Protection of foundation entry points into the plant is critical to keeping insects and rodents out of the plant. Drainage piping and utility conduit foundation chases are particularly vulnerable to insect and rodent access. It is critical that all drainage piping and utility conduits that pass between the inside of the plant and the outside are properly sealed (between the outer surface of the piping and the inner wall of the foundation). This is necessary to eliminate opportunities for pest entry from the outside into the plant. From a layout and design standpoint it would be best practice to imbed drainage piping and utility conduits in the concrete to create a more permanent seal as compared to creating pipe chases after the foundation has been established. This requires flexible sealing materials and methods requiring more frequent inspection and maintenance, as compared to imbedded piping (see
Fig. 12.2 ).