Cockroach Control: All Hands on Deck

We know cockroaches are hitchhikers. They hop on board when employees depart from home to work. They catch a ride from a coffee stop in the breakroom. Anywhere staff goes, there’s potentially an extra passenger riding along that’s not welcome in your facility.

It’s a tricky topic. How do you minimize risk of exposure while addressing the topic gently? There’s a balance. Yet there’s an essential all-in element.

“It’s everyone’s job to be on the lookout for pest sightings,” said Jeff Nelken, food safety coach and HACCP compliance consultant.

And it’s all about training, “otherwise you’re gambling,” said Marc Fintz, quality assurance manager at Schripps Foods.

It’s not just about staff. A multi-tiered communication approach is essential, with collaboration between quality assurance, pest control providers and employees at all levels.

Fintz calls it a front- and back-facing approach.

“The front-facing part is a partnership with a reliable pest control company,” he said. “They can be really good at what they do, but they must have a familiarity with food and beverage processing and food service. If not, there is too much of a learning curve.”

Ongoing employee sanitation and pest control chats are necessary, both in the moment and during tailgate meetings or more formal training sessions.

“Employees have been key for us getting ahead of the possibility of an infestation,” said Fintz.

Reporting and data collection from the pest control provider is integral, said Robert Long, director of corporate food safety and sanitation at Flowers Foods. He refers to a “death matrix” of pinpointing hotspots for pests, including cockroaches.

“Figure out where you have statistical activity and where you don’t,” he said.

Prioritizing spaces with noted activity based on barcoded baits has helped shift eyes on emerging and active spots for all pests.

“Identify your zones of risk and incorporate your pest control operator as part of the defense,” said Long.

Avoid accepting a report from a pest control provider visit in place of a walkthrough.

“A PCO should meet with a point person at your facility every time,” Long emphasized.

Nelken suggested engaging the pest control provider in training opportunities on site.

“At least every three to six months, ask the provider to do a half-hour training for staff — what to look for,” he said. “When you spend time for a training refresh, it stresses to your people why this is so important.”