14 replies to this topic

[Charles Chew]

One of the subjects discussed in a recent seminar was about IPM. I just thought that there is room for discussion in this forum with this regards as " IPM - A STRATEGY FOR PEST CONTROL" versus pest removal programmes.

So what is IPM and how is it best planned and strategised within our own Food Safety System. Sure, if we need to get rid of rats, picking up the phone and getting in touch with the Pest Contractor is the easiest thing to do.

BUT IPM goes beyond that - or does it? My personal feeling on this matter is really about how we drive our Pest Management within the context and parameter of our own food safety program NOT with the Pest Contractor's Program :P

Any thoughts for further discussions or ideas for others to consider

Regards
Charles CHew

[Simon]

Hi Charles,

Although it's not written into legislation or anything the most recognised pest control specification for the food industry in the UK is Rentokil PestGuard Plus or the equivalent from another supplier - they all do it.

An annual PestGuard Plus contract consists of:

- 8 Technician / inspection visits
- 4 Field Biologist visits
- 4 Electric Fly Killer catch tray service
- Annual tube change
- 24/365 call out for infestations

I think that's about it. The above is the basic specification but it can also be configured to your exact needs.

It is a preventative approach to pest control, so how does this fit with your idea of Integrated Pest Management? Is this what you are talking about? Or would you like the pest controller to be part of the HACCP team? Maybe not such a bad idea.

Regards,
Simon

[shivendratripathi]

We have put the standards but what about the effectiveness measurement. The service provider may be crying hoarse that he is providing best of services. But how do we measure? Is there a way out?

[Simon]

During an inspection the pest control contractor checks bait traps, insect monitors, and electric fly killer catch trays to see if there has been any activity. He also looks at proofing, stacking, hygiene etc. The findings should be recorded in a standard report including any required corrective action.

It's up to you to review this information and to act on it where required. If you don't feel you are getting the information you need, you should discuss this with your contractor.

You should be able to tell if your pest control system is effective by looking at what is being found / killed in the various traps. The ultimate measure of effectiveness is whether pest problems inside your factory have reduced or been eliminated?

It's always a good idea to go with the contractor on his rounds every now and then to verify what he is doing. It keeps them on their toes.

If you really don't trust the contractor go with him every time or look for a new one.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Hello!

Measurement of effectiveness is everything in a Food Safety Program including that of the Pest Control Program. Personally, an IPM I think is about Pest Control Strategy Integration of Control Procedures (HACCP Team) and/or Pest Eradication Methodologies (Pest Contractor).

Pest Control Procedures or Pest Statements - How do we intend to plan and build the pest "fire-wall"? What pest control methods are best within a food safety program and the check frequencies to measure effectiveness, the best bait station plan etc to enable effective pest procedures practices in a food safety environment.

Pest Eradication Programs - Baits to use (must be pre-approved by HACCP Team), chemicals applications (where, when and what shd be pre-approved by HACCP Team) etc and everything else that require eradication of pests.

Here you go - Pest Control probably involves both the HACCP Team dictating their statements while the Pest Contractor providing the activities of pest eradication methods. HACCP Team is the commanding platform not pest contractor whose methods if not Haccp Compliant could have significant impact on the food safety programs.

Question - How many Pest Contractor are HACCP Compliant in their methodologies? Food for thoughts!

Charles Chew

[Simon]

Question - How many Pest Contractor are HACCP Compliant in their methodologies? Food for thoughts!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree that the pest control programme is critical to the effectiveness of the overall food safety programme.

I don't quite agree with the HACCP team totally dictating the pest control programme, I see it more as a partnership approach. Sure the HACCP team understand the process intimately however, the pest controller is the expert at preventing and controlling pests, both can learn from each other and together they can work to create an effective Integrated Pest Management Programme.

Most pest control companies in the UK offer 'off the shelf' standard contracts (e.g. PestGuard Plus) but in my experience these just form the basic structure which can then be customised to fit with the companies requirements. Quite rightly the HACCP team should be involved in this customisation process and also with the ongoing review of performance and development.

In answer to your original question in the UK most pest control companies are members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and/or The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), which means the technicians are qualified and for example pesticide usage is controlled and recorded. In my experience they are quite professional. Although like with anything else I'm sure some are not.

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Although like with anything else I'm sure some are not.

Absolutely, the Pest Contractors are the best people in the industry in pest eradications. However, the integrity of the food safety program is paramount. BUT hang on...............we are talking about IPM not Pest Eradication.

I find that it is a subject that always seems to get meandered whenever discussed. So, lets talk IPM..........and perhaps, get down to how to catch some rats later

Like I said, Pest Contractors are in the forefront of the pest business but HACCP Team must keep their program in absolute control.....and really, why should a pest contractor have anything to do with the food safety program (unless he had been trained to understand HACCP compliances). Personally, I feel IPM does start with Good Sanitation and Good Housekeeping Programs supported by a Good Master Cleaning and Method Schedule. Keeping the pests reduced or out by good hygienic internal procedures and practices is where an IPM should start off.

Depending on the degree of pest infectations, your dependable pest contractor should come in to manage the program through a toxic free pest eradication program wherever possible. This is the second link of the IPM and it is necessary to complete the IPM.

Meanwhile, is it a good idea to engage a bait station plan for rats that are every 3 to 5 meter apart? As a Haccp Team member, what is your view.

Charles Chew

[Simon]

Hi Charles,

I'm not against this idea of Integrated Pest Management per say Charles; it may be that our experiences of pest control services in our respective countries are different. For example in the UK the PestGuard Plus specification I spoke about earlier has become the standard contract for the food and related industries. Originally it was specified by I think M & S, and now most of the retailers and consequently much of the rest of the food chain require it. It's really become the norm.

So we've got professional trained and qualified pest contractors (in pest control and food safety), a comprehensive contract (including bait station plans, non toxic baits, and pesticide control and usage records), and a close working relationship with the customer organisation as well as the ability to tailor the contract to fit with the customers food safety management system. In the UK do you consider we have IPM, or am I off the mark?

What's the standard and professionalism of pest control services in your area is the above familiar and commonplace?

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Hi Simon,

Yes I can confirm that even international pest management companies operate under different operating procedures in different parts of the world due to obvious operating conditions.

Despite even if pest contractors are being trained to food safety compliant, I still hold on to my believe that the Haccp Team has the overall control on pest management program.

It is a great idea to have pest contractors trained to understand food safety issues but pest management proposals should be forthwith to support the HACCP Program rather than dictation. Where pest contractors have reasonable food safety background, yes, it is wise and effective to work with them but if they are found to be lacking in such knowledge, my advice is always to maintain control.

Having said the above, I have great admiration for some pest management companies that I know and have shared mutual interests as well. The reason being their tremendous initiative to put forth solid pest management (not eradication) program.

Charles CHew

[Simon]

Despite even if pest contractors are being trained to food safety compliant, I still hold on to my believe that the Haccp Team has the overall control on pest management program.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed.

I hope you are keeping well Charles. :D

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Simon,

How come its only both of us who keep knocking at each other on what seem to be a fairly simple subject and yet have such a huge difference in opinions. I do not care about who is right or wrong because no one can be absolutely right BUT the beauty of these dialogues do lead to ideas or thoughts that were probably never in my mind at all. And, the fact that we are able to give each other a perspective view of each country's practices or an individual's approach to a specific issue is simply marvellous.

Thanks Simon - it was a healthy discussion. Anyway, I am tired but well and the forum went extremely beyond my expectations.

Regards
CHarles Chew

[Eya]

I feel IPM does start with Good Sanitation and Good Housekeeping Programs supported by a Good Master Cleaning and Method Schedule. Keeping the pests reduced or out by good hygienic internal procedures and practices is where an IPM should start off.

Depending on the degree of pest infectations, your dependable pest contractor should come in to manage the program through a toxic free pest eradication program wherever possible. This is the second link of the IPM and it is necessary to complete the IPM.


Charles Chew

I agree this is basically how IPM should be seen a defense mechanism to Control or "manage" pest activity.

[AS NUR]

IMO IPM is mean of PEST, that accronim from

Prevention : You are prepare to avoid any pest entry to your production area, the action are using plastic curtain in WH , airlock system in your production place etc

Exclusion : if you find pest you have to delete imediatelly

Sanitation : you have to keep your place clean, that avoid pest harborage in your place.

Treatment : If you feel pest make you bad, you can treat them by chemical according to regulation permits.

SO.. that PEST is the simplest ways to apply IPM

Rgds

AS NUR

[Simon]

IMO IPM is mean of PEST, that accronim from

Prevention : You are prepare to avoid any pest entry to your production area, the action are using plastic curtain in WH , airlock system in your production place etc

Exclusion : if you find pest you have to delete imediatelly

Sanitation : you have to keep your place clean, that avoid pest harborage in your place.

Treatment : If you feel pest make you bad, you can treat them by chemical according to regulation permits.

SO.. that PEST is the simplest ways to apply IPM

Rgds

AS NUR

I really like that AS NUR..so simple I can remember it. I guess exclude also includes ensuring any raw materials, ingredients or packaging are free from any pest sources. Supplier Quality Assurance. Am I comlicating again?

Regards,
Simon

[AS NUR]

yup SImon.. ensuring any RM/PM are free from pest include in Prevention and if there any pest you can reject the RM / PM. But if you think that RM/PM is important and you have to accept it you can do Exclude the pest before entry to WH.



I ll try to use KISS paradigms to make people understand easily.. and it work in my place

Edited by AS NUR, 07 April 2010 - 01:54 AM.