EcoSMART

Commercial Kitchens

1. Integrated Pest Management

EcoSMART Technologies, Inc. strongly advocates the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interactions with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. IPM programs take advantage of all pest management options possible including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.

Understanding pests’ needs is essential to implementing IPM. Pests seek habitats that provide basic needs such as air, moisture, food and shelter. Pest populations can be prevented or controlled by creating inhospitable environments, by removing some of the basic elements pests need to survive, or by blocking their access into structures. Pests may be managed by other methods such as traps, vacuums or pesticides. EcoSMART and your Pest Management Professional (PMP) will become your partner in identifying maintenance and sanitation opportunities which will minimize the need for chemicals.

An IPM program consists of a cycle of inspecting, identifying, monitoring, evaluating and selection of the appropriate control methods. Routine inspection and accurate identification of pests are vital steps in IPM to insure control methods will be effective. Once the pest is identified and the source of activity is pinpointed, habitat modifications such as exclusion, repair or sanitation efforts will greatly reduce the prevalence of the pest. Information gained through a continuous monitoring program is evaluated to determine whether the action threshold has been exceeded and what can be done in the way of prevention.

2. General Requirements - PMP

Your service technician will perform a thorough inspection using EcoPCO® ACU Contact Insecticide during each scheduled visit. Evaluation of inspection results and monitors will determine the appropriate treating methods which will then be utilized.
Copies of labels and Material Safety Data Sheets will be provided upon request.
Service to your property will be performed a minimum of one time per month. In the unlikely event that additional services are necessary between regular services, they will be provided at no additional cost.
Your service technician will provide a written report after each regular visit which will describe deficiencies in housekeeping, maintenance or sanitation which could induce pest problems. Recommendations will be made for correcting these deficiencies.

3. General Requirements - Customer

Your part of this partnership will include making the premises available for service at the specified time and ensuring that all areas are accessible for inspection and treatment.
Your premises will be prepared for service according to the agreed upon conditions to insure protection of your property from contamination or adulteration during the service.
You will be responsible for prompt correction of the deficiencies noted on the written report provided by your service technician. This is critical to insure the integrity of your IPM program.
You will be responsible for training your employees to conduct routine cleaning processes which do not disturb, remove or contaminate the control methods implemented by your service technician.

4. Insect Control Specifics

Your PMP has conducted extensive research on the control of insect problems in food preparation areas. Your PMP knows that attention to detail is the key to success. Your facility will have an individualized treatment plan designed to fit your specific needs.
Your service technician will provide a complete and thorough inspection using EcoPCO® ACU in common areas as an insect flushing agent and to eliminate any insects found. Common areas include, but are not limited to, under and behind stainless steel tables, sinks and splashboards, electrical outlets, switches, compressors and control boxes, counter top equipment (i.e., coffee makers, soft drink machines, microwaves, meat slicers, etc.), behind false walls near food prep tables, shelving, drop ceilings, clocks and other wall mounted items, dishwasher units and soiled dish conveyors and carts, all of which are prime harborage areas.
Your service technician will search out cracks and crevices at the wall/ceiling junctures, wall/floor junctures and at corner areas. Treatment will be rendered as necessary. This treatment will consist of an ongoing program of inspections, sealing to eliminate harborages, physical removal of any insects that are discovered, and the application of residual products such as EcoPCO® AR•X Multi-Purpose Insecticide or EcoPCO® WP•X Wettable Powder Insecticide. Void areas may be treated with EcoPCO® D•X Dust Insecticide or EcoEXEMPT® D Dust Insecticide then sealed appropriately.
Insect monitoring devices will be maintained in strategic locations throughout the facility.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) may be applied every three - four months to help prevent the growth and development of insects which hatch from egg capsules. IGRs will also interrupt the normal reproductive patterns.
EcoPCO® D•X or EcoEXEMPT® D applications will be strategically placed in void areas to prevent insect migration into sensitive environments.
The storage areas of your facility are critical since this is usually the source of most incoming pest problems. These areas require your special cooperation. The fewer products that are kept in “master pack”, the more effective the program will be. Cardboard removal is essential to elimination of potential harborage sources.

5. Rodent Control

The possibility of a rodent sighting by one of your patrons is a serious concern. To prevent this, your PMP will install a preventive rodent control program both outside and inside. Outside perimeters will be protected by utilizing tamper-resistant rodent stations in inconspicuous locations approximately every 50 feet where appropriate, especially near openings into the facility. All stations will be properly labeled, securely fastened to the substrate and dated on each service. Interior treatments will employ several methods including mechanical traps and glue traps or when necessary, bait placements where appropriate.

6. Perimeter Insect Control

One of the best ways to control insect problems indoors is to prevent them from entering from the outside. Your PMP will utilize a perimeter defense strategy around the exterior at regular intervals. This may include the use of exclusion techniques as well as EcoPCO® WP•X Wettable Powder Insecticide, EcoEXEMPT® G Granular Insecticide and/or a liquid application of EcoEXEMPT® IC-2 Insecticide Concentrate. Any wasp nests will be eliminated using EcoPCO® Jet•X Wasp/Hornet/Yellow Jacket Contact Insecticide or EcoEXEMPT® Jet Wasp & Hornet Killer. If excessive vegetation or weeds are present they can offer major harborages for pests. Your PMP may use Matran PRO Herbicide Concentrate: Non-Selective to burn down unwanted vegetation and eliminate potential harborage areas.