Topic 7 : Pest control and integrated pest management

Question 1

What are the common pests in the food industry? [3]

Answer 1

1. Rodents
2. Cockroach (Insect)
3. Flies (Insect)

Question 2

Pest : rodents

Rodents, such as rats and mice, are diurnal creatures. True or False?

Answer 2

False, they are mainly nocturnal animals. Thus, spotting rodents in the day indicate heavy infestation.

Question 3

Pest : rodents

What are some signs of early infestation of rodents? [6]

Answer 3

1. Gnawing damage
2. Burrows
3. Droppings
4. Visual sighting of rates, dead or alive
5. Sounds of rodents
6. Foot prints

Question 4

Pest : rodents

In a food establishment, such as a food processing plant, what are 2 signs of heavy infestation of rodents?

Answer 4

1) Runways and tracks
- esp for norway rats that live in burrows

2) Greasemarks on pipes —> pipes on the exterior of the food plant, doesnt make sense to have stains on it so it must be from rats
- esp for norway rats which are good climbers

Question 5

Pest : rodents

Name the 3 rodent species, and their colour (if applicable) and size

Answer 5

1) Norway rat (brown)
- Large, 200-500 g

2) Roof rat (black)
- Sleek, 150-200 g

3) House mouse
- Small, 13-30 g

Rat = bigger

Question 6

Pest : rodents

Compare the nose, eyes, droppings between norway rat, roof rat and house mouse.

(Not impt)

Answer 6

Nose
- Norway rat : blunt
- Roof rat : pointed
- House mouse : pointed

Eyes
- Norway rat : small
- Roof rat : big
- House mouse : small

Droppings
- Norway rat : capsule shaped, 2cm
- Roof rat : spindle shpaed, 1cm
- House mouse : rod shaped, 3-6mm

Question 7

Pest : rodents

Compare the water requirements, diet and feeding habits of norway rat, roof rat and house mouse

Answer 7

Water
- Norway rat : 15-30 mL / day
- Roof rat : 15-30 mL / day
- House mouse : can survive withut free water

Diet
- Norway rat : Tend to feed on leftovers (carry overfood) in huge portions → human food scraps

• Roof rat : feed at multiple locations in small amounts compared to norway rat → human food scraps
• House mouse : feed on tiny grains and seeds

Feeding habits
- Norway rat : shy
- Roof rat : shy
- House mouse : inquisitive

Question 8

Pest : rodents

Compare the home range and habitats of norway rat, roof rat and house mouse

Answer 8

Home range
- Norway rat : 35m
- Roof rat : 35m
- House mouse : 7m

Habitat
- Norway rat : burrows, underground
- Roof rat : excellent climbers, like to nest in upper parts of buildings
- House mouse : Makeshift nest from shredded paper and fabric, providing insulation ;; or can survive under pellets in food establishments (esp when there is a lot of grains on floor and is enough for their survival)

Question 9

Pest : rodents

What are some current technologies for rodent detection? [4]

Answer 9

1. AI cameras (Eye Trak) → 24/7 monitoring and only detects rodents, alerts sent immediately
2. Integrated sensors → sensors that will only get triggered when rats step on it, and alerts are sent (pests with lighter weight like liazard will not trigger it)
3. Thermal imaging
4. Black lights (UV) to detect rodent urine

Question 10

Pest : insects

Insects have how many segments in their body?

Insects have __ pairs of wings, except ___ which only have 1 pair of functional wings.

Insects have ___ legs

Answer 10

Three segments : head, thorax, abdomen

2, flies

6

Question 11

Pest : insects

What are the 2 types of metamorphosis called? What stages are there in the life cycle of each?

Answer 11

1) Complete metamorphosis : 4 stages
- Egg → larva → pupa → adult

2) Gradual metamorphosis : 3 stages
- Egg → larva (nymph) → adult

Question 12

Pest : insects

What are the differences between the young and adult stage in complete and gradual metamorphosis?

Answer 12

Complete metamorphosis
- Appearance : young and adult look completely different
- Habitat and diet : different habourage points and different food sources

Gradual metamorphosis
- Appearance : young and adult look the same
- Habitat and diet : same habourage point and same food source

Question 13

Pest : insects

Considering the food source and habourage points of the young & adult stages in complete and gradual metamorphosis, what are the differences in management strategies for these 2 types of metamorphosis

Answer 13

Complete metamorphosis : focus on finding breeding grounds of larvae and manage larvae to prevent them from hatching.

Gradual metamorphosis : Management strategy should target adults, since young and adults share same food source and live in same location

Question 14

Pest : insects > cockroaches

Name the 2 main species of cockroaches and state which is more of a concern to food industry.

Answer 14

1. German cockroach (more of a concern to food industry)
2. American cockroach

Question 15

Pest : insects > cockroaches

One behavioural characteristic of cockroaches is thigmotaxis. What does this mean?

Answer 15

• Cockroaches exhibit a preference for tight, confined spaces where something is touching their bodies → thus cockroaches hide in cracks, crevices and confined spaces.
• Female cockroaches also reproduce faster when touched

Question 16

Pest : insects > cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures. True or False?

Answer 16

True. Sighting of cockroaches during the day indicates heavy infestation.

Question 17

Pest : insects > cockroaches

What are some evidence of cockroach infestation? [6]

Answer 17

1. Live cockroaches
2. Droppings
3. Oothecae (egg casings)
4. Moulted exoskeleton
5. Secretions
6. Odour (American cockroach)

Question 18

Pest : insects > cockroaches

State the differences in colour and distinctive features of the german and american cockroach.

Answer 18

Colour
- German cockroach : light brown
- American cockroach : reddish brown

Distinctive features
- German cockroach : 2 stripes on back
- American cockroach : none

Question 19

Pest : insects > cockroaches

State the differences in behaviour of the german and american cockroach [2].

Answer 19

1. Fly
- German cockroach : don’t fly
- American cockroach : fly (americans are good at manufacturing airplanes thus can fly)

2. Parenting habits
- German cockroach : female carry egg capsules until ready to be hatched
- American cockroach : egg capsules are deposited at various locations

Question 20

Pest : insects > cockroaches

State the preferred habitats of the german and american cockroach [2].

Answer 20

German cockroach : cooking areas like commercialised kitchens

American cockroach : sewers
(beer packaging in food industry because they drink beer)

Question 21

Pest : insects > cockroaches

American cockroaches are a problem for which part of the food industry?

Answer 21

Beer industry, american cockroach drink beer

Question 22

Pest : insects

State the differences in biology of german and American cockroach. (life cycle, egg capsules)

Answer 22

Life cycle
- German cockroach : complete life cycle in 30 days
- American cockroach : completes life cycle in 180 days

Egg capsules and reproductive habits
- German cockroach : 30-48 eggs per capsule, 6 egg capsules laid per lifetime
- American cockroach : 12-16 eggs per capsule, around 60 capsules per lifetime

Question 23

Pest : Insects > flies

Types of flies : phorid fly, fruit fly, sewer fly, dung fly, house fly, flesh fly, green / blue bottle fly. Which 4 species of flies are of most significance to the food industry (food processing establishments, food stores)?

Answer 23

1) Housefly
- high-risk for disease spread

2) Fruit fly
3) Phorid fly
4) Sewer fly

Question 24

Pest : Insects > flies

What kind of metamorphosis do flies undergo?

Answer 24

Complete metamorphosis

Question 26

# **Pest : Insects > flies** How long does it take for a housefly to complete its lifecycle, and what is its lifespan?

Answer 26

Completes life cycle within 7 days, and lifespan of 2-4 weeks

Question 28

# **Pest : Insects > flies** What is the flight range of houseflies? (distance from breeding site and flying speed)

Answer 28

Flight range : mostly up to 3km, but some may go up to 32km away from breeding site Flying speed : 7 km/h.

Question 29

# **Pest : Insects > flies** What are the differences between the habitats of - House fly - Fruit fly - Sewer fly - Phorid fly

Answer 29

House fly : prefer to live in heights up to 2m, protected from wind (esp common in shopping malls) Fruit fly : common in commercialised kitchens or within food processing facilities, attracted to fruits and vegetables i the kitchen Phorid fly : drains, rubbish bins Sewer fly : drains and sewers (e.g. in toilet), and cracks between tiles

Question 30

# **Pest : Insects > flies** What are the differences between the diets of - House fly - Fruit fly - Sewer fly - Phorid fly

Answer 30

- House fly : feed on almost anything, from feces, human food and decaying organic matter (which is why they can spread disease to human esp if they land on feces, then land on human's food) - Fruit fly : fruits and vegetables and decaying organic materials - Sewer fly : Feeds on moist and decaying organic matter in stagnant environments like drains and grease traps. - Phorid fly : moist, decaying organic matter. They thrive in areas with plumbing issues and leaky pipes, and found in drains / rubbish bins

Question 31

# **Integrated pest management** What are the regulations on vector control under the Control of Vectors & Pesticides Act (NEA)? [2]

Answer 31

1) Only registered companies are allowed to undertake vector control work 2) Need for licensed personnel to carry out work - Licensed vector control technician to supervise - Certified vextor control workers to carry out tasks (e.g. fumigation)

Question 32

# **Integrated pest management** What are the penalities for first and second offence under the Control of Vectors & Pesticides Act (NEA)? ## Footnote *Fine, jail*

Answer 32

- First offence : fine up to $20k and up to 3 months jail - Second offence : fine up to $50k and up to 6 months jail

Question 33

# **Integrated pest management** What are the regulations for pesticides and repellents in Singapore? [2]

Answer 33

1) All pesticides and repellents targeting mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and rodents must be registered with NEA. (Each registered product is given a SINNEAI code) 2) Sale and usage - Buying and selling unregistered products is prohibited - Pesticides must be used strictly according to registered label (how much to spray etc)

Question 34

# **Integrated pest management** What are the penalities for first and second offence for usage of pesticides and repellents in Singapore?

Answer 34

- First offence : fine up to $20k and 3 months jail - Second offence : fine up to $50k and 6 months jail

Question 35

# **Integrated pest management** What is stated under the pest free requirement for food establishments? What penalties are given for non-compliance? [3] ## Footnote *Food establishments = place involved in processing, handling, prepartion of food such as food factories)*

Answer 35

All food establishments must be free from rodents, wasps, bees, hornets and other vermin ;; with stricter regulations for rodents, cockroaches and flies (since 1 Mar 2023)
**Penalities for non-compliance**: 1. Business temporarily suspended / license is withdrawn 2. First offence : fine up to $10k 3. Second offence : fine up to $20k and/or 3 months jail

Question 36

# **Integrated pest management** What is outlined in NEA's pest requirement for food shops? [2] ## Footnote *Food shops = A specific type of food establishment that refers to a retail outlet or premises where food is prepared and sold directly to consumers. (cafe, bubble tea shop, hawker...)* *Food shop license*

Answer 36

1) Monthly inspection and treatment of rodents, cockroaches and flies, with at least 1 night inspection 2) Only licensed pest management operators and registered pesticides can be used

Question 37

# **Integrated pest management** What are the 5 key components of integrated pest management?

Answer 37

1) Through inspection for signs of infestation 2) Exclusion (pest-proofing) 3) Proper housekeeping 4) Population reduction strategies - Trapping program - Chemical approach where necessary 5) Follow-up

Question 38

# **Integrated pest management** Explain how to **detect** the 3 rodent species (norway rat, roof rat, house mouse). ## Footnote **Detection = spotting signs of infestation and technologies (if applicable)**

Answer 38

1) **Norway rat : live undergound in burrows.** - Signs of infestation : presence of burrows and soil disturbance ;; droppings etc 2) **Roof rat : excellent climbers, agile and love to live in high areas** - Signs of infestation : gnawing of electrical wires above ceiling ;; grease marks on pipes, beams or ceilings - Detection technology : AI camera to track nocturnal activity within food establishment/shops 3) **Housemouse : live in makeshift nests from shredded materials** - Signs of infestations : presence of nests from shredded materials ;; urine ;; droppings ;; footprints from powder tracking - Detection technology : movement sensors (since they are more inquisitive and move a lot)

Question 39

# **Integrated pest management** Explain how to **manage** the 3 rodent species (norway rat, roof rat, house mouse).

Answer 39

**1) Norway rat** - Characteristics : shy, eat big portions of leftover food, home range of 35m Management strategy : - place multiple bait stations near burrows (glue trap) - ensure good housekeeping and hygiene 2) Roof rat - Characteristics : shy, eat smaller portions of leftover food @ multiple locations, home range of 35m Management strategy - ensure good housekeeping and hygiene (eliminate food and water) - set baits and traps along path - seal openings > ½ inch, especially around roof gaps and vents 3) House mouse - Characteristics : inquisitive, eat small grains and dont need water, home range of 7m Management strategy - Routine checks near storage areas, pantries etc - Snap traps with grains / peanut butter along travel routes - Use fine mesh screens to block tiny entry points — mice can enter through holes as small as 6 mm.

Question 40

# **Integrated pest management** Explain how to **manage** the 3 rodent species (norway rat, roof rat, house mouse).

Answer 40

**1) Norway rat** - Characteristics : shy, eat big portions of leftover food, home range of 35m Management strategy : - place multiple bait stations near burrows (glue trap) - ensure good housekeeping and hygiene 2) Roof rat - Characteristics : shy, eat smaller portions of leftover food @ multiple locations, home range of 35m Management strategy - ensure good housekeeping and hygiene (eliminate food and water) - set baits and traps along path - seal openings > ½ inch, especially around roof gaps and vents 3) House mouse - Characteristics : inquisitive, eat small grains and dont need water, home range of 7m Management strategy - Routine checks near storage areas, pantries etc - Snap traps with grains / peanut butter along travel routes - Use fine mesh screens to block tiny entry points — mice can enter through holes as small as 6 mm.

Question 41

# **Integrated pest management** Explain how to **detect** the 2 cockroach species (German and American cockroach)

Answer 41

**German cockroach** Characteristics - Like to hide in tight, enclosed spaces ;; like gaps in commericialised kitchens - Carry eggs till birth Detection - Evidence / signs : livecocokroaches, droppings, moulted exoskeleton - Inspect between gaps in commericialised kitchens - Place monitoring stations in kitchens **American cockroach** Characteristics : - Deposition of egg capsules at multiple locations - Live in sewers, drains etc Detection - Signs : live cockroach, droppings, moulted exoskeleton, **egg capsules**,**odor** - Inspect in drainage areas / sewers within food establishment or the back alleys

Question 42

# **Integrated pest management** What are some general detection methods for flies?

Answer 42

1. Visual sightings near food waste, drains or light sources 2. Placement of insect traps → use AI to identify species 3. Use AI powered systems like Smart FlyDetect for real time counting and alerts - IoT to help analyse how many flies are trapped. Once the action threshold (control limit) is hit, corrective actions should be taken → pest control program.

Question 43

# **Integrated pest management** Explain how to **manage** the 2 cockroach species (German and American cockroach). | > through pest-proofing & population reduction techniques

Answer 43

**German cockroach** - Pest-proofing : caulking, a non-chemical technique to fill and seal gaps, eliminating habourage point for cockroaches in commercialised kitchens - Population reduction : HEPA vaccums for quick reduction in cockroach population ;; use baits to trap cockroaches **American cockroach** - Pest-proofing : condct exclusion techniques at sewer entries, floor drains, storage rooms. - Population reduction : insecticidal sprays (note : does not kill them, but to disperse the cockroach and make them run far away)

Question 44

# **Integrated pest management** Where to conduct inspection / what to look out for when trying to detect the fly species? (Housefly, fruitfly, sewer fly, phorid fly)

Answer 44

1. Housefly : check grabade areas, food preparation zones or any decaying organic waste. 2. Fruit fly : inspect areas near fruits, beverage lines, juice spills etc 3. Sewer fly : inspect drains, grease traps 4. Phorid fly : inspect cracks in floors, areas with broken plumbing, moist organic matter and rubbish bins

Question 45

# **Integrated pest management** What are 3 general management strategies for all types of flies?

Answer 45

1. Good housekeeping and sanitation 2. Daily garbage removal 3. Wrapping wet garbage in newspaper before disposal

Question 46

# **Integrated pest management** What are some specific management strategies (trapping / population reduction) for - House fly - Fruit fly - Phorid fly - Sewer fly

Answer 46

House fly : insect light traps at heights above 2m Fruit fly : usage of fruit fly traps, where sweet smelling baits are placed inside trap, insects will get trapped inside the liquid. Small perforations in the trap make it difficult to escape too Phorid and sewer fly : get rid of decaying roganic matter in sinks etc, ensure good house keeping - Phorid fly : place rubbish bins far away from doors

Question 47

# **Integrated pest management** What are 2 exclusion techniques to manage flies?

Answer 47

1. Usage of air curtains to produce a strong, contiuous flow of air, making it hard for flying insects to enter through doors (esp for shopping malls etc) 2. Secure building openings with 18-mesh screens ## Footnote **Might be more useful for house flies**

Question 48

# **Integrated pest management** What are some strategies to manage flies in various locations? (Enclosed space, indoor, outdoor)

Answer 48

1. Enclosed spaces : time-release aerosols ("bug bombs" 2. Indoor fly control : contact sprays (kill pests on surfaces) 3. Outdoor fly control : space sprays, residual sprays, ULV aerosols

Question 49

# **Integrated pest management** In manageing pests, what should be the order of strategies applied? [3]

Answer 49

1) Good sanitation and housekeeping – eliminate food, water and other factors that cause pest growth 2) Exclusion techniques – if sources are eliminated, find ways to deny entry → **works most of the time, esp for rodents so don't need to do all those chemical approach** 3) Chemical techniques – if good sanitation + exclusion techniques still fail and there is still pest present