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Pests and Their Control
What is a food pest?...
An animal, insect or bird which lives in or on our food. It contaminates food and is noxious, destructive or troublesome.
How do Pests Contaminate our Food?
- Breeding in food,
- Feeding (vomit back previous meal). This is what files do.
- Faeces, known as droppings.
- Walking on food or work surfaces used to prepare food.
- Laying eggs on uncovered food.
- Dead bodies can be left in the food.
There are various pests that can find their way into the food environment on board. There are mice and rats who build nests in warm dry areas and come out to find food. Flies that land on food, vomit on food and leave droppings on food. They also carry many bacteria and lay eggs that become maggots.
Cockroaches come out, especially at night and crawl over food. They also urinate on work food preparation surfaces. Coach roaches breed rapidly so if you see more than one there is almost certainly an infestation somewhere that needs to be found and dealt with.
Then there are weevils that cause issues on board. These are very small flies. They love dried products like seeds, cereals and flours. Checking regularly and storing in pest-proof containers is very important.
Example of pests on board.
For pests to survive they need somewhere safe to live that is undisturbed so they can breed. They like the kitchen and stockroom so they have a good source of food. Pests also like warm areas.
You know you have a problem with pests when you see them and hear them. They especially come out at night when it's all quiet. You can find dead bodies and the eggs they lay when they are breeding. You can often smell pests that urinate in galley and stockrooms.
Signs of pests are also Chewing or Gnawing of boxes, packages and even wiring. If pests are chewing walls or cupboards there will be dust plies. They leave droppings around, hair and fur plus they may even leave tails and smear marks.
Environmental Control of Pests
The best way to stop pests is to prevent them from getting on board or inside in the first place. Always remove as much packaging as possible from deliveries before bringing them on board. Check fruits and vegetables thoroughly for any hidden surprises. Keeping all doors closed whenever possible to stop flies and other insects. Rats are very smart and have the capability of climbing mooring lines or anchor chains - rat guards can help prevent this.
Checking stock and storerooms as part of the cleaning schedules will disturb pests as will a good stock rotation system. The way food is stored off the floor and pest-proof containers also help prevent pests as well as remove food debris off the ship as quickly as possible in line with MARPOL regulations.
Another good practice is to never leave food out uncovered and a "clean as you go" attitude.
Below are some examples of pest control methods:
- U/V fly killers: Placement is important so dead flies do not fall onto food preparation areas, storage and sinks. Over the bin area for example is ideal.
- Sticky boards: Effective but unsightly.
- Traps – rodents: Disposal of the catch is important.
- Hormone traps – insects: Disposal of the catch is important.
Shipping companies engage with a professional company to consult with, to create a pest management system on board and provide the correct training. You need to know your responsibilities for pest prevention and control.
Have a look at this video to learn more about this. Checking for pests video by the food standards agency