Capitalize on Pest Technology

The immense concentration of released pheromones overloads the males’ antennae, causing them to follow false trails instead of the actual trails made by females. Less mating occurs, slowing the production of larvae for each mating cycle. The mating pheromones are nontoxic and can reduce the use of insecticides.

Smell into the Future

The use of ionization machines is a unique—almost futuristic—way to manage pests. The equipment releases an inert product containing negative ions into the air. The negative ions bind to pollutants in the air such as pollen, dust, and odors. The ions then remove the particles from the air in your facility.

Because the ions eliminate odors, which pests use to find food, this method can help to reduce a major pest attractant. This non-chemical treatment is a great fit for food processing facilities that produce strong odors from production.

Odors from dumpster areas and even inside production facilities can invite pests, but ionization machines are geared to removing this attractant.

Not Your Average Cat

Research on motion sensor technology could allow for a faster pest management process and, therefore, increased pest prevention. Tin cats, which resemble small tin boxes and are commonly used in processing facilities, contain glue boards. Depending on the size of the facility, there might be hundreds of tin cats for pest management professionals to check regularly for pests.

Tests on the new motion sensor technology, however, show that pest management professionals can identify which traps have captured pests. This not only saves time but also alerts you to where a possible infestation may occur and how to treat it in a timely manner.

Although these innovative treatments may be suitable upgrades for your facility, don’t abandon your current pest management program just yet. Consult with your pest management professional before deciding which treatments would work best for your facility. Take it a step further and get your staff involved in the process by teaching them how your IPM program works and explaining the importance of supporting the program. Introduce your staff to these new pest management treatments so that they have an idea of what may work for the facility. Remember, stringent sanitation and regular facility maintenance habits trump any new technology, so remind staff that these proactive measures can go a long way in helping to prevent pests in your facility.

Ron Harrison, entomologist, is director of technical services for Orkin and an acknowledged leader in the field of pest management. Contact him at [email protected], or visit www.orkincommercial.com for more information.