3 replies to this topic

[zoelawton]

Morning everyone, 

 

I have tried to find a topic relating to this however i can't seem to locate one!

 

We have a void in-between two rooms that is accessible via small hole that you can climb through. On 1 side is the production facility and on the other the hole is in a cupboard which opens into the packaging storage room. 

 

I've had Acheta (pest control company) come and audit the site and whilst here he noted that there was some pest activity within the void (minimal, i think 2 dead mice). 

 

He suggested making the hole bigger, (more easily accessible for inspecting) and sealing the gaps from the void into the production area (minimal gaps behind corner pillars)

 

There is a bait box located at the entry to the void via the cupboard. 

 

We have no history of pest issues, and are a low risk site. 

 

My question is, can we clean out the void, and seal all access, and pretend it doesn't exist, OR seal the gaps, create a more permanent hole with a cover, and place another bait box in and have it as controlled area?

 

Which do you suggest is the best option?

 

Kindest Regards, 

 

Zoe :)

[GMO]

I'd go with Acheta's option.  Seal up the gaps rodents could get in and out but then create proper inspection access because you never know when damage could occur to mean you can get mouse access back to that void but then can't inspect.  No seal is 100%.  You know what operators are like with pump trucks.  It only takes a few whacks and a mouse could get back in.

 

Also depending on who you supply, it might be possible to put toxic baits in that void (or it always was acceptable) but I'd be tempted to use break backs instead but I'd put them in the void not just outside.

 

Two dead mice is a history of pest issues... Just a recent one. 

 

I'm guessing you mean microbiologically low risk.  Often that can mean pest high risk.  Mice love dried foods and they nest inside.  There were also two of them.  Was there a Mummy mouse and a Daddy mouse who loved each other very much? 

[olenazh]

"Pretend it doesn't exist" choice is not good as it's potential jeopardy of food safety: I was told by pest control guy how easily mice could squeeze from tiny-tiny hole. So if you pretend, mice don't exist - they might prove they do pretty soon and in a very unpleasant way:)

[SQFconsultant]

I've never heard someone say a hole was small and then mention that someone could climb thru it?

 

So, the hole is big enough for someone to climb thru it?

 

Fill it in and seal it up.