclusion

Pest control without the use of toxic chemicals is possible. Nontoxic options include physically preventing pests from entering the home through household maintenance and repairs to storage methods less likely to provide access to insects, keeping food preparation areas clean and removing pests from the area as soon as possible when they are discovered.

Baits and Traps

Traps alert homeowners to the presence of pests, help eliminate pests and give an idea of the extent of infestation. The combined use of multiple approaches, such as baits along with traps, gives homeowners a more effective system of defense. Pesticides should only be used as a last resort.

Biological Controls

Biological control agents include beneficial insects and predators that feed on or parasitize pests. Some organisms target a single pest or narrow group of pests, while lacewings and syrphid flies will tackle a wide range of insects. Reducing insects and insect habitat around your home will leave fewer bugs to enter seeking an easy meal.

References

• University of California-Riverside: Urban Entomology -- Pests on or Near Food; Walter Ebeling
• University of Minnesota Extension: Environmentally Conscious Methods of Pest Control in and Around Homes; Bh. Subramanyam, et al.; 1999
• Penn State University: Biological Control of Insect Pests; Mary E. Barbercheck; 2010

Resources

• Penn State Cooperative Extension: Pest Control