Rentokil turns up the heat on food factory pests

08 March, 2010

After three years of dedicated research, Rentokil can now offer a new chemical-free pest control process called Entotherm which can eliminate insect pests that affect the food manufacturing industry, utilizing dry transferrable heat. The treatment is quick and efficient to apply, reaching all the areas of an infestation. Developed with it's partner The Revival Group, the heat treatment will transform the way that Rentokil treats cockroaches and other pest insects for food manufacturers.

The process makes it possible to eliminate insect infestations in food manufacturing factories, warehouses and grain silos quickly and efficiently. All life cycle stages of the pests, from eggs and larvae to fully grown adults, can be eradicated with just one treatment. Making Entotherm a more efficient solution than the alternative chemical spray method. As Entotherm is a chemical free process, any factories treated are safe to be fully operational again within hours which minimises production downtime and associated costs.

Entotherm can deliver the pest free environment that is essential for food manufacturing businesses to operate. Even the smallest pest infestation can be damaging. Food manufacturing is governed by strict legislation that means any pest activity will result in a fine and could even result in the premises being closed down. It is also important that pests do not end up in food produce as this is damaging to both brand and industry reputation.

Rentokil use thermal imaging technology to assess whether the treatment has worked sufficiently to kill pests located in any blind spots and particularly in machinery. Savvas Othon, Technical Director, Rentokil UK, comments: "Rentokil is the only company offering this kind of treatment nationwide. We believe that the development of Entotherm is a huge advancement in the treatment and eradication of insect pests affecting food manufacturing businesses. Not only is it highly effective requiring one swift treatment, it causes minimal disruption to production."

Entotherm works by heating up an infested factory or warehouse to a preset temperature which is sufficient to eradicate insect pests and their eggs. This level of heat is enough to kill all insects as well as fungus and mould through the application of heat. Entotherm is a mobile system that can deliver dry transferrable heat to any food manufacturing space infested with insect pests.

The process works by heating a liquid syrup and delivering it through insulated pipes to heat exchangers which are carefully positioned inside the infestation area. The exchangers convert the heat into dry air which is discharged at a pre-determined temperature. Strategically placed heat probes monitor and record the core temperature, producing a computer generated graph as proof of heat exposure. The treatment area is heated up and maintained at a constant temperature for an hour to eradicate pest proteins, but not cause any structural damage. Rentokil can run reports using the heat probes and thermal imaging technology to confirm that all target pests have been eradicated effectively.

For further information on Rentokil's Entotherm heat treatment or to arrange for a free business survey call our national sales team on 0800 917 1989.