Why Pest Control Bait Points must be dated?
Rat and Mice Bait Points
All rodenticides use a food base to attract rats and mice - cereal based in most cases. This means that all baits are prone to degradation by dampness, insects, but also slugs and snails outdoors:
 Bait eaten by slugs |  Loose grain eaten by moth larvae |
To ensure the palatability and therefore the effectiveness of the baits, it is paramount that each bait point is checked during every routine inspection by the pest control operator, so it can be replaced when necessary.
You should always request a physical proof that rat & mice bait points are checked regularly (i.e. dating the bait point with the operator's initials). Otherwise you may experience a pest control programme that is not serving its full purpose. This is illustrated below with random surveys:
 Box not checked regularly (1) |  Box not checked regularly (2) |
 Box not checked regularly (3) |  Box not checked regularly (4) |
 Box not checked regularly (5) |  Rat burrow under Bait Box |
 Overgrown weeds blocking access |  Box unanchored & unlocked |
Insect Monitors
Insect monitoring devices are little glue boards on which an insect pheromone attractant is added, either directly inside the glue or else on a separate pill that is placed in the middle of the board. Most commercially available pheromone lures will last no more than 8 to 12 weeks in an indoor setting. The glue is also rapidly covered in dust and therefore be ineffective in trapping insects, especially in businesses such as bakeries, were flour is used abundantly.
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Each monitor setup date should be clearly indicated on the device, so its lifespan can be established:
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When control points are dated, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and Auditors are reassured that all premise areas are checked regularly indoors and outdoors.
It is also a proof of service which can be used during an inspection if some pest control reports have been misplaced or lost.
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