management, including more comprehensive inspections,
interacting with clients and identifying the root cause of
pest issues.
Considerations
Introducing new technology to any rodent management
program shouldn’t be rushed or done without considering
its impact. Pest services providers, food manufacturers and
distributors need to have an honest conversation about whether
remote monitoring is a good fit for their budget and the specific
needs of their facility. Some considerations include:
• Not An “End-All-Be All” — Remote monitoring alone will
not prevent or eliminate rodents from entering a facility. It is
one component of a more comprehensive approach to rodent
management that includes exclusion, sanitation, cultural
practices and traditional baiting and trapping efforts.
• Not For All Facilities — An effective rodent management
program is customized to the specific needs of the facility.
From building design and construction and the types of
products processed or stored at the facility, to where
the building is located (i.e. near a body of water), quality
assurance managers and their pest providers must consider
this information before deciding to go ahead with remote
monitoring.
• Data Needs To Be Used Properly — The amount of data
generated from remote monitoring can be overwhelming. Pest
management professionals, quality assurance managers and
plant managers must commit the time and resources needed
to best utilize data.
Final Thoughts
Remote monitoring technology has the potential to change
the way rodent management practices are conducted in food
manufacturing and distribution facilities. By its design, it
complements your existing programs and makes them even
stronger, giving you greater peace of mind. While much is yet to
be known about the full capabilities of remote monitoring, the
underlying message is very clear: this technology is not rodent
management as we have known it.
Shane McCoy is Director of Quality and Technical Training at
Wil-Kil Pest Control.
Remote monitoring technology
is generating a great deal
of conversation among pest
management professionals, third-
party auditors and commercial facility
managers, particularly those involved
with food distribution and storage.
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