CHAPTER 10.

PEST CONTROL
Efficiency of pest control is judged by the number of pests which remain alive
after treatment. The task of modern pest control is rapid elimination of existing pest
infestation and prevention of further established infestation. To achieve this, pest control
program and hygiene enforcement, warehousing practice, weed control and production
methods must help.

The essential prerequisites for effective pest control: (1) proper design and
construction, (2) good housekeeping, (3) cleanliness of physical facilities including
equipment.

The 4 basic rules essential for adequate pest control: (1) deny entry of pest into
buildings, (2) deny shelter, (3) deny food, and (4) destroy all pests.

I. RODENT CONTROL
Brown rat (common or sewer rat) – Rattus norvegicus
- Live in- and outdoor, can climb and swim, with regular habits; easy to control

Black rat (ship or roof rat) – Rattus rattus

- Smaller than brown rat, very agile; wonderful climber, don't swim and burrow
from choice; has the most irregular habit of eating and movement

House mouse – Mus musculus

- Reasonably static pest; as difficult as ship rat to eliminate by baiting, finicky and
erratic feeder

Locations in relation to control: (1) all external surfaces, (2) inside all buildings

Inspection: Inch by inch survey of all buildings and grounds. Inspect for rat or mouse
runs, droppings, urine stains, rat hairs (they fluoresce with UV light), foot prints, gnawed
wood and metal, tail swipes, body grease, smears on walls, beam pipes, nesting material,
eating points, drinking points (most important to rats), and areas for quiet day time for
harborage.

Control campaign: review the following points: (1) present source of food and water, (2)
attractive substitute/more convenient supplement to be offered for either or both food and
water, (3) discontinue or make unpleasant the present supply.

Poisons

1. Acute (single dose) poisons – should not be used in the presence of animal,
food, raw materials or in processing areas; require pre-baiting for maximum
effect and can't be used for continuous protection
Examples: 1) thallium sulfate, 2) zinc phosphide, 3) yellow phosphorus,
4) fortified red squill, 5) antu and 6) arsenic trioxide.

2. Chronic poisons – blood anticoagulants , liquid or solid; nearest approach to the

perfect rodenticide; slow in action (5-10 days). Advantages include no prebaiting,
relatively safe in the presence of humans, animals and food, can be used
continuously since there is no poison prejudice and bait shyness.
Examples: 1) warfarin, 2) pivalyn, 3) coumarin
 3. Gases – acute poisons also; best left to trained experts; no lasting protection.
Examples: 1) cyanide, 2) methyl bromide, 3) chloropicrin

4. Others
Sodium fluoroacetate-1080 – use is strictly prohibited or controlled in some
countries; no antidote; has extremely quick action; require very small
quantity.

Corpse Odors

Contrary to mythical beliefs there is no way of poisoning a rat which does not
have the attendant risk of undesirable corpse odors. Acute poisons are thought to cause
corpse odors because rats with rapidly developing symptoms of poisoning retreat to deep
harborage and then quickly succumb.

Blood anticoagulants appear to cause few corpse odors, possibly more in the case
of mice. Many rodents with bodies distended from internal hemorrhage move into the
open or become too weak to return to harborages with difficult access. Traps can often
be used to advantage to recover sick rats during a baiting campaign with anticoagulants.

Traps and Sticky Boards

It is not much use cornering a rat in a cupboard and then trying to kill it with a
rodenticide that takes 5-10 days to effect. Traps can be useful where rats are known to
have an established run. Often there is no need to bait a trap. Place it with its nose to the
wall as rats run close to the walls and seldom across open spaces. The old adage "one rat,
fifty traps" is a good one. If a trap is baited, a piece of fruit, potato or vegetable will
often be more attractive, because of its water content, than fish. Cheese is not a very
effective bait, except perhaps for mice.

The best type of rat trap is one where the whole of the front forms a treadle so that
the trap is set off if any part of the front is touched. Strong slow drying adhesive has
been used to deal with small nuisance infestations of rats or mice. The adhesive is spread
on stiff cardboard or plywood pieces about 12" square to within 1" of all sides. An
attractive bait is placed in the middle.

Placing Bait

In any complex or buildings plus surrounding grounds with or without rivers,

ditches, tips, etc., it is essential to have a good number of outside baiting stations, well
protected from the weather and consumption by birds and animals. These baits will form
a perimeter of first line of defense with additional stations at key points inside the
perimeter ring but outside the buildings.

Every building must be thoroughly baited from top to bottom with selected baits
that must be changed at frequencies dictated by circumstances. Anticoagulant baiting
stations must never be allowed to become empty as rodent's blood recovers rapidly and
the sequence must then start again.

Proofing Buildings Against Rodents

Very few buildings are or can be made more than 90% rat proof. However, the
proofing that is done will have a significant effect in reducing penetration and is well
worth doing. When proofing, check all doors by looking under them at ground level. If a
pen can be pushed beneath a door, a half-grown rat can flatten itself and crawl beneath it.
Any mesh used for proofing should have a diameter of not more than 1/4 inch and one
thickness is better than two. When filling a wall, hole or pipe entrance with concrete,
first push crushed chicken wire into the hole to reinforce and support concrete mix. To
proof a door with metal, use one piece passed under it and fold upwards onto both sides.
*Fill rat burrows with earth. Check for continued activity.
*Keep trees and shrubs from touching buildings.
*Drains of all types must be fitted with grills.
*Have an efficient garbage removal.
*Keep area neat. Avoid or eliminate mechanical graveyards.
*Keep stacks several inches off the floor.

II. INSECT CONTROL

Insect pests are undesirable because of they bring damages and have contaminating
potential on food materials. They must be deprived of food, drink and shelter.
Elimination followed by continuous protection also applies to insect control.

Insecticides:

The choice of insecticides falls into two categories:

A. Edible Processing Areas: Non-Residual Insecticides

1. Pyrethrum (plant extract) – must be brought into contact with insects on the wing
or crawling insects. The longer the delay between spraying and contact, the less
effective the spray will be. The effects can be seriously reduced after only a few
minutes exposure.

2. Allethrin (synthetic) – inferior to pyrethrum for the control of crawling insects. It

is a synthetic type of pyrethrum and is not readily available.

B. Other Areas: Residual Insecticides

1. Chlorinated hydrocarbons
a. D.D.T. – outmoded
b. B.H.C. (Lindane) – insufficiently residual

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c. Chlordane out of favor due to persistence and pollution. Some resistance
d. Aldrin to Dieldrin now shown by cockroaches. All useful for termite
e. Dieldrin control.
f. Endrin – too toxic for general use.
2. Organophosphates
a. Diazinon – useful but resistance by insects is developing
b. D.D.V.P. – short life with high vapor pressure (evaporates quickly), useful in
specific circumstances (bird mites).
c. Malathion – low mammalian toxicity used widely in grain industry but some
insect resistance now showing.
d. Fenitrothion – useful wide spectrum insecticide of recent development; no
resistance known.
3. Carbamates
a. Baygon – a newer insecticide giving variable results in cockroach control.
b. Sevin – not in general use due to lack of manufacturing support.

Forms of Insecticides:

1. Sprays – easy and clean to apply; residual film thin.

2. Mists – correct for flying insect; residual deposit unsatisfactory for crawling insect.
3. Fogs – same with fogs
4. Insecticidally active powders – good if remaining dry and clean; long residual;
present contamination problems.
5. Neutral dessicant powders – same with #4
6. Baits – returning to favor for long residual control from microscopic deposits in
loinery cracks and similar locations.
7. Gases or vapors

Whatever form is used "the insecticide should be taken to the insect" not left
for the insect to meet by chance.

Applying Insecticides:

Aim to apply a residual insecticide whenever permissible to maintain an active

film or dried spray, powder or bait ready to deal with any insect invader after elimination
have been achieved.
Program the spraying of areas for cockroaches regularly, never less than 4 times a
year.
Weekly spraying of an intensive nature with Pyrethrum in edible processing
departments would not be too frequent. As cockroaches must be done after 10 pm and
the area should preferably have been in darkness for two hours before the inspection.

Lockers should be emptied before spraying, and should be sprayed regularly.

Areas receiving carton, bottle crates, packing material, hay and straw, must be sprayed
very frequently to deal with the certain imports of pest infestation which will occur.

Drains under floor and under building areas, roof and wall cavities, the cases of
electric motors, the sealing rubber round the refrigerators and even laboratory drawers
and equipment must be included in the spraying program.

Recommendations:

Suggested insecticide for the meatworks pest controller are:

1. Dieldrin or chlordane, 1-2% in liquid and powder form for ant control.

2. Fenitrothion spray, 2% for general residual pest control work.

3. Pyrethrum extract, 0.3-0.6% equivalent in neutral base oil. Edible production

area spray.

4. Malathion, 2.5%. Aplication to dips and waste areas are spray or dust. One
gallon of spray will normally cover 1000 ft2 or double the area on glazed tiles or
other highly polished surfaces. (If the application rate is cut by half the
concentration must be doubled). Use powder at 1/2-1 oz per square yard.

COCKROACHES

These menace are largely nocturnal and thrive in dark, humid and filthy places.
They often leave a musty and moldy odor in places where they are present. They stain
surfaces by their liquid, often dark-colored feces. Roaches contaminate food more often
than they eat them. They carry filth on their dirty legs and bodies. In addition, they
regurgitate filthy substances or materials previously eaten or swallowed which maybe
loaded with microorganisms.
 In applying insecticides for cockroach control, no area, crack or piece of
equipment (inside or out) at any level must be left untreated. Ladders and torch will be
required.

The 3 principal species of cockroach which will be encountered are (1) German
cockroach – Blatella germanica; markedly resistant to many insecticides, (2) American
cockroach – Periplaneta americana, (3) Brown banded cockroach – Supella supellectum.
The males and females, adult and young should be collected and studied for
identification. Remember the high productive rate of insects, especially in relation to
environmental temperature: 102 days at 20°C, 44 days at 25°C, 28 days at 30°C. High
temperatures are easily obtainable at buildings or among stocks generating heat as a
result of infestation.

FLIES

Garbage, sewage, animal manure, human feces, and exposed food material attract
flies and serve as their breeding places. Because of their morphology and feeding
characteristics, all flies should be considered dirty. They carry disease causing organisms
in their mouth, intestinal tract, and their hairy legs and feet. They have high
contaminating potential if hey alight on food.

The most astringent measure maybe insufficient to cope with fly infestation, but if
the following actions are taken regularly and conscientiously, maximum benefit will be
gained:

1. Seek out all breeding sites and rectify conditions by removing garbage, washing
and hosing down regularly, keeping wet or moist rubbish and waste to a minimum.
2. Clean and spray all waste containers daily. Include nearby walls, etc.
3. Spray or powder all rubbish tips and similar attractive points daily. Fly bait used
extensively in small amounts is often very useful out doors including wet
surroundings.
4. Screen all windows, doors and other insect entrances.
5. Mist pyrethrum sprays as often as possible when flies are active indoors. This can
be done during meal times and rest periods.
6. Where permissible, apply residual insecticides frequently to the chosen alighting
points of flies. These can often be identified by regurgitation mark on shelf edges,
walls, low ceilings, light fittings and cupboards. Avoid spraying plastic articles
with solution containing damaging solvents.
7. In areas where edible materials are processes, air locks or air curtains must be
strategically placed to prevent flies from gaining easy entry.
8. Have street lights outside buildings as they will give flies a lesser tendency to
enter the building at night.
9. Use UV incinerators or insect electrocuters equipped with attractant lights to trap
insects which get into the working areas.
10. Keep garbage and drying sheds for hides as far away as possible.
11. Encourage all staff to appreciate the real dangers of fly infestation and to report
this and take action.
ANTS

These pests enter buildings looking for food, water and harborage. They possess
high contaminating potential because of the distances they travel and the nature of
surfaces they traverse. With their small size, they can penetrate virtually anywhere.

Ants are not readily deterred by insecticides and will walk over powder or spray
to reach their objective. Because so many are present in one nest the numbers killed by
treatment are often insufficient to give nay control.

Location of the nest is essential for speedy ant control. Repeated treatment of
open ground areas is often necessary to maintain control in domestic and industrial
properties. Chlordane and dieldrin are both particularly effective against ants. If,
however, the nest is out of reach, such as one established in a wall cavity, a short life
insecticide with vapor" effects such as DDVP may prove more effective.

The use of baits, usually sweet food, maybe available if a general distribution of
insecticide cannot be undertaken. Ants are extremely persistent and liable to infest the
same areas continuously, one infestation following another. As much as possible,
prevent spills on the floor. If spills cannot be avoided, clean all spills from tables and
floors. Inspect storerooms regularly and as frequently as possible. Clean areas under
sacks, bags, bins and cartons frequently and regularly.

The Pest Book

In any industrial establishment, it is most advisable to have a pest book

irrespective of whether the control is being undertaken by a contractor or a staff member.

The book should be read as follows:

DATE PEST LOCATION REPORTED BY COMMENTS

______ ______ ___________ ______________ ___________

______ ______ ___________ ______________ ___________

In this way the infestation can be identified and located quickly and vague rumors,
which may be second, third or fourth hand, avoided. Such books are useful for seasonal
references and act as a guide for control campaigns, check on the efficiency of methods,
staff ability or contractor's efficiency.

The pest book is best kept by a secretary or some other static and easy to contact
person such as a gatekeeper. Encourage all workers to report any sign of infestation,
whether it be a single cockroach or a suspected mouse dropping.

Important Do's and Don’ts

1. Do keep chemicals looked up.

2. Do have all containers plainly labeled with contents and percentage.
3. Do keep in touch with Health Authorities and any other sources of technical
information.
4. Don't give chemicals away, if you do they pass out of your control but any blame will
be yours.
5. Don't take risks which may lead to poisoning, taint, contamination or spoilage.
6. Don't venture into unsafe areas in pursuit of pets.
7. Don't spray inflammable materials in the presence of naked flames or live electrical
equipment.
8. Don't pick up dead rats, droppings, etc with bare hands. Use paper or forceps and
avoid the spread of undesirable organisms.
9. Don't keep rodenticides near insecticides or use the same scoop or containers for both.
10. Don't keep mixed insecticides. Prepare fresh dilutions every day.

Basic Equipment for the Pest Controller

1. Overalls, gloves, goggles, barrier cream, safety helmet, rubber boots, powerful torch,
notebook, wiping cloths.
2. 2 gallon sprayer, powder blower, containers, funnels, measures, scoops. Optional:
motorized pump, misting or fogging machine.
3. Baiting trays, traps, baiting bottles. Light weight folding ladder.
4. Reference books on pests and pesticides.

General Environmental Sanitation Guidelines for Effective Pest Control

1. Vermin (rats, mice, flies and roaches) are attracted to food and odors from food,
regardless of the state of food, whether fresh or decomposed.
2. Pests are attracted to unclean or unsanitary comfort facilities such as toilets and
bathrooms.
3. Good housekeeping is essential for pest control. Keep empty crates, boxes and other
containers always protected and inaccessible, especially at night. Adequately protect
garbage and rubbish by keeping them in non-odor absorbing, non-corrosive, easily
cleanable containers. Properly dispose of trash and refuse, whenever possible.
4. Regular inspection and cleaning schedules and effective cleaning procedures are basic
measures which help control pests by depriving them of food, drink and shelter.