The advantages of gel baits in the food industry
The food industry demands unparalleled efficacy in cockroach control. One solution that stands out is gel baits.
The consistent use of gel baits enables food establishments to maintain a hygienic environment, comply with stringent health and safety standards and pass inspections with confidence.
Since their introduction in the late 90s, gel baits have rapidly gained popularity among PCOs. Here’s why.
Gel baits vs traditional sprays
Reduced safety and contamination risks
Spray
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Traditional sprays are volatile and invasive; they can pose an inhalation risk to workers and contaminate food.
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There is the potential for cockroaches to spread contaminants if they come into contact with food.
Gel
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Gel baits have no airborne particles, eliminating the risk of inhalation for both the operator and employees.
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The use of a bait gun means that there is no contact with the product. This makes the application of gel baits safer.
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Cockroaches will take the bait in situ and can also take the bait directly to their harbourage, which greatly reduces the risk of contamination of product.
No downtime for end user business
Simple protocol
Spray
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Requires businesses to cease operations during treatment.
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Drying time can be several hours, during which no one can enter the treated area.
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Surfaces that may come into contact with food or food preparation must be thoroughly cleaned after the spray has dried to remove any residual chemicals. This can include worktops, appliances and other surfaces.
Gel
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As gel baits do not produce airborne particles, there is no need to evacuate treated areas or wait for the air to clear before re-entering the area.
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The simple and fast protocol minimises disruption to daily operations, which is valuable in busy food environments where downtime can be costly.
Long lasting effectiveness
Sprays can require several applications over the course of a year. In contrast, gel baits have residual effects and can remain palatable and lethal to cockroaches for up to 12 months after application.
Precise application
Gel
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The nozzle of the cartridge allows gel baits to be applied directly into cracks, crevices and other hard-to-reach areas where cockroaches typically hide, providing a more targeted and precise approach.
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This precision reduces the likelihood of missing key areas, ultimately leading to cost savings as less product is wasted.
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The ‘domino’ effect increases efficacy by controlling the cockroaches, killing some when they ingest the bait and others later through feeding on carcasses and faecal deposits..
A discreet solution
Gel
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Gel baits are undetectable to the untrained eye.
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They do not produce strong odours that affect the environment, thereby eliminating the need for extensive ventilation.
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Gel baits also ensure that cockroaches die in their nests, reducing the immediate need for clean-up, unlike traditional sprays which require clean-up of dead cockroaches scattered over treated areas.
Maxforce: a powerful solution that complies with food safety regulations
Maxforce Platin is an HACCP certified solution. It is also hypoallergenic, meaning that it does not contain any of the 14 allergenic ingredients (peanuts, celery, shellfish, cereals containing gluten, tree nuts, milk, lupin, eggs, fish, molluscs, mustard, sesame, soya, sulphites).
It is designed to perform in demanding environments such as high temperatures (+54°) and humidity, particularly in kitchens, where it remains stable without dripping or running, even on vertical surfaces.
Maxforce Platin also features Blue Bead technology, which incorporates a feeding stimulant and capsule technology within the gel matrix to enhance palatability and longevity. This attracts cockroaches to consume the bait, resulting in high efficacy even in areas of high food competition.
The clear way forward
As we’ve outlined, gel baits provide a highly effective and practical option for pest control in the food industry. They eliminate the need for night-time spraying, are quick to apply and require minimal end-user cooperation. They also excel at colony control thanks to the 'domino' effect.
Gels can be used in a variety of food industry settings, from kitchens and storage areas to dining areas, making them a versatile tool for comprehensive pest management.
