Responses to questions regarding the primary source of insect
infestations, what actions make pest infestations more visible, and
the most effective pest control methods also reveal important information
about how these two facilities operate. Facility A's responses
demonstrated a more proactive approach to pest control,
placing emphasis on preventative management practices. One
possible explanation for the lower sanitation costs at Facility A and
better outcomes is that the manager and sanitation workers may
have made longer-term investments in sealing openings that
permit the entry of insects and in sealing machinery to prevent the
accumulation of flour piles. These types of investments would
lower sanitation costs and improve sanitation outcomes. Facility B's
responses showed less understanding of how insects enter the facility,
no understanding of what actions improve pest detection,
and place an emphasis on chemical fumigants for control. The most
concerning response for a pest control professional is the one
regarding pest detection. If Facility B's employees have no understanding
of what actions make insect pests more detectable, then
they likely are unaware of what actions they may be taking that
make them less detectable.