Which are common signs of pest activity to watch for in a facility?

• A. Fresh paint smell, new equipment.
• B. Droppings, gnaw marks, damage to packaging, sightings around storage areas.
• C. Flies only in outdoor areas.
• D. Sticky notes left on shelves.

Answer: (B)

Recognizing common signs of pest activity helps you detect an infestation early and protect food safety. The best signs to watch for are droppings, gnaw marks, damage to packaging, and sightings around storage areas. Droppings indicate that pests are present and active. Gnaw marks show that rodents are chewing and may compromise packaging, products, and the integrity of containers. Damage to packaging suggests pests are attempting to access food or using packaging material as shelter. Seeing pests themselves, especially around storage areas, is a direct indication of an active pest problem. Together, these cues signal the need for immediate containment, cleaning, and corrective actions to prevent contamination and product loss.

Other options don’t reflect signs of pest activity. A fresh paint smell and new equipment aren’t indicators of pest presence. Flies being outdoors-only isn’t accurate for many facilities, where pests can be indoors. Sticky notes on shelves don’t relate to pest activity.