Working the Bugs Out: Your Guide to Supply Chain Pest Management

Pests like cockroaches, flies and rodents can contaminate products at any point in the supply chain. Whether they are introduced before, during or after product enters your facility, you don’t want your business to be blamed for a pest problem. That’s why we developed this comprehensive guide to identifying and addressing pest problems in the supply chain. Here are the key takeaways to keep in mind:

Facility Inspections

Catching a pest problem early on can save your team from a pest-provoked headache in the long run. That’s why it is critical to perform routine inspections of your facility and check shipments upon arrival. If you catch a pest problem upon arrival of a shipment, you can accurately diagnose the problem and better identify the point at which pests contaminated the product. Your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should include protocols for these inspections, but be sure to review your procedures as pest pressures change throughout the year to avoid an infestation.

Pest Hotspots

Pests are sneaky and can manage to work their way into any facility. Keep an eye on these potential pest hotspots for signs of pest activity.

Processing facilities

Your facility and your suppliers’ facilities all offer plenty of food, water and shelter that pests need to survive. Check around your facility and be sure that your suppliers are maintaining IPM programs in their own facilities.

Transportation vehicles

If transportation vehicles are harbouring pests, your facility’s cleanliness does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Check vehicles for signs of pest activity before loading shipments.

Packaging

Packaging can tell you a lot about the integrity of product. Check for chew marks, holes, urine stains and discarded wings when you receive a shipment.

Warehouses

Because there are so many moving pieces coming in and out of your warehouses every day, routine monitoring is needed to ensure no pest problem slips through the cracks.

Common Pests:

• Rodents: Signs include gnaw marks, droppings, and urine residue.
• Flies: Thrive in wet conditions and warmer temperatures.
• Ants: Active in warmer months; ensure cleanliness.
• Cockroaches: Can hitchhike into facilities through shipments.
• Spiders: Enter through loose screens and cracks.

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect all delivery trucks and shipments for signs of pests.
• Train employees to recognize and report pest activity.
• Maintain a clean facility and outside environment.
• Use products like weather-resistant sealants and door sweeps.
• Implement First In, First Out (FIFO) to prevent pests from settling in old products.
• Establish a customized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for each facility.

Staying ahead of pest problems is the best way to protect your leg of the supply chain. Work the bugs out of your facility by downloading this guide to managing pests in the supply chain and call Orkin Canada today to schedule a free consultation.