The manufacturing industry is regulated by strict legislation designed to ensure that the production process is safe and that the end product is high quality and complies with the relevant safety standards. Undetected and untreated pest infestations can be a huge risk to any company in this sector, and one that could result in hefty fines, damage to stock, reputation and profits and even a prison sentence in the most serious cases.

Understanding the types of pests that are most commonly found in manufacturing environments and how an infestation can start, can help you take proactive steps to prevent any issues and what signs to look out for in case pests have found their way in, so you know when to call in pest control experts, like the Atalian Servest team.

Keeping ants at bay

If an ant infestation takes hold in a manufacturing facility it can cause an array of issues, especially if you are producing food or beverage products. In their efforts to find a food supply, ants can spread bacteria as they walk on and through your machinery and stock. Ants can also cause damage to your buildings when creating their nests. The good news is that they can be controlled effectively with an insecticide baiting treatment.

Spotting the tell-tale signs

If you notice ants first thing in the morning or late in the evening, these are likely to be worker ants foraging for food to take back to the nest. You might also notice disturbed soil, which can also be a sign that ants have established a nest. Ants can build their nets in variety of places, they are opportunistic and look for reliable and easily accessible food sources.

There are steps you can take to minimise the risks of an ant infestation.

• Seal all potential sources of food and make sure any spillages are dealt with as a matter of urgency, ants won’t stay long if there is no food available.
• Ensure bins are closed properly and the outsides are kept clean
• Check your deliveries, if you see one ant on a pallet it could mean others are not far behind, whole colonies have been transported this way.
• Keep doors and other entry points closed and ensure all cracks in flooring or walls are sealed.
• Make periodical inspections, or work with a pest control partner who can do this for you and look for areas of weakness that can be improved.

In the event of ants still making their way in, professional pest control technicians, such as those at Atalian Servest, can implement a baiting programme. Worker ants will then take this back to the nest, wiping out the whole colony.

Putting a stop to wasps

You will soon know it if you are stung by a wasp, in the best-case scenario it really hurts, but for those with allergies the outcome could be a lot worse. Lone wasps can be a nuisance, but the real issues are when wasps work together. Disturbing or blocking a nest will anger the wasps and multiple stings can cause significant injury or even death. For this reason, a wasp nest in or very near to your premises should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

Knowing what to look for

If you see a lot of wasps throughout the day, and there seem to be more as spring turns into summer, there is likely a wasp nest nearby. Wasps can build their nests in a variety of places, in trees/bushes, in the ground, in roof spaces and wall cavities, If the location of the nest isn’t obvious, you can look for where wasps are coming and going.
To keep wasps away from your premises, keep all food and liquids sealed, wipe down surfaces and ensures bins are covered. The best way to prevent nest building is to minimise access to places that are dry and dark, seal up any holes that could lead to nesting site, such as rodent holes or cracks in the roof or walls. Add lights in dark corners, and inspect areas regularly, small nests are much easier to discard and destroy.

Showing rodents the door

Mice and rats can be an enormous risk to buildings and stock, not to mention the real risk they pose to human life due to the bacteria and diseases they carry. To minimise risk and to prevent population growth, all rodents must be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

Understanding the signs

Mice and rats are both nocturnal, so it is rare that you will spot either of them during the day. You are more likely to spot droppings, gnaw marks and shredded packaging, which are all sure signs that rodents have made their home in your facility.

As with most pests, rodents are attracted by food sources, so by cleaning up spillages and ensuing surfaces are kept clear from waste, you can help to prevent a rodent infestation. Rats also need to be near water, so ensure that any leaks or standing water is managed quickly and efficiently.

Stamping out cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the hardiest of all pests and as a result require professional treatment. They should be reported at the first sign of activity so that the colony can be brought under control as quickly as possible. Cockroaches are known carriers of diseases such as dysentery, salmonella and gastroenteritis and can pose significant health risks.

Recognising the signals

Cockroaches are nocturnal and so an infestation may not be obvious at first. If you have noticed an unusual smell, small droppings and smear marks, especially in kitchen and food preparation areas, this could be the sign you have a cockroach problem.

Sending pigeons flying

Pigeons can be a huge nuisance if they choose to congregate or nest on or near your manufacturing facility. Not only are they noisy and rather dirty, leaving huge amounts of droppings wherever they go, they are also carriers of another of diseases and parasites.

Stopping pigeons from tasking roost

Pigeons will congregate in any areas where it is easy for them to roost and make their nests. These areas are usually at height, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be deterred and prevented.

Bird netting and spikes can be very effective at preventing pigeons and other birds from nesting, roosting, and leaving mess. A closed-door policy should also be put in place around the facility.

Conclusion

By ensuring your team cleans as they go and keeping an eye on areas of risk, you can minimise the potential threat of a number of pests. If you spot any of the tell-tale signs or need help with a survey to identify potential risk areas, contact the expert pest control technicians at Atalian Servest. The team will utilise their expertise and knowledge and work with you to produce a proactive solution.