Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the preferred pest control strategy for food premises, combining sanitation, pest proofing, and professional treatments to eliminate pests while minimizing harmful chemicals. Operators maintain a clean environment by discarding unused items like broken equipment or cardboard, where cockroaches lay eggs, and cleaning behind equipment and shelving to remove food sources.

Pest proofing includes installing tight-fitting screen doors and windows for ventilation, sealing holes in walls or cabinets with steel wool to block mice entering through dime-sized gaps, and inspecting deliveries for pests like cockroaches. Eliminate food and water sources to deter pests, and store dry foods like cereals or grains in hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Contract a licensed pest control company for regular inspections and treatments.

These IPM measures—sanitation, pest proofing, and professional collaboration—block pest entry, reduce contamination risks, and ensure a safe, hygienic kitchen compliant with public health standards.

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You’ll learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and practical steps to prevent pest infestations in food premises, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. Let’s dive in!

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the preferred method for pest control, emphasizing collaboration between food premises operators and pest control operators to eliminate pests while using strong chemicals only as a last resort. IPM consists of three key activities:

1. Sanitation and Housekeeping: Maintain a clean environment to eliminate pest attractants.
2. Pest Proofing: Implement physical barriers to prevent pest entry.
3. Pest Control Operator Treatments: Use professional services for targeted interventions when needed.

Operator-Applied IPM Measures

Food premises operators focus on sanitation, housekeeping, and pest proofing with these practical steps:

1. Discard Unused Items: Remove old or broken equipment and cardboard, as pests like cockroaches lay eggs in corrugated cardboard ends.
2. Clean Behind Equipment and Shelving: Regularly clean to eliminate food sources that attract pests.
3. Screen Doors and Windows: Use tight-fitting, latched screen doors (e.g., for back kitchen doors in summer) to block pest entry while allowing ventilation.
4. Seal Holes: Fill and seal all wall and cabinet holes (e.g., with steel wool), as mice can enter through dime-sized holes, especially in lower cabinets.
5. Check Deliveries: Inspect all incoming deliveries thoroughly, as pests like cockroaches often enter via packaging.
6. Eliminate Food and Water Sources: Remove accessible food or water to deter pests from staying.
7. Contract a Licensed Pest Control Company: Include a professional pest control operator in the sanitation plan for regular inspections and treatments.
8. Store Food in Pest-Proof Containers: Transfer dry foods (e.g., cereals, grains) into hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids upon delivery to prevent access by pests like mice.

Why This Matters

IPM reduces pest-related health hazards by preventing infestations, minimizing chemical use, and protecting food from contamination. These proactive measures ensure compliance with public health regulations and maintain a safe food preparation environment. Check course resources for more guidance on pest control practices.

Key Takeaways:

• IPM uses sanitation, pest proofing, and professional treatments to control pests, reserving strong chemicals for last resort.
• Operators should discard unused items, clean thoroughly, screen doors/windows, seal holes, check deliveries, eliminate food/water sources, contract pest control services, and use pest-proof containers.
• Effective IPM prevents pest entry and contamination, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.