DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

TROOP SUPPORT

700 ROBBINS AVENUE

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19111-5092

DLA TROOP SUPPORT CONTRACTOR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAM

GUIDELINES FOR TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED STORAGE OF OPERATIONAL 

RATIONS AND OTHER SUBSISTENCE PRODUCTS

AUGUST 2017

I. Scope and Applicability

A. These Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Guidelines are applicable to contractors 

storing Meals, Ready to Eat (MRE's), other Operational Rations, and other subsistence products 

in temperature-controlled storage. 

 Contractors are required to submit a single comprehensive written IPM program for each 

facility they intend to utilize for temperature-controlled storage of DLA Troop Support 

subsistence items. The IPM program shall be tailored to address any unique aspects of the 

facility to which it pertains and shall follow the format of the IPM program guidelines as 

described herein. 

a. A formal written program, with appropriate attachments, shall be submitted to the 

Contracting Officer for evaluation by both a DLA Troop Support Entomologist and a Quality 

Assurance Specialist (QAS). Contract award will be contingent upon IPM program approval. 

b. All requests for modifications to the approved IPM program shall be submitted through 

the Contracting Officer for evaluation by a DLA Troop Support Entomologist. 

c. Contractors storing DLA Troop Support rations and/or other subsistence items shall 

comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide 

and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. 

d. The Contracting Officer may take whatever action is deemed necessary to ensure 

compliance with this program. 

II. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Concepts 

A. The concept of integrated pest management involves a combination of both chemical and 

non-chemical prevention and control techniques. IPM offers a more effective program than 

through the utilization of any one technique.

B. The basic IPM program involves: 

1. Structural design integrity to promote physical exclusion of insect and rodent pests. 

2. Sanitation, housekeeping, and good storage practices to include inspection and pest 

surveillance. 

3. Proper stock handling and warehousing techniques. 

4. Non-chemical/mechanical insect and rodent control techniques. 

5. Proper application of pesticide chemicals were required to control pest activity. 

III. IPM Program Elements and Requirements* 
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*This section (III.) contains those required elements of the IPM program for temperaturecontrolled storage of subsistence which must be addressed in the written program to be submitted 

for approval prior to contract award. These elements apply to all portions of the storage facility, 

including those non-refrigerated storage and office areas adjacent to the temperature-controlled

storage areas. All program elements must be addressed. 

A. Facility Maintenance/Physical Pest Exclusion. 

1. Ensure proper repair of roof and walls to prevent leaks and accumulations of water. 

2. Seal all holes or gaps in walls where plumbing, electrical, steam lines, etc. enter the 

facility. 

3. Screen all openings including operable windows, air exchangers (unless fitted with 

operable louvers), and doors which may remain open. Standard 16-mesh window screen will 

prevent insect entry. 

4. All door entrances shall be self-closing and constructed of rodent-proof material in such a 

manner to preclude rodent entry when closed. Cargo doors may be equipped with screens, vinyl 

strips, air curtains, and/or boots to prevent pest entry when open or in use. 

B. Sanitation/Grounds Maintenance 

1. Spilled food, damaged/spilled components, and all other debris shall be cleaned up and 

disposed of prior to the end of each workday. In no case shall such spills or trash exist within a 

storage area in excess of 24 hours. 

2. Inbound shipments shall be inspected to ensure they are pest free before storage. This 

includes shipping containers, pallets, and other packing materials.

3. Outbound conveyances shall be inspected to ensure they are pest free before loading. If 

insects or other pests are found, the conveyance shall be thoroughly cleaned, rendered pest free, 

and reinspected. 

4. The outside facility grounds shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner, free of 

trash, debris, and accumulations of excess materials and equipment which may provide 

harborage for insect and rodent pests. 

5. Excessive vegetation and weed growth around the facility perimeter shall be eliminated. 

C. Stock Handling/Warehousing Techniques 

1. All stocks stored in temperature-controlled storage shall be stacked away from all 

walls/partitions a minimum of 18 inches with inspection/control aisles at naturally occurring 

breaks in the warehouse (i.e., pillars). 

2. Operational rations may be stored in the same area as cash crops, however, maximum 

segregation of commodities shall be maintained. Other dry infestible subsistence items shall not 

be stored with bulk cash crops. 

3. Damaged product discovered while in-storage shall be removed immediately. 

4. Any in-storage insect/rodent infestation or contamination found in the storage area shall be 

immediately reported to a DLA Troop Support Entomologist, through the Contracting Officer. 

Specimens will be retained for purposes of identification. 

D. Rodent Control (The potential for rodent infestation is the primary concern in temperaturecontrolled storage areas). 
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1. Emphasis shall be placed on sanitation and rodent exclusion. 

2. Tamperproof rodent bait stations shall be placed around the exterior of the facility to 

preclude rodent entry as much as possible. Bait blocks and/or single dose anticoagulants are the 

recommended bait materials. Stations should be placed at approximate 50 foot intervals around 

the exterior of the facility. 

3. Mechanical rodent control devices are recommended for interior facility monitoring and 

control. These devices should be placed throughout the facility, including the temperaturecontrolled storage areas. If tamperproof bait stations are used inside the facility, they should 

contain single dose anticoagulant rodenticides approved by EPA for use in storage facilities. 

4. Toxic tracking powders shall not be used in the facility unless authorized by the 

Contracting Officer. Snap traps and glue boards may be utilized as needed. If glue boards are 

used in temperature-controlled areas, ensure the proper type is used. 

E. Insect Control 

1. Insecticide applications shall not be made within temperature-controlled areas storing 

DLA Troop Support subsistence unless authorized by a DLA Troop Support Entomologist

through the Contracting Officer. 

2. Insecticide applications may be necessary to control pests around the facility exterior, in 

office areas, and in association with trash disposal areas. Insecticides utilized shall be properly 

labeled and approved for such use by EPA.

F. Certification and Record Keeping 

1. Pesticide applicators shall have a valid State pest control certification or license, a copy of 

which will be included in the submitted IPM program. 

2. Copies of labels for all pesticides intended for use in and around the facility shall be 

submitted with the formal program. A narrative description of proposed pesticide use is also 

required. 

3. Detailed pest control records shall be maintained for a period of one (1) year and shall be 

made available to the DLA Troop Support Entomologist and QAS upon request. 

IV. Pest Management Inspections 

A. A DLA Troop Support QAS and Entomologist will conduct periodic inspections of the 

facility to evaluate facility sanitation and the overall pest management program.

B. Quarterly sanitary inspection reports accomplished by the area U.S. Army Veterinary 

Officer will be retained by the contractor for review by the DLA Troop Support QAS and 

Entomologist. 

C. The contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer of any product found to be infested 

and/or contaminated while in storage within 24 hours. The product shall be placed in a hold 

status pending disposition instructions from the DLA Troop Support Entomologist and QAS 

through the Contracting Officer.