Best SOP for Pest Control in Warehouse: Keeping pests out of warehouses is essential. Pests can ruin stock, cause health issues, and create chaos in supply chains. An infestation might lead to product contamination and spoilage, increasing losses and harming your company’s reputation. According to industry reports, pest problems cost businesses billions each year. A clear, well-structured Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) helps prevent these issues. It ensures your warehouse stays pest-free and compliant with health rules.
1.0 PURPOSE
To describes a systematic approach for pest controlling in the warehouse to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical materials and products.
2.0 SCOPE
This SOP applies to all warehouse areas used for the storage of raw materials, packaging materials, finished goods, and other pharmaceutical-related items.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 Warehouse Officer/Executive are responsible to monitor and report pest activity and ensure adherence to this SOP.
3.2 Pest Control Service Provider is responsible to carry out pest control activities as per the contract and SOP.
3.3 Quality Assurance (QA) is responsible to verify compliance and review records.
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
Warehouse Manager and QA Manager are accountable for the implementation and compliance of this SOP.
5.0 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
5.1 Pest Control Logbook
5.2 Pest Control Service Agreement
6.0 PRECAUTIONS
6.1 Ensure pest control chemicals do not contaminate pharmaceutical materials.
6.2 Conduct pest control activities during non-operational hours when possible.
6.3 Use only approved and registered pest control agents.
7.0 PROCEDURE
7.1 A pest controlling procedure schedule shall be prepared and followed for all warehouse areas. The frequency of pest control activities shall be weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on the risk level and previous inspection outcomes.
7.2 Critical areas prone to pest infestation such as material receiving zones, doors, windows, drainage points, and storage racks shall be identified and prioritized for treatment.
7.3 Approved pest control methods such as traps, bait stations, insect light traps (ILTs), and chemical sprays shall be used in accordance with the pest control plan and under the supervision of trained personnel. All pesticides and devices used must be approved by QA and comply with local regulatory standards.
7.4 All pest control activities must be documented in the Pest Control Logbook. Records must include date, time, location treated, method used, name of pest control personnel, and any observations. These records shall be reviewed by QA regularly.
7.5 Any pest sightings or evidence of infestation (e.g., droppings, nests, damaged packaging) must be immediately reported to the Warehouse Supervisor and QA. Appropriate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) must be initiated to eliminate the source and prevent recurrence.
7.6 All warehouse staff shall be trained periodically on pest awareness, prevention techniques, reporting procedures, and good warehousing practices to minimize pest attraction and harboring conditions.
8.0 ABBREVIATIONS/DEFINITIONS
8.1 Pest Control – The regulation or management of a species defined as a pest
8.2 SOP – Standard Operating Procedure
8.3 PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
8.4 MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet
8.5 QA – Quality Assurance
8.6 CAPA- Corrective and Preventive Actions
9.0 ANNEXURES
9.1 Annexure I: Pest Control Activity Log
Annexure I: Pest Control Activity Log
| Date | Area Treated | Type of Treatment | Pest Control Agent Used | Service Provider Name | Observations | Performed By (Signature) | Verified By (QA) |
9.2 Annexure II: Pest Sightings Report Form
Annexure II: Pest Sightings Report Form
| Date | Area of Sighting | Type of Pest Observed | Quantity | Description / Observation | Reported By | Corrective Action Taken | Verified By (QA) |
9.3 Annexure III: Approved Pest Control Agents List
Annexure III: Approved Pest Control Agents List
| Sr. No. | Name of Agent | Active Ingredient | Type (Spray/Bait/etc.) | Concentration | MSDS Available (Y/N) | Approved By (QA) |
| 1 | e.g., Fendona 10SC | Alpha-cypermethrin | Spray | 10% | Yes | Signature & Date |
| 2 | e.g., Racumin | Coumatetralyl | Bait | 0.0375% | Yes | Signature & Date |
9.4 Annexure IV: Pest Control Preparation Procedure
Annexure IV: Pest Control Preparation Procedure
| Step No. | Activity Description | Responsible Person | PPE Required | Remarks |
| 1 | Verify pest control chemical and expiry | Pest Control Staff | Gloves, Mask, Goggles | Must match approved list |
| 2 | Prepare dilution as per MSDS | Pest Control Staff | Full PPE | Use clean, labeled container |
| 3 | Load prepared solution into sprayer | Pest Control Staff | Apron, Face Shield | Ensure sprayer is clean |
| 4 | Document batch and preparation details | Pest Control Staff | – | Log in preparation record |
9.5 Annexure V: Pest Control Schedule
Annexure V: Pest Control Schedule
| Area | Frequency | Type of Treatment | Pest Control Method | Responsible Person | Remarks |
| Raw Material Store | Weekly | Baiting | Rodent Bait Station | Pest Control Officer | As per SOP section 7.0 |
| Finished Goods Store | Bi-weekly | Spraying | Insecticide Spray | Pest Control Officer | |
| Entire Warehouse | Monthly | Fogging | Cold Fogging | Pest Control Agency | After working hours |
10. REVISION HISTORY
| Version | Date | Description of Change | Reviewed By | Approved By |
| 1.0 |
