Rule 40-2-16-.24. Insect and Rodent Control

1. (1) Maintaining the Premises.

   1. (a) The surroundings must be kept neat, clean, and free of conditions which might harbor or be conducive to the breeding of insects and rodents.

   2. (b) During fly season, manure:

      1. 1. Must be spread directly on the fields;
      2. 2. Stored for not more than four (4) days in a pile on the ground surface and then spread on the fields;
      3. 3. Stored for not more than seven (7) days in an impervious-floored bin or on an impervious-curbed platform and then spread;
      4. 4. Stored in a tight-screened and trapped manure shed;
      5. 5. Effectively treated with larvicides; or
      6. 6. Disposed of in any other manner which controls insect breeding.
2. (2) Manure Packs. Manure packs in loafing areas, stables without stanchions, pen stables, resting barns, wandering sheds, and free-stall housing must be properly bedded and managed to prevent insect breeding.
3. (3) Controlling Pests. Milkhouses must be free of insects and rodents.
4. (4) Effectively Screened. Milkhouses must be effectively screened or otherwise protected against the entrance of vermin.

5. (5) Outer Doors.

   1. (a) Outer milkhouse doors must be tight and self-closing.
   2. (b) Screen doors must open outward.

6. (6) Preventing Contamination.

   1. (a) Effective measures must be taken to prevent the contamination of milk, containers, utensils, and equipment:

      1. 1. By insects and rodents, and
      2. 2. By chemicals used to control such vermin.
   2. (b) Insecticides and rodenticides not approved for use in the milkhouse must not be stored in the milkhouse.
7. (7) Approved for Use. Only insecticides and rodenticides approved for use by the Department and/or registered with the EPA may be used for insect and rodent control.

8. (8) Conditions of Use. Insecticides and rodenticides must only be used:

   1. (a) In accordance with the manufacturer's label directions, and
   2. (b) In such a manner as to prevent the contamination of milk, milk containers, utensils, equipment, feed, and water.
9. (9) Ground, Chopped, or Concentrated Feeds. Covered boxes, bins, or separate storage facilities for ground, chopped, or concentrated feeds must be provided.

10. (10) Feed Storage.

    1. (a) Feed stored in the milking portion of the barn must be held in such a manner as will not attract birds, insects, or rodents.
    2. (b) Open feed dollies or carts may be used for distributing feed.
    3. (c) Storing feed on dollies and carts is prohibited in the milking barn.
    4. (d) Feed dollies, carts, fully automated feeding systems, or other feed containers may be exempt from the use of covers, provided they do not attract birds, insects, or rodents.

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 26-2-450, et seq.

History. Original Rule entitled "Insect and Rodent Control" adopted. F. June 9, 2023; eff. July 1, 2023, as specified by the Agency.