[Ice Chips]

Q: How critical is the 18-inch rodent strip? We are setting up a new warehouse and the racks have been installed. Even though we painted an 18-inch white rodent strip along the wall, the racks were installed to only allow a 15-inch space when the pallets are placed on the bottom. Do we need to move the racks 3 inches to be in compliance?

A: Congratulations on acquiring a new warehouse. I do not see a need to relocate the newly installed racking system to gain 3 inches. The 18-inch space has been a guideline for many years simply because it has been a width that allows most people access to the perimeter areas.

Access is an important part of the sanitation and pest management programs maintained by food warehousing facilities. Adequate space is needed to allow for routine cleaning as required by the Master Cleaning Schedule and to monitor mechanical devices or glue boards used for the preventive rodent control program. If the 15-inch space allows for proper maintenance of the programs, you are meeting the intent of the requirement.

There are some occasions where it is impossible to achieve the desirable 18-inch space. Under these circumstances, the programs designed to maintain the area must be up to the challenges. The space may need to be vacated on an adequate frequency to properly clean the area and to inspect the rodent control devices. If the program properly addresses these needs and no problems are evident, then the program meets your needs. There is no need to relocate the racks as long as you design your programs to properly maintain essential cleaning and pest monitoring programs. AIB

-----------------------------------------------------

Rodent Book Available

After 28 years in the urban and industrial pest management industries, well-known industry consultant Bobby Corrigan shares his extensive knowledge of commensal rodents in his widely acclaimed book, Rodent Control: A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals.

The hardcover publication, featuring hundreds of photographs and illustrations, provides a comprehensive look at commensal rodent biology and behavior and multiple approaches for their control, including a chapter devoted specifically to "Rodent Pest Management for the Food & Warehousing Industry." Other chapters are devoted to such topics as rodent inspections, practical sanitation issues, rodent exclusion, baits and bait stations, challenging rodent control situations, and rodent traps and other non-chemical tools.

Cost of the book is $49.95 plus $6 shipping and handling. For additional information or to order the book, visit www.pctonline.com/store, or call 216/925-4652.