What is Pest Control?

What is pest control?

Pest control is the set of strategies—chemical, physical, biological, and cultural—designed to keep harmful organisms below thresholds that compromise health, food safety, or the integrity of facilities and products. Organizations such as the EPA define Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an "effective and environmentally sensitive" approach based on the combination of common sense practices (1). The FAO presents it as the "careful consideration of all available techniques" to discourage the development of pest populations while minimizing the use of pesticides (2). For the CDC, IPM is a "scientific common-sense method" that prioritizes prevention and the elimination of conditions that favor infestations (3).

Importance for public health and business

Disease vectors are a cross-cutting concern according to the WHO, which emphasizes the relevance of surveillance and vector management to prevent transmitted diseases (4). In the food industry, the FDA establishes criteria regarding contamination by insects and rodents, highlighting the economic and reputational impact of incidents (5). Pesticide surveillance data from the CDC demonstrate the health costs of improper exposures (6). Even for the end consumer, PROFECO reminds that hiring professional services with certified protocols is key to avoiding risks (7).

Image generated to illustrate the thermographic inspection of termites.

Regulatory framework in Mexico and international standards

• NOM-256-SSA1-2012: mandatory observance for establishments and personnel dedicated to urban and rural pest control (8).

• COFEPRIS requires a Health License and a documented program detailing species, sites, and control methods (9).

• BRCGS Food Safety v8, section 4.14 sets monitoring and verification requirements as part of GFSI audits (10).

• AESAN in Spain recommends preventive strategies and IPM in inspections of food establishments (11).

Principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

1. Inspection and diagnosis of the species and economic threshold (12).

2. Prevention through good cleaning practices, exclusion, and waste management .

3. Continuous monitoring to detect changes in pest pressure.

4. Tactical control: selection of less toxic biological, physical, or chemical methods, prioritizing the rotation of modes of action (13).

5. Verification and record with KPI indicators, a requirement of BRCGS.

Control methods: a brief overview

(Combined source FAO  and WHO )

Benefits of hiring a professional service

• Legal compliance with NOM-256 and COFEPRIS, avoiding fines or closures  (9).

• Quality audits (BRCGS, HACCP), essential for exporting food (10).

• Brand protection: AESAN emphasizes prevention as a safeguard for reputation (11) .

• Reduction of occupational risks: reduced exposure to pesticides thanks to IPM (14).

Steps to implement a corporate IPM

1. Initial diagnosis with a 360° inspection.

2. Definition of thresholds by species and critical area.

3. Action plan prioritizing non-chemical methods.

4. Execute and document with software like Cretia for traceability.

5. Quarterly or monthly review of indicators and adjustment of strategies.

References

1. EPA https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles

2. FAO https://www.fao.org/pest-and-pesticide-management/ipm/integrated-pest-management/en

3. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-services/php/vector-control-resources/what-is-ipm.html

4. WHO https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases/interventions/strategies/vector-control

5. FDA https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cpg-sec-555600-filth-insects-rodents-and-other-pests-foods

6. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/surveillance/pesticide/index.html

7. PROFECO https://www.gob.mx/profeco/documentos/ahi-viene-la-plaga-servicios-de-control-de-plagas?state=published

8. DOF https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5286029&fecha=29/01/2013#gsc.tab=0

9. COFEPRIS https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/licencia-sanitaria-para-proporcionar-servicios-de-control-y-exterminacion-de-plagas-en-zonas-urbanas/COFEPRIS3544

10. BRCGS https://www.brcgs.com/media/1055378/food-safety-issue-8-checklist-english.docx

11. AESAN https://www.aesan.gob.es/AECOSAN/docs/documentos/seguridad_alimentaria/pncoca/2021-2025/V4/P1_Inspeccion_2024_Def.pdf

12. SADER https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/452645/MANUAL_PARA_EL_BUEN_USO_Y_MANEJO_DE_PLAGUICIDAS_EN_CAMPO.pdf

13. WHO https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42799/9243590995.pdf

14. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/surveillance/pesticide/index.html