The Most Common Light Invading Insects

Light Management and Exclusion Tips for the Most Common Light Invading Insects Found Inside a Food Warehouse or Food Plant

 
The Lure of LightsJune 2, 2016 McCloud Services, a leading pest management company servicing Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio and Wisconsin, is generating awareness on prevention, management and exclusion tips for the most common light invading insects found inside a food facility.

Light invading insects are often the most common type of insect that will invade a food facility.  These types of insects may contribute to consumer complaints and exterior light management and exclusion are the keys to reducing indoor problems with these insects.

“As we enter the summer months, light invading insects may become more of a risk to food facilities as doors and other openings may be left open.  Common light invading insects food facilities need to be aware of are non-biting midges, leafhoppers, ground beetles, thrips, stink bugs and night-flying moths.  Although these insects are accidental invaders and will not reproduce indoors, they can contaminate products and packaging materials.  Preventing their entry and reduction of their numbers indoors is crucial,” said Patricia Hottel, technical director for McCloud Services.

Hottel adds that there are certain steps to take when trying to control light invading insects, “The first step to exclusion is to reduce the attraction to the structure by managing exterior lighting.  The second step is to reduce pest entry points through proper exclusion methods of keeping doors closed and other openings sealed or screened.  Other major steps for prevention are to reduce highly attractive lights and educate employees and staff on the importance of keeping doors closed and sealed.”

McCloud Services discusses in depth exclusion methods and control methods for light invading insects in its article “The Lure of Lights,” detailing the most common light insects, ways to exclude these insects, types of lights that should be used in food facilities, different types of traps and sample third party audit standards and insect light placement guidance.

To learn more information about light invading insects and how to prevent and exclude them, please download McCloud Services’ article Lure of Lights to Flying Insects

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Fly Management
Flies are vectors for disease traveling from sewage to the dinner plate. McCloud Services’ No Fly Zone™ program protects your health and safety through inspection and control techniques for small fly and large fly breeding areas. Learn More about the No Fly Zone™ Program