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iX5 Pest Control

Pest control services in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Towcester, Brackley, Market Harborough and all surrounding areas.

Pest Control for Food Handlers / Food Manufacturers

Pest Control for Food Handlers / Food Manufacturers

Practical pest awareness training for food manufacturers, food handlers, production teams, supervisors and food business operators.

Pest activity in a food business can have serious consequences, from contamination risks and damaged stock through to enforcement action, reputational harm and business disruption.

This practical training course has been developed to help food handlers and other food business employees understand the risks associated with pests, recognise the early warning signs of activity and play an active role in monitoring and preventing infestations.

Delivered by Matt O’Donnell, Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner and Director of iX5 Pest Control, the course combines practical pest management knowledge with a clear understanding of food hygiene legislation, Environmental Health expectations and the responsibilities placed on food businesses.

Whether you work in food manufacturing, food production, food storage, distribution or food preparation, this course will help you better understand the role everyone plays in protecting food, maintaining standards and reducing the risks associated with pest activity.

CPD Certificate of Attendance provided.

iX5 Pest Control

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  • Open 8am to 7pm - 7 days a week
  • Domestic & Commercial Pest Control
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Course Overview

This practical pest awareness course has been designed specifically for food businesses and the people who work within them.

The training focuses on the pests most commonly associated with food premises, how they gain access to buildings, the risks they create and the measures that can be taken to prevent and control activity.

The course combines practical pest control knowledge with food safety and compliance considerations, helping attendees understand not only what to look for, but why pest management is such an important part of protecting food and maintaining legal compliance.

Course Details

  • Designed for food businesses
  • Suitable for food handlers and operational teams
  • Typical course duration: 3.5 hours
  • Classroom-based training
  • Interactive learning and discussion
  • Assessment included
  • CPD Certificate of Attendance provided
  • Delivered by Matt O’Donnell, Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner

Everyone working in a food business has a role in pest control.

Understanding the risks, recognising the warning signs and reporting concerns promptly can help protect food, customers and businesses alike.

Why This Training Matters

Pest control is not solely the responsibility of a pest control contractor or a food business operator.

Every person working within a food business has a role to play in identifying risks, recognising warning signs and reporting concerns before they develop into more significant problems.

In many cases, the first indication of pest activity comes from a member of staff noticing something unusual. A small amount of damage to packaging, evidence of droppings, increased fly activity or a structural defect may be the first warning sign of a developing issue.

Understanding what to look for and knowing when to report concerns can make a significant difference to protecting food, maintaining standards and preventing costly incidents.

This course helps delegates develop a practical understanding of pest risks and the role they play in supporting food safety, compliance and good housekeeping practices.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for anyone working within a food business who has responsibility for food safety, hygiene, quality, production, storage or operational standards.

Ideal for:

  • Food handlers
  • Production operatives
  • Manufacturing staff
  • Hygiene teams
  • Warehouse personnel
  • Supervisors and team leaders
  • Technical and quality teams
  • Food business operators
  • New starters
  • Existing staff requiring refresher training

Suitable for businesses involved in:

  • Food manufacturing
  • Food processing
  • Food production
  • Food storage
  • Food distribution
  • Catering and food preparation

What You Will Learn

The course provides practical knowledge of food business pests, the risks they present and the measures that can be taken to prevent and control activity.

Understanding Food Business Pests

Learn about the primary pests of public health significance commonly associated with food businesses, including rats, mice, cockroaches, flies and stored product insects.

Understand how these pests can affect food safety, contaminate products and impact business operations.

How Pests Enter Food Businesses

Explore the most common routes by which pests gain access to food premises, including structural defects, service entry points, open doors and windows, incoming deliveries and packaging.

Understanding how pests enter a building is often the first step in preventing future activity.

Recognising Signs of Pest Activity

Learn how to identify common indicators of pest activity, including:

  • Droppings and faeces
  • Smear marks
  • Damage to products or packaging
  • Structural damage
  • Odours
  • Pest sightings
  • Other signs of contamination

Early identification and reporting can significantly reduce the impact of pest-related incidents.

Pest Prevention and Control

Gain an understanding of modern pest management principles, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), monitoring techniques, proofing measures, housekeeping standards and both toxic and non-toxic control options.

The course explains why prevention is often the most effective long-term approach to pest management.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

Understand the legal responsibilities placed on food businesses in relation to pest control and food protection.

Learn how pest management forms part of wider food safety systems and why maintaining adequate procedures is essential for protecting both customers and businesses.

What Happens When Things Go Wrong

Explore the potential consequences of pest activity within a food business, including:

  • Food contamination
  • Product loss
  • Reputational damage
  • Audit failures
  • Production disruption
  • Enforcement action
  • Business closure in serious cases

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, delegates will:

  • Understand the key pests of public health significance associated with food businesses
  • Recognise how pests enter food premises
  • Identify common signs and indicators of pest activity
  • Understand the principles of pest prevention and control
  • Be aware of legal requirements relating to pest management within food businesses
  • Understand the potential consequences of unmanaged pest activity
  • Have increased awareness of practical checks that can help reduce pest risks
  • Feel more confident recognising and reporting concerns within the workplace
  • Better understand their role in protecting food and supporting compliance

The Consequences of Pest Activity

Pest activity within a food business can have serious consequences for both public health and the business itself.

Depending on the nature and extent of the activity, impacts may include:

  • Physical contamination of food products
  • Microbiological contamination risks
  • Product loss and waste
  • Damage to stock, equipment or buildings
  • Production downtime
  • Customer complaints
  • Reputational harm
  • Financial loss
  • Formal enforcement action

Where significant risks to public health exist, Environmental Health Officers have a range of powers available to them, including formal notices, restrictions on activities and, in serious circumstances, closure of food premises.

Understanding the risks associated with pests is an important part of protecting both consumers and businesses.

Benefits for Your Business

Effective pest management starts with awareness.

While specialist pest control support plays an important role, the people working within a business are often best placed to identify concerns at the earliest possible stage. Increased awareness can help prevent minor issues developing into significant food safety, compliance or operational problems.

Business Benefits Include:

  • Increased staff awareness of pest-related risks
  • Earlier identification and reporting of concerns
  • Improved food safety culture
  • Better understanding of legal responsibilities
  • Enhanced due diligence
  • Reduced risk of contamination incidents
  • Improved audit readiness
  • Greater confidence during inspections
  • Increased understanding of preventative pest management measures

By improving awareness across your workforce, businesses can strengthen their overall approach to food safety and reduce the risks associated with pest activity.

Meet Matt O'Donnell

Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner

Matt O’Donnell is a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Public Health, a Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health, a Level 2 Award in Pest Management and a Level 3 Award in Education & Training.

He spent more than 15 years working in a regulatory capacity within local government, dealing with food hygiene, health and safety, licensing, public health and private sector housing before leaving local government in 2022 to focus full-time on his business interests.

Matt Odonnell

Prior to his Environmental Health career, Matt gained significant experience within the hospitality and catering industry, providing him with a valuable understanding of the day-to-day realities and challenges faced by food businesses.

Today, Matt is Director of iX5 Environmental Services Ltd, an independent pest control and Environmental Health-focused business supporting domestic and commercial clients across a wide range of sectors.

This combination of regulatory knowledge, practical food industry experience and professional pest management expertise gives Matt a unique perspective when delivering training. Delegates benefit not only from understanding how pests can affect food businesses, but also from learning how effective pest management supports food safety, legal compliance and due diligence.

Training is delivered in a practical, engaging and accessible way, using real-world examples and industry experience to help attendees apply what they learn within their own workplace.

Why Learn from an Environmental Health Practitioner?

Many pest awareness courses focus on identifying pests and understanding treatment options.

This course also explores the wider food safety, compliance and enforcement considerations associated with pest activity.

Drawing on more than 15 years of regulatory experience, Matt provides insight into:

  • Food hygiene legislation
  • Environmental Health expectations
  • Compliance requirements
  • Due diligence
  • Common causes of enforcement action
  • Practical risk reduction measures

This helps delegates understand not only what to look for, but why effective pest management is such an important part of operating a safe, compliant and successful food business.

The course can be tailored to your specific business.

Why Choose iX5 Pest Control?

iX5 Pest Control works with businesses that require practical, professional and effective pest management support.

The company’s approach is based on prevention, monitoring, early intervention and long-term risk reduction rather than simply reacting to problems once they occur.

Training reflects the same philosophy.

Delegates gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately within the workplace, helping businesses strengthen their approach to pest management and reduce the likelihood of future problems.

 

Why Businesses Choose iX5 Pest Control

  • Practical, real-world advice
  • Strong food safety and compliance focus
  • Prevention-led approach
  • Emphasis on Integrated Pest Management
  • Delivered by a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner
  • Training informed by industry experience
  • Suitable for a wide range of food businesses

 iX5 Pest Control – Trusted with results!

 

Course Format

The training includes practical examples drawn from real-life pest incidents, food business inspections and pest management situations. The course is typically delivered over 3.5 hours, allowing plenty of opportunity for discussion, questions and a short comfort break.

Delegates are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session and apply the learning to their own workplace environments.

Course Includes

  • Interactive classroom-based training
  • Practical examples and case discussions
  • Opportunity for questions and discussion
  • Post-course assessment
  • CPD Certificate of Attendance

The aim is to provide practical knowledge that attendees can apply immediately within their workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Who is this course designed for?

This course is suitable for food handlers, production operatives, hygiene teams, supervisors, managers, warehouse personnel and food business operators. It is designed for anyone who has a role in maintaining food safety standards and reducing the risks associated with pest activity.

How many people can attend?

The course is ideally suited to groups of up to 24 delegates, helping to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and ask questions. If you have different requirements, please contact iX5 Pest Control to discuss your training needs.

Is this suitable for refresher training?

Yes. The course is suitable for both new starters and experienced employees who require a refresher on pest awareness, food safety responsibilities and good practice.

Can training be delivered at our premises?

Please contact iX5 Pest Control to discuss your requirements. Training can be tailored to suit individual business needs, delegate numbers and operational requirements. We can deliver the course at any location in the UK.

Do attendees receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course assessment and feedback form will receive a CPD Certificate of Attendance.

Is this course suitable for food manufacturing businesses?

Yes. The course has been developed around the pest risks commonly encountered within food manufacturing, food production, food storage and food handling environments. It can also be tailored to your specific business.

Does the course include an assessment?

Yes. Delegates complete a short assessment at the start and end of the course to check understanding and reinforce the key learning points covered during the training.

Why is pest awareness training important for food handlers?

Food handlers are often the first people to notice signs of pest activity. Early identification and reporting can help prevent contamination, reduce risks to food safety and support compliance with legal requirements.

Related Services

In addition to training, iX5 Pest Control provides a range of pest management services for commercial and food-sector clients.

Commercial Pest Control

Professional pest management programmes designed to protect businesses, staff, customers and products.

Food Manufacturing Pest Control

Specialist pest management support for food manufacturers, processors and food storage facilities.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Prevention-focused pest control programmes designed to reduce risks through monitoring, proofing, housekeeping and targeted intervention.

Non-Toxic Rodent Control

Alternative rodent management solutions focused on monitoring, trapping and risk reduction.

Pest Audits and Risk Assessments

Independent assessments designed to identify vulnerabilities and help businesses strengthen their pest management procedures.

Protect Your Business Through Better Pest Awareness

Effective pest management starts with awareness.

By helping staff understand the risks associated with pests, recognise early warning signs and appreciate the importance of reporting concerns, businesses can strengthen food safety standards and reduce the likelihood of pest-related incidents.

Whether you are looking to train a small team or deliver awareness training across your organisation, iX5 Pest Control can help.

To discuss Pest Control for Food Handlers training, contact iX5 Pest Control today.


[email protected] | 01604 328545.

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