Which practice is essential for pest control in storage areas?

• A. Regularly washing hands before handling food.
• B. Avoiding pest access and harborage.
• C. Labeling all containers with dates.
• D. Using only visual inspections to assess pest presence.

Answer: (B)

Preventing pests hinges on blocking their entry and eliminating places where they can hide and breed. When access points are sealed and harborage is removed, pests have nowhere to go and infestations don’t gain a foothold in storage areas. Practical steps include sealing cracks and gaps around walls, floors, and doors; using self-closing doors or door sweeps; installing screens on vents; keeping pallets and containers away from walls and off the floor; maintaining clean, dry conditions to reduce attractants; and ensuring proper waste management and prompt spill cleanup. Regular monitoring helps catch issues early, allowing quick corrective action before problems escalate. This is a proactive approach that aligns with good manufacturing practice requirements for pest control.

Washing hands before handling food prevents contamination from people but doesn’t stop pests from entering or living in the storage area. Labeling containers with dates aids traceability, not pest control. Relying only on visual inspections may miss hidden eggs or infestations, so it’s not enough by itself to manage pests effectively.