Field Notes
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The global COVID-19 pandemic brought operations for many businesses to an abrupt halt, and those that continued to operate likely experienced lower production or disrupted schedules. Balancing the delicate requirements of proper sanitation, and peace of mind for customers and employees, now constitutes an even larger part of resumed operations for many businesses. And for food processors, it’s more important than ever to reduce any gaps in the cleanliness of your facility.
Food Safety Starts With Pest Prevention
Pests are opportunistic, and slowed activity inside your facility can allow them to gain a stronghold in overlooked places. Reduced human activity can embolden pests to spread throughout a facility unchecked, which could have negative consequences for your productivity as operations return to normal. Resulting pest problems may require remediation and sanitation of affected areas—costing time and money that could be spent addressing other business needs.
In general, pests are always on the lookout for three things: food, water and shelter. Depending on the availability of these pest necessities, certain areas of your facility may be at higher risk than others. A few of the most common hot spots include:
It’s ideal to check these areas regularly to monitor for pest activity—especially if your facility has been unoccupied or under-occupied for long periods of time. This will help ensure a safe return to normal operations.
Focus on Sanitation
Sanitation and disinfection go hand in hand with pest control to help create a safe environment for employees. Many employees will understandably have concerns about their personal health and well-being while at work, which makes taking action and effectively communicating procedures important. You’ll also want to protect your products from any potential contamination. A key part of reducing cleanliness gaps in your facility is having a sanitation plan in place.
Here are a few ideas for implementing an effective sanitation routine:
Moving Forward
Getting back to business will take time, but following the advice outlined above will help you return to normal operations safely and effectively. You can also check out Orkin’s detailed guide to learn about the pest “hot spots” at your facility, including expert tips for exclusion, prevention and more.
Looking for expert help with pest management and sanitation at your facility? Get in touch with Orkin for a free consultation today.
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