What is the most important aspect of pest management in food-handling facilities?

Sanitation is the most critical aspect of pest management in food-handling facilities because it lays the foundation for preventing pest infestations. Effective sanitation practices help eliminate the food sources, breeding grounds, and hiding places that pests require to thrive. By maintaining a clean environment, including proper storage and disposal of food waste, cleaning surfaces, and ensuring that areas are free from clutter, food-handling facilities can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting pests.

While chemical application, monitoring pest populations, and regular inspections are important components of a well-rounded pest management strategy, they are secondary to the principle of sanitation. Without proper sanitation, even the best chemical treatments or monitoring efforts may be ineffective, as pests can quickly repopulate areas that are not adequately cleaned and maintained. Therefore, sanitation should be prioritized to create a pest-free environment in food-handling facilities.