The types of pests you may encounter in your site could include ants,
flying insects,
spiders, crickets, cockroaches, and even larger animals such as rodents,
birds, rabbits, possums and possibly even snakes.
This is not an exhaustive list,
but a common list of pests you would expect to encounter in Australia.
If left uncontrolled, each can pose a significant risk to your products.
You should take into consideration the location of your site,
the products stored and manufactured,
and types of waste produced
to help identify the specific types of pests that need to be controlled at your site.
Your site may also be subject to seasonal infestations by certain pests, especially in rural areas.
Your pest control procedure must describe all aspects of pest control activities
conducted around different areas of your premises, both inside and out.
All production areas and any other areas, including storage,
must have adequate pest control measures in place.
When developing your procedures, you should consider the following:
Are all personnel aware of the pest control program at your site?
If so, do they record any sightings of pest activity?
Do they include the date, location, number of pests,
and any evidence of pests, including droppings?
As an important part of your approved arrangement,
Is pest control included in your internal audit program?
You may want to consider reviewing some aspects of your pest control program more regularly.
Is your pest map updated and current?
Are bait stations secure and tamper proof?
Do you have evidence of regular service taking place?
Are personnel conducting service activities trained and competent?
Are recommendations requested by the pest service technician recorded and actioned promptly?
Are all pest control treatments conducted in a manner
that does not pose a threat to the safety of your food products?
All areas of your site, including storage and parts of vehicles used to transport food,
must not permit the harbourage of pests.
For any ongoing or seasonal pest issues,
you may need to employ additional resources
and increase the frequency of treatments to ensure adequate controls are in place.
Having a robust documented pest control program
will eliminate or reduce the risk of pest infestations and contaminating your products.
You are responsible for implementing your pest management program
and continually monitoring and adjusting it to meet the desired outcome.
As a manufacturer,
you will need to continually review your program to ensure it remains effective.