ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies some of the pests of concern to food plants and discuss control measures focusing on sanitation. Some of the most common food plant pests are flies and beetles, roaches, rodents, and birds. The approach most recommended for the control of pests is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a multiple hurdle approach that provides several barriers to thwart pests. It is estimated that there are between 800,000 and 1 million species of insects on earth. From a regulatory standpoint, the presence of rodents or rodent evidence violates section 402(a) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. Birds provide a benefit to human lives as pets, have aesthetic value, and eat insects. Some birds, however, are pests and present a threat to crops, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. One of the primary means by which sanitary design works is to exclude pests, denying them access to food, warmth, moisture, and shelter.
