Testing Predictions of Rodent Activity Around Food Distribution Centers in New York

This research will inform guidance about rodent management at food facilities to reduce contamination risks and improve food safety for consumers.Objectives:Document the distribution of rodent populations on the exterior and interior of food facilitiesDetermine if rodent populations are equally distributed around a facility, matching the distribution of bait boxes imposed by auditing agenciesDocument the distribution of conditions that favor rodents on the exterior and interior of food facilities (sources of food, water, shelter, and warmth)Determine if placing rodent management devices in areas of predicted activity (#3 above) are visited more often than those equally distributed around the facilityDevelop preliminary guidelines for the effective placement of rodent management devices to better protect against contamination risksCompare the service cost for pest professionals and the amount of rodenticide used under current (auditor dictated) and proposed protocols