Common pests
Some common pests that you need to watch out for are:
- flies
- moths
- cockroaches
- ants
- rats and mice
- weevils
- birds.
Pest and animal control
Cleaning and sanitising
Overview
Food preparation and storage areas are much less attractive to pests when they are kept clean.
This is important because pests spread disease and bacteria through physical contamination and droppings.
They can cause food poisoning and damage equipment.
Pests like to live in areas that are dark, undisturbed, and where there is access to food and water.
You must ALWAYS keep pests out of food preparation and handling areas.
Preventing pests
Things you can do to prevent pests are:
- never permit animals, including pets, in any place where food is prepared, stored or transported
- report any signs of pest activity, such as droppings, fur or scratch marks
- remove rubbish regularly
- ensure bins do not overflow
- put lids on outside rubbish bins
- keep doors closed when not in use
- store food and equipment off the floor
- store food in sealed containers.
Getting rid of pests
If you notice pests in the food area or premises you should:
- report the pest activity to your supervisor or manager
- follow instructions given by the supervisor or manager
- if using sprays or baits follow the instructions on the label
- remove dead pests
- label bait stations with the date they were set
- remove any accumulated rubbish.
If a licensed pest controller is hired, ensure that food and surfaces are protected from chemical contamination.
Helpful tips
- Regularly check pest-prone hiding places, for example, under sinks.
- Ensure that insect zappers, spray dispensers, ultraviolet insect killers are not located above food preparation or packaging areas.
- Report any cracks or holes in floors, ceilings, walls and fly-screens.
