Anyone in the food and consumables industry knows that hygiene and food safety are non-negotiable. The fine line between success and disaster comes down to pest control, with rodents being a constant threat to daily operations.
But here’s something you should know: not all rodents behave the same. Stick around as we break down the common types of rats and rodents and how each threatens your business.
Why Commissaries Are Prone to Rodent Infestation
Rodents are survival creatures. Commissaries check all the boxes for their needs: food, water, and shelter.
- Food (and waste) is irresistible: With their strong sense of smell, rodents are attracted even to the smallest crumbs and spills. Since commissaries handle large volumes of fresh produce, packaged goods, and waste, your business is irresistible.
- They know their way in and where to hide: Large facilities like commissaries often have cracks, unsealed vents, and poorly closed doors that provide easy access for rodents. Once inside, they can find hiding spots to nest undetected.
By the nature of your operations, commissaries provide the conditions for pests to survive and thrive. Preventing just one rodent infestation is a constant challenge for commissary managers.
3 Rodent Species That Could Exploit Your Commissary
In the Philippines, three types of rodents give commissary supervisors headaches. Let’s take a closer look:
Norway Rat
Norway rats are large rodents that survive in urban and industrial areas. Their aggressive gnawing behaviour will leave your packaging, electrical wiring, and structural materials with significant damage.
In commissaries, Norway rats often:
- Chew on electrical wirings and equipment.
- Target poorly sealed food storage and waste areas.
Roof Rat
Roof rats are smaller and more agile than Norway rats, often found in elevated areas such as rafters, ceilings, and high shelves. They like to nest in hard-to-reach areas, which makes it challenging to detect them.
In commissaries, roof rats often:
- Climb high shelves, vents, and ceilings to hide and nest.
- Contaminate food with droppings and urine.
House Mouse
Despite their small size, house mice are among the most invasive pests. Their ability to squeeze through openings as small as 13 mm (roughly the size of a dime) makes them a persistent problem. Additionally, they reproduce quickly, compounding infestations within a short period.
In commissaries, house mice often:
- Exploit crevices and cracks in walls.
- Multiply quickly, making them hard to control if not addressed promptly.
Each of these rodents poses challenges for food-related industries, but one species stands out. Read towards the end to find out.
This One Ability Allows Rodents to Enter Your Commissary with Little Effort
Rodents can enter your property with minimal effort because of their flexible skeletal structure. In pest control, we often advise facility managers this insight: if rodents can fit their heads through a hole, they can fit their entire body.
How This Works
A rodent’s body is designed for flexibility. Their ribcage is made of soft tissues that can bend and collapse inward, allowing them to squeeze through small openings.
This research has shown that both Norway rats and roof rats can pass through holes as small as ½ inch, while house mice can enter gaps as small as ¼ inch. For comparison, these sizes are roughly as wide as a key and a small bead.
Which Rodent Species is Most Prevalent in Commissaries?
Our data reveals that around 40-50% of rodents we trap and prevent in food-centric businesses—like commissaries and food manufacturers—are house mice. As mentioned above, they can enter crevices as small as ¼ inch. They also reproduce quickly, which makes a small problem big in a short amount of time.
Simple steps like sealing cracks, maintaining cleanliness, and scheduling regular pest control can make a big difference in keeping them under control.
Invest in Trusted General Pest Control Services
Rodents’ invasive nature makes them a threat to commissaries, but you don’t have to waste your resources dealing with them on your own.
At ENTECH, we understand the unique demands of food-focused businesses. With 10+ years of proven experience in rodent pest control, we design a tailored program to give you peace of mind as you handle your busy, day-to-day operations.
Contact us and schedule a property health check today to discover how ENTECH can protect your commissary from rodents and other pests.
