Smallest insects, biggest threat

Food companies thinking about pest control will initially turn to flies and rodents. But did you know that it is stock insects that cause the most financial damage in food companies worldwide? An opening of only 0.12 mm is enough for these insects to get into a package and feast on your stock.

Stock insects come in many forms but they are mainly beetles and moths. The most common are the bread beetle and the Indian flour moth. They make their way through a tiny opening or bite through the packaging of cereals, dried fruit, pasta, cookies, nuts, flour ... Not only to have access to the food, but also to lay eggs in it. Stock insects are difficult to detect precisely because they are so small. Moreover, what distinguishes them from other pests is that they actually pose a threat all year long, regardless of the season. In any country, for any type of food business.

Duration of production loss

That the presence of stock insects has disastrous consequences for food safety goes without saying. Because they live in them, insect eggs, larvae, skin and feces end up in food. 60% of food companies worldwide face 9% less sales annually due to the presence of stock insects. A threat that will only increase as production becomes more global and the world's population grows. But the presence of insects also attracts other pests (birds, mice) that find a food source in them. And did you know that the webs of moths can cause serious damage to your machinery?

Data insights for efficient strategy

Reason enough to work on food-safe inventory management. Rentokil collects data worldwide to gain insight into how to efficiently keep stock insects out of your food business. After all, everything starts with understanding why stock insects strike in just this place. Then we can look at what is the most efficient solution for your business. For example, heat-sealed packaging can provide additional protection. Or placing certain products in your inventory a little higher off the floor. Or clean certain areas better. Rentokil combines people with the right technology, data and insights, so you can ward off even these smallest insects but biggest threat.

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