Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
SanitationPest Control

Food Processing Facilities at Risk for Rodent Infestations

By Cindy Mannes
rat up close

Credit: Denitsa Kireva(denitsa-kireva-2915302) via Pexels

January 2, 2023

The fall and winter seasons bring new challenges for food processing facilities and the teams that work to maintain them. One of the most notable challenges they face is increased pressure from rodents that seek out food and shelter within these facilities when outside temperatures fall. A rodent infestation can be extremely detrimental to a food processing facility, as it can lead to a facility being shut down if the problem is not addressed promptly and properly. 

Rodent infestations are extremely dangerous to not only the health and safety of employees who work in the facilities, but these pests can also transmit serious diseases like Salmonella, which can contaminate food manufactured in the facility. In fact, rodents are known to contaminate or consume about 20 percent of world's food supply. 

To keep their facilities safe, food processing facility managers need to regularly inspect the building and machinery for signs of an infestation. The top six signs of a rodent infestation to look out for include:  

  • Droppings: Finding mice or rat droppings around the facility is one of the most common signs of a rodent infestation. These pellets are often left behind in places where food is stored, such as storage areas, as well as under sinks, inside chewed cardboard boxes, along baseboards, and on top of wall beams.
  • Gnaw marks: Rodents can cause serious property damage by chewing through almost any type of material—including plastic and lead pipes—to obtain food or water. House mice and Norway rats are also known to gnaw on wires behind walls, sometimes causing fires.
  • Nests: Rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance. House mice, specifically, like to build their nests from shredded paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation, and fabrics. If facility managers find these materials scattered around guest rooms or common areas, it might be a sign that rodents are nearby.
  • Tracks or rub marks: Rats tend to leave dark grease or dirt marks along walls and floorboards as they follow a trail throughout the building between their nest and food sources. Facility managers should keep an eye out for these rub marks, which are caused by the rat's oily fur.
  • Strange noises: Getting complaints that employees are hearing strange noises in the walls? Chances are these sounds can be attributed to a family of rodents scurrying about the facility, between the walls, and up in attics. Rodents are especially fond of storage spaces because they provide dark, secluded spots to build nests.
  • An actual rodent: Mice can breed rapidly, so if a facility manager or a customer spot one mouse in the building, it is likely there are others playing hide and seek. In fact, a female house mouse can give birth to around 6–8 (or more) babies in ten litters per year, or around 70 young per year.

In addition to regularly keeping watch for signs of a rodent infestation, facility managers should implement prevention tips to avoid unwanted rodent run-ins:

  • Trim back trees and foliage close to the foundation
  • Seal any cracks or holes on the outside of the building
  • Repair any broken vent covers, loose siding, or shingles
  • Keep storage areas clean and organized to eliminate potential nesting grounds
  • Properly ventilate storage areas and machinery to prevent moisture buildup that can attract pests
  • Keep food products sealed and stored properly in airtight containers
  • Clean high-volume areas often, including employee breakrooms, bathrooms, and lobby areas where crumbs and trash accumulate daily
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed receptacles that are placed at a distance from building entrances
  • Work with a licensed pest control professional to perform regular inspections and recommend treatment if an infestation is found.

The most important step listed above is maintaining a regular inspection and treatment schedule with your licensed pest control partner. A professional can implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan—a holistic and customized approach to pest control that comprises inspection, identification, and treatment to help ensure that commercial facilities are clean, compliant, and pest-free. These inspections should not stop at the end of peak pest season or after a problem is addressed. Pests, especially rodents, are a year-round threat to the safety of food processing facilities.

KEYWORDS: pest control rodent control

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Cindy Mannes is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Contamination Control
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Management
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Management
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.
    Sponsored byOrkin Commercial

    Staying Compliant With FSMA

  • Deli Salads
    Sponsored byCorbion

    How Food Safety is Becoming the Ultimate Differentiator in Refrigerated and Prepared Foods

Popular Stories

Corporate manager talking with factory employees

Turning Resistance into Opportunity: Motivating Change in the Food Industry

Image of baby being fed infant formula

HHS Budget Request Beats Familiar Drum

Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.

Staying Compliant With FSMA

Events

June 26, 2025

How to Design and Conduct Challenge Studies for Safer Products and Longer Shelf Life

Live: June 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: During this webinar, attendees will learn how to conduct challenge studies for microbial spoilage and pathogen growth, including the common challenges encountered, laboratory selection, and use of predictive models.

July 15, 2025

Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and EHEDG Guidance

Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.

May 11, 2026

The Food Safety Summit

Stay informed on the latest food safety trends, innovations, emerging challenges, and expert analysis. Leave the Summit with actionable insights ready to drive measurable improvements in your organization. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from experts about contamination control, food safety culture, regulations, sanitation, supply chain traceability, and so much more.

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • pest spray warehouse

    Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips for Commercial Food Facilities

    See More
  • Rodent Research at Food Distribution Centers: A Call for Collaboration

    See More
  • Bayer Rodent Trap Technology with 24/7 Monitoring Can Prevent Infestations

    Bayer's Rodent Trap Technology with 24/7 Monitoring Can Prevent Infestations

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9781498721776.jpg

    Handbook of Food Processing: Food Safety, Quality, and Manufacturing Processes

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • December 3, 2024

    Facilities Focus: Food Safety Factors to Consider in Hygienic Design and Infrastructure

    On Demand: From this webinar, attendees will learn important factors to consider when specifying hygienic design requirements for equipment and facilities.
  • July 15, 2025

    Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and EHEDG Guidance

    Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.
View AllSubmit An Event

Related Directories

  • Xcluder - Global Material Technologies

    Food processing companies and retailers around the world use Xcluder rodent and pest exclusion products to secure and protect their facilities. Xcluder’s product offering includes rodent-proof door sweeps and seals, fill fabric, and more—all made in America and safe to use around people, animals, plants, and food.
  • KLEANZ Food Safety Technologies

    KLEANZ Food Safety Technologies is proud to be the leader in software and services for the Food and Beverage industry. For over 30 years, we have ensured that our clients’ Food Safety, Sanitation Management, and Maintenance needs are satisfied and streamlined. We pride ourselves in helping our clients mitigate risk.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing