What Auditors Look for in Insect Control Systems

Insect control is a critical part of any food safety management system. Whether managed by a pest control professional or a food safety or technical manager, it must work as part of a wider approach to protecting food from contamination. Auditors assess whether insect risks are effectively controlled, monitored, and reviewed as part of a comprehensive, structured system aligned with recognised standards such as BRCGS.

This article outlines what auditors typically review in relation to insect control, particularly insect light traps (ILTs), and how pest management systems can be designed to support both day-to-day control and audit readiness.

Insect control as part of HACCP and PRPs

Within HACCP‑based food safety management systems, pest control is normally managed through Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs) rather than as a Critical Control Point. That does not diminish its importance. Auditors often expect insect control to be systematically planned, implemented, and documented, because it underpins overall food safety compliance.

For flying insect control, this means demonstrating:

• A thorough assessment of flying insect risks
• Implementation of appropriate control measures, including ILTs
• Regular monitoring, verification, and corrective actions
• Continuous review to ensure ongoing effectiveness

Auditors are assessing the system’s effectiveness, not perfection.

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1. A documented insect control programme

Auditors will first look for a well-documented insect system. This should describe:

• How insect risks are managed across the site
• The type and location of control devices, including ILTs
• Responsibilities for inspection and maintenance
• Frequency of monitoring and verification

For pest control officers, accurate service records and site documentation are essential. For food safety managers, it demonstrates that insect control is integrated into the food safety management system, rather than being an ad hoc activity.

ILTs should be explicitly referenced within the programme as part of the site’s pest control strategy.

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2. Correct placement and suitability of insect light traps

Auditors will visually assess whether control devices are appropriate for the intended area and risk level, in line with BRCGS requirements. For ILTs, this includes:

• Positioned to avoid the risk of contaminating product, particularly in open food handling areas
• Strategic positioning based on potential insect entry points
• Suitability for the specific environment (e.g., production, storage, perimeter zones)

Being able to explain the rationale for device placement demonstrates systematic control, which auditors look for in line with PRP expectations.

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3. Evidence that devices are operational

Auditors also expect confidence that devices are functioning as intended. For ILTs, this includes:

• Clear evidence that the trap is powered
• Lamps are functioning according to specifications
• No ambiguity when visually checked during inspections

With the growing adoption of LED ILTs, which can appear dimmer than traditional fluorescents, auditors may question whether a lamp is operational. Some modern lamps include visible light elements alongside UV, helping auditors, pest technicians, and site staff immediately confirm operation. This design reduces uncertainty and supports audit readiness.

Auditors also consider the risk of physical contamination. Broken lamps can pose a glass (or indeed, plastic) hazard, so adequate protection is important. Some lamps include shatter-resistant coatings, which help retain fragments if breakage occurs - one of several measures that can reduce contamination risk.

From an auditors perspective, this demonstrates that:

• Physical hazards have been assessed and controlled
• Preventive measures are in place
• Equipment selection supports compliance and food safety objectives

Clear lamp operation combined with protection against glass breakage ensures ILTs contribute to safety rather than introducing additional risk.

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4. Routine monitoring and inspection records

Auditors expect documented evidence of routine checks:

• Regular inspection logs for ILTs
• Device identifiers, dates, and observations
• Records of insect activity and any corrective actions

Consistency is critical. Simple, complete records demonstrating that checks are performed at the defined frequency are more valuable than sporadic or incomplete documentation.

For pest control officers, this reflects service reliability. For food safety teams, it shows that controls are verified, not assumed.

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5. Corrective actions and follow-up

Auditors expect evidence that non-conformances are identified and addressed. If a lamp fails or insect activity rises, records should show:

• The issue was logged
• Root cause analysis was completed
• Preventative action was taken
• The outcome was reviewed and recorded

This demonstrates that the pest control system is actively managed, not passive, aligning with BRCGS requirements for monitoring and corrective action.

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6. Review and continuous improvement

Auditors may also review whether insect control is periodically evaluated as part of the overall food safety system, including:

• Annual programme reviews
• Trend analysis of insect activity
• Reassessment of device placement or equipment suitability

Auditors look for systems that evolve with changing risks, site layouts, and operational requirements.

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Insect control that supports confidence and compliance

Effective insect control reduces risk and helps ensure food safety. For pest control officers, this means confidence in the systems they service. For food safety managers, it supports consistent verification that controls are operating effectively.

Well-maintained ILTs that are easy to inspect, clearly operational, and protected against glass contamination simplify day-to-day checks and, as a result, help demonstrate compliance during audits. Systems designed with these standards in mind create safer environments, support informed decision-making, and give everyone greater confidence in the controls in place.

Ultimately, demonstrating effective insect control is about being able to evidence that systems are appropriate, well maintained and fit for purpose.

If you’re reviewing existing insect light traps or considering changes to lighting technology, our LED insect light trap retrofit calculator can help assess whether an LED upgrade is suitable for your site and supports informed discussions with pest control providers ahead of audits.

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