RODENT CONCERNS

With only 9% of respondents stating that they are not concerned with any rodent species (Figure 4), and only 19% unconcerned about potential rodent problems (Figure 5), it is evident that rodents can be an issue in food and beverage processing facilities.

From the responses, it also can be seen that a majority of respondents were concerned with nearly all the potential problems listed as associated with rodents, and legitimately so:

• The most destructive animals in the world are rats, which contaminate and waste as much as, or more than, they consume. (USU)
• A 2017 Corra consumer survey found that 83.4% of respondents had complained about bad service or a product issue on social media, and 88% avoided a company because of bad social media reviews. (MediaPost)
• Food facilities have not only been cited in FDA inspections for rodents, but also for not monitoring rodent presence by appropriate methods and not maintaining records documenting compliance with rodent and other pest control measures. (FDA)
• • Total losses and damage caused by rats in the United States has been estimated to be $19 billion. Structural damage in buildings from gnawing and burrowing may include damage to doors, woodwork, and walls, as well as to pipes and wiring; insulation may be damaged or removed in the course of nest building. Mice, in particular, are sometimes implicated in fires resulting from damaged wires. (USDA/APHIS)
• Rodents have high rates of reproduction. An estimated 150-175 million Norway rats live in the US causing millions of dollars damage each year. (Columbia University)
• Mouse and rat droppings carry a number of pathogens, parasites, and viruses. (Texas A&M) and spread more than 35 diseases, including salmonellosis, hantavirus, and plague. (CDC)