5 Questions with Anna Hansen, MGK

1. Why does documentation in food processing facilities and commercial kitchens matter?

Pest control helps provide the basic environmental and operating conditions necessary for the safe production of foods. Many commercial kitchens and food processing facilities are audited by third parties. Thorough inspections are one crucial aspect of preventive pest control services that you can provide for these accounts. Thorough documentation is another. Good record keeping can be useful in anticipating pest activity, as well as demonstrating compliance with food safety laws.

2. What is APM, and why would I use it when treating German cockroaches?

Assessment-based pest management (APM) is a treatment strategy for German cockroach control tailored specifically for urban environments, including commercial kitchens. Start each treatment with a visual inspection to determine the level of infestation, categorized as high, medium or low. Treatment protocols are specific to the level of infestation. Be sure to reassess before follow-up treatments, switching protocols as the level of infestation changes to ensure success.

3. Why is fogging an important method for controlling German cockroaches in commercial kitchens, and when should it be considered?

Fogging can be a powerful tool to help quickly establish control in high-level infestations. Drop ceilings in particular provide an ideal harborage for German cockroaches, and fogging allows for comprehensive coverage in these challenging areas. If a new or current account is proving difficult to control with standard options, fogging provides an alternative approach to disrupt the cockroach population and regain control.

4. What is bait aversion?

Bait aversion is a type of behavioral resistance where cockroaches avoid a food ingredient in the bait and refuse to eat it. Baits rely on consumption to have any effect. Cockroaches may well still be susceptible to the active ingredient, but there is no control with no consumption. Rotate baits to combat bait aversion. In addition to rotating modes of action, rotate the food matrix in your bait.

5. What should I look for when selecting bait for German cockroaches?

The key is to have a rotation plan, even if time between rotations varies from one company to another. The Vendetta family of cockroach baits gives you effective control with multiple modes of action to fight any level of infestation. Vendetta Plus, Vendetta Nitro and Vendetta 360 include NyGuard IGR to bring an additional mode of action. An IGR in the bait acts as an insurance policy, stopping reproduction of the remaining cockroaches.