A food worker is inspecting a back-of-house storage area. Which set of signs is most characteristic of a RODENT infestation (rats or mice), as opposed to roaches or flies?
Explanation
California Retail Food Code HSC §114259.1 requires food facilities to be free of insects, rodents, and other vermin. RODENT (rat or mouse) infestation signs are: (1) DROPPINGS that are capsule-shaped, dark, and the size of a rice grain (rat) or pepper grain (mouse), often scattered along walls, in drawers, and on top of bulk product; (2) GNAW MARKS on cardboard, wood trim, and packaging — rodents must chew constantly to wear down ever-growing incisors; (3) RUB MARKS or 'grease trails' along baseboards where the oily coat of repeatedly traveling rodents leaves a dark mark; (4) NESTS of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation in undisturbed areas; (5) URINE stains visible under a UV light. Option A describes ROACH signs (oothecae and musty odor). Option B describes FRUIT FLIES or DRAIN flies. Option D describes a fly infestation and ammonia odor (from urine of larger pest or sewer issues). Correct species identification is the third step of IPM because the control plan for rodents (exclusion + snap traps + bait stations PCO-only) differs entirely from the plan for roaches (sanitation + crack-and-crevice gel bait + monitoring).
Law Reference: HSC §114259.1Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
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