Rodent and Bird Control Fact Sheet

Rodents and birds pose a significant contamination risk to produce after it is picked. Feces from rats and birds can spread E. coli and Salmonella on produce and packaging. Minimizing and controlling rodents should be a part of farms where produce is packed or stored in close proximity to the production area. This fact sheet addresses due diligence for rodent and vertebrate pest control and offers a standard operating procedure (SOP) boilerplate that can be adapted to your farm and help address rodents and other vertebrates in storage and packing areas.