RI, MA EHS Pest Control Blog

Warehouse Must Deal with Insect and Rodent Infestation

A New Hope, MN food warehouse was infested with rodents, insects and birds in July, according to a warning letter issued this month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA ordered the company, New Wha Ming Trading of MN, Inc. to correct violations within 15 days or explain why it needs more time.

During five visits in July, inspectors noticed live and dead rodents, including several in traps; droppings in 17 locations on food and elsewhere; nesting material and gnawed containers.

Bags of food were stained with urine. There were bird droppings on cans of condensed milk. Insects were found on bags and on a dead rodent.

Owner Weizhen Lin said Wednesday he had not received the FDA letter but the company is "working on the issues."

George Williams,
General Manager

Pest Control, MA ,  Pest Control, RI

Late snow in Massachusetts & Rhode Island coupled with record rain levels in March have caused increased water levels in reservoirs and in the soil. This increase in moisture has set the stage for the largest termite swarming season ever to be recorded in this area. This will be followed by record activity from carpenter ants once temperatures remain consistantly over 70 degrees. Both pest need moisture to survive but thrive when it is abundent.

Termite damage is conservatively estimated at five billion dollars yearly in the United States. In most years, this is five times the dollar amount of hurricanes and fires combined. Termite swarming occurs when the weather becomes warmer and termites leave their colonies to find new nesting sites. Homeowners must be proactive to prevent termites from infesting and causing irreparable damage to their biggest investment—their home. Termite Control is important in protecting the biggest investment most people make – their homes.
Carpenter ants cause considerable hidden damage behind walls. Recent studies have found that the average expense for damage repair from carpenter ants ranged from $2,000-$10,000 per incident.
 
The best preventative measure is to get your home inspected by EHS even if you do not have any visual signs of these pests. In this case the risk SIGNIFICANTLY outweighs ignoring it.
 
Sabrina Key
VP of Operations