Most common pests in the food processing industry

Pests Most Commonly Found in Food Processing Facilities

Rodents

Common Types of Mice and Rats in Food Facilities

  • Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) - Also known as the common rat, gray rat, or sewer rat, the brown rat can grow to be 20-30 cm long, with a tail measuring 13-32 cm. They can weigh up to 500 grams and have gray, gray-brown, or brown fur, with some variations like albino.
  • Black Rat (Rattus rattus) - Known as the house rat, ship rat, or pest rat, the black rat is smaller, measuring 16-24 cm in length and weighing between 150-250 grams. Their tails are longer than their bodies (up to 130% longer) and they have pointed snouts and larger ears compared to other rats.
  • House Mouse (Mus domesticus) - House mice are smaller and thinner than rats, measuring 7-11 cm in length. They have thin gray or brown fur and a slightly hairy tail that can be as long as their bodies.

Stored Product Insects (SPIs)

BEETLES, FLIES, ANTS, MOTHS, AND RICE WEEVILS

Various species of SPIs are common across different climates and can cause significant damage to stored products:

  • Stored Product Beetles: Includes species like rice weevils, flour beetles, and sawtoothed grain beetles, which often infest grains and processed food products.
  • Stored Product Moths: Indian meal moths and Mediterranean flour moths are two of the most common moth species that infest stored goods.
  • Ants and Flies: These insects are also frequent culprits that can contaminate and ruin stored food products, leading to significant losses.

Damage Caused by Stored Product Insects (SPIs)

Stored product insects (SPIs) infest and damage food products in storage, leading to significant economic losses in food processing and distribution.

Insects can infiltrate stored food through damaged or poorly sealed packaging, and some species can chew through materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic.

Female insects often lay eggs on or near food supplies, and when the larvae hatch, they begin feeding on the products.

This results in:

  • Scrapped batches of goods
  • Financial losses
  • Delays in order fulfillment due to contaminated or damaged products.

Cockroaches

Here are the most common types of cockroaches found in food processing facilities:

  • German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
    German cockroaches are light brown with two distinct dark stripes running along the first segment of the thorax. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and darker, almost black, with a light stripe running across their thorax.
  • American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
    The American cockroach is reddish-brown and can fly. Some specimens have a light yellow coloring on the upper part of the thorax. Males have longer wings that extend beyond the abdomen, while females have shorter wings that don’t fully cover the abdomen.

How to Prevent Pest Contamination in the Food Industry


Preventing pest contamination in the food industry is critical to ensuring food safety and maintaining compliance with stringent regulations. The consequences of pest infestations can be severe, from production downtime to audit failures and product recalls.

Key prevention methods include thorough facility inspections to identify entry points, implementing strict sanitation protocols, and integrating an IPM plan that prioritizes non-chemical control strategies. Continuous monitoring using digital tools, such as SMART sensors, ensures that any pest activity is detected early, preventing contamination before it can escalate.

By adopting these best practices, food facilities can protect their products, maintain compliance, and safeguard their reputation in the market.

Discover how to strengthen your pest prevention measures.

Birds

  • Pigeons - (Columba livia domestica):
    Pigeons are active during daylight hours, and their presence can cause significant issues. Signs of a pigeon infestation include:
    - Large flocks congregating on rooftops or around the building.
    - Excessive noise from their cooing and movements.
    - Accumulation of droppings on sidewalks, vehicles, and buildings, which can lead to contamination and damage.
  • Common Myna - (Acridotheres tristis):
    This bird is predominantly gray with a striking yellow beak and eyes. A distinctive feature is the two white patches visible under its wings while in flight. Since its introduction to Singapore, the Common Myna has flourished and is now one of the most frequently encountered birds. Its adaptable nature means it can thrive in urban environments, often finding food and shelter around food facilities.

Bird Behavior

Pigeons and mynas are highly adaptable to urban environments, which allows them to thrive in cities and around food facilities. Their rapid reproduction and disruptive behaviors have earned them a reputation as pests in many urban areas globally.

These birds are scavengers, often rummaging through garbage bins in search of food. This not only spreads litter but also attracts other pests, leading to unhygienic conditions. Their presence around food facilities can compromise sanitation standards and pose contamination risks, making effective bird management essential for maintaining a clean and compliant environment.

Choose country