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A Perfect Fit Outsourcing your pest management program – What to ask and what to look for
Written by Bill Melville

When it comes to pest management in poultry facilities, “spray and pray” is a thing of the past. The field of pest management has evolved with the demand for more environmentally conscious alternatives. Auditors and inspectors want to see evidence of proactive pest management programs that prevent problems rather than a reliance on reactive treatments.


Quality Assurance Director Bill Melville writes that IPM depends on open communication between you, your staff and your pest management provider.

These days Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is the preferable method of controlling pests around your flocks. IPM focuses on preventing pests through non-chemical means and does not include regularly scheduled spray treatments. If chemicals are necessary, they are used in targeted applications with the least amount possible being utilized.

IPM’s preventive approach is based on proactive sanitation and facility maintenance to eliminate pests’ access to their basic survival needs: food, water and shelter. This becomes more challenging in poultry facilities because those same three elements pests seek out are the same things you provide to your flocks. Given the specialized knowledge required for IPM programs and the challenges poultry facilities present, many choose to outsource their pest management programs. But what should you look for when searching for a pest management provider? Here are some key questions to ask and elements to explore when outsourcing your IPM program:

Certification
First and foremost, make sure any pest management provider you consider has licensed, certified and insured technicians – this is essential in order to comply with federal and provincial laws. You should keep a copy of your pest management provider’s licenses, certifications and insurance certificates on file. Keep these in a central location along with other documentation such as pest sighting memos, corrective action reports and trap placement maps.

Training
Would you put someone with no experience in charge of your facility? The same answer should go for your IPM program. Ask the pest management provider what type of training technicians receive? Does the company offer regular training to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest technology and trends? Are they educated on local laws, and health department and auditor requirements? Proper pest identification is essential for effective treatment so you’ll also want to make sure the pest management provider is trained in pest biology and behaviour. This means the technician can accurately identify pests’ species and growth stages.


Does the company you’ve chosen have experience servicing facilities like yours?

Experience and service
How long has the pest management provider been in business? Do they service commercial facilities on a regular basis? Pest management in poultry housing and processing environments requires a higher standard to ensure food safety. Experience with commercial facilities will help ensure your provider is comfortable with your facility’s standard operating procedures. Ask about what documentation is provided with the service. How soon is it available? You’ll also want to know how the provider addresses quality assurance. For example, what kind of service guarantee is available? What is the average response time to a pest-related emergency? Is there an extra charge for such emergency responses?

Communication
IPM depends on open communication between you, your staff and your pest management provider. When searching for a pest management provider, ask if they regularly communicate with your staff on sanitation and facility maintenance issues as part of the IPM program. Reputable providers will provide staff training on their role in the IPM process.

Based on your research, identify two or three companies from which to solicit proposals. Invite each provider on the “short list” to tour your facility before submitting a proposal. Identify specific pests that must be included in the contract and find out if additional charges apply when extra services are needed for a non-contracted pest. Discuss and agree upon the respective roles of the provider and of your facility in the IPM partnership. Make sure the proposal and service agreement outline these roles clearly. Finally, decide up front how – and how often – the provider’s services will be evaluated.

Successful IPM programs are based on strong partnerships. By asking questions up front, you can help to ensure a strong and lasting relationship that helps to keep pests in their place, and your product safe. For that perfect fit, take your time when selecting a provider – you’ll be pleased, but pests won’t.

The Provider’s Role
After you’ve found a provider, help ensure a successful IPM partnership by outlining roles and responsibilities for all parties involved.

Your provider’s role should include the following:

Providing regular service with no cost for additional visits needed to meet contract provisions.
Performing detailed inspections and determining appropriate treatment methods.
Adhering to IPM principles as defined by a recognized food industry association.
Providing written service reports after every visit.
Carefully selecting and applying pesticide treatments in keeping with all applicable regulations.
Providing copies of all labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in an accessible on-site work centre.
Posting written notices of any residual-pesticide applications.
Conducting quarterly program audits and annual corporate quality assurance audits.

Your facility’s role should include the following:

Making premises available and prepare for service per contract conditions.
Promptly correcting deficiencies noted on service reports (may include facility maintenance,
sanitation, landscaping work).
Training staff to conduct routine cleanings that do not disturb control methods in place.
Monitor and evaluate contractor’s performance on a regular basis.

Bill Melville is a Quality Assurance Director for Orkin PCO Services. Mr. Melville has 35 years of experience in the industry and is an acknowledged leader in the field of pest management. For more information, e-mail Mr. Melville at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.orkincanada.com .

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Outsourcing your pest management program – What to ask and what to look for