Tips for Prevention of Light-Invading Insects

The pest management company McCloud Services is generating awareness on prevention, management and exclusion tips for the most common light-invading insects, which are often the most common type of insect that invade a food facility. These insects may contribute to consumer complaints, and exterior light management and exclusion are the keys to reducing indoor problems. 

“As we enter the summer months, light-invading insects may become more of a risk to food facilities as doors and other openings may be left open. Common light-invading insects that food facilities need to be aware of are non-biting midges, leafhoppers, ground beetles, thrips, stink bugs, and night-flying moths. said Patricia Hottel, McCloud technical director. "Although these insects are accidental invaders and will not reproduce indoors, they can contaminate products and packaging materials.  Preventing their entry and reduction of their numbers indoors is crucial.”

There are steps plants can take to control light-invading insects, Hottel said. “The first step to exclusion is to reduce the attraction to the structure by managing exterior lighting. The second step is to reduce pest entry points through proper exclusion methods of keeping doors closed and other openings sealed or screened. Other major steps for prevention are to reduce highly attractive lights and educate employees and staff on the importance of keeping doors closed and sealed.” 

McCloud Services discusses in depth exclusion methods and control methods for light-invading insects in its article “The Lure of Lights,” detailing the most common light insects, ways to exclude these insects, types of lights that should be used in food facilities, types of traps, sample third-party audit standards and insect-light placement guidance.

To learn more about light-invading insects and how to prevent and exclude them, download Lure of Lights to Flying Insects. McCloud services Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio and Wisconsin. For more information, call 800-332-7805 or email contact@mccloudservices.com