Bug Bytes

Improving Audit Scores with Pest Management

By Nicole Keresztes James
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Most audit standards that concern food safety include an assessment of a facility’s capability to manage pest-related hazards. Implementing robust pest management strategies can significantly support positive results during food safety audits. Effective pest management is a crucial component of a strong food safety culture in food production facilities, resulting in ongoing improvements in audit performance.

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Dead cockroaches
Dead cockroaches
Bug Bytes

The Gray Zone of Insecticide Repellency: Revisiting Long-Held Assumptions About Pyrethroid Effects on Pests

By Alvaro Romero, Ph.D.
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Recent studies under controlled laboratory conditions have demonstrated that German cockroaches still make contact with pyrethroid-treated surfaces—contradicting the common belief that these compounds are strongly repellent. Pest management professionals should consider how formulation type, application strategy, and environmental context influence pest behavior.

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Frank Meek, Orkin
Frank Meek, Orkin
Ask The Expert

Ask the Expert: Keeping Flies Out of Your Facility

Food companies have to manage a variety of pests seeking harborage, food, water and other resources in their facilities. Among these pests, flies can be some of the most difficult to manage. Frank Meek, technical services manager for Orkin and board-certified entomologist with 36 years’ experience in the food industry, shares strategies to you can take to mitigate the risk of flies in your food facility.

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Wendy White
Wendy White
Bug Bytes

Maximize Your Pest Control Program

By Wendy Wade White
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Leaving your pest control program solely in the hands of a third-party provider can increase your risk of both infestations and inspection violations. Here we look at common nonconformances and offer tips to help better manage the performance of your pest control provider and internal processes to ensure your facility is protected from pests.

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