Facility Maintenance & Pest Control Flashcards

Which of the following is the BEST indicator that a rodent infestation is active rather than old?

Answer: Soft, moist droppings with a strong ammonia smell

Fresh rodent droppings are soft, moist, and have a strong ammonia odor, indicating recent activity.

An integrated pest management (IPM) program prioritizes which approach FIRST?

Answer: Identifying and eliminating pest harborage and food sources

IPM emphasizes prevention by removing conditions that attract pests before resorting to chemical controls.

A foodservice facility should seal exterior wall openings larger than what size to prevent mouse entry?

Answer: 1/4 inch

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch, so all gaps of that size or larger must be sealed.

What is the primary purpose of an air curtain (air door) installed at a loading dock?

Answer: To create a barrier that prevents flying insects from entering

Air curtains produce a continuous flow of air that deters flying insects from entering open doorways.

Which area of a foodservice facility is MOST likely to harbor cockroaches?

Answer: Warm, moist voids behind equipment motors and compressors

Cockroaches prefer warm, humid, dark environments such as voids near motor heat and moisture sources.

When pest control chemicals must be used inside a foodservice facility, they should be applied:

Answer: Only by a licensed pest control operator, after food is removed from the area

Pesticide application inside food facilities must be performed by a licensed operator with food and equipment removed or covered.

A manager notices fruit flies congregating near a floor drain. The BEST corrective action is to:

Answer: Clean organic buildup from the drain and maintain regular drain flushing

Fruit flies breed in organic matter inside drains; removing the organic buildup eliminates their breeding site.