Best Practice Guideline: Pest Management

The guideline looks at the elements to be considered when setting up, operating and monitoring an integrated pest management programme (IPM). Whether provided internally by the site’s trained personnel or working in partnership with a competent pest management organisation, the aim is to:

• consider the requirements for establishing an effective preventive pest management programme
• outline how companies and pest management organisations can work together
• identify the requirements for preventing pests from entering the site
• give guidance for the monitoring and eradication of pests
• identify action required when an infestation occurs.

The guideline provides guidance on the control of pests in production facilities for both food and non-food products. An effective pest management system is part of the prerequisites of any site’s operational system and therefore, this title is relevant to all BRCGS Standards. Effective pest management remains the full responsibility of the site even where a contractor is employed so the publication will be of interest to anyone responsible for pest management in the site, including maintenance personnel, production team leaders and contract managers.