Exploring effective prevention and control methods for Australia’s most common stored Product Pests
Stored product pests are a common issue in Australia causing significant economic loss to agriculture and food industries. These pests infest food products such as grains, dried fruits, nuts and other commodities. They feed on the product and contaminate them with their faeces and other debris. In this article we'll explore some of the most common stored product pests in Australia and effective treatment options.
The Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella) The adult moths are approximately 8-10mm in length and are easily recognizable by their distinctive reddish-brown forewings with a coppery luster. The larvae can be up to 13mm. The adult can have a wingspan approximately 20mm. They are especially common in the warmer and more humid coastal regions. They can survive in a wide range of environments, from homes and supermarkets to warehouses and food processing plants. They can be difficult to control, as the larvae can hide deep within food products and are often not detected until significant damage has already been done.
Granary Weevil (Sitophilus granaries) Are approximately 4.7mm while the larvaecan be up to 4mm in length. Eggs are laid singularly into a prepared hole in the grain and covered with a waxy plug. The larvae are immobile and develop concealed within a single grain. They are major pest of whole cereal grain and some solid cereal products such as pasta.
Lesser Grain Borer (Rhizopertha dominica) Both the adult and larvae are approximately 3mm in length. Besides damaging grain, it also damages noodles, beans, lentils and many other foodstuffs. Eggs are laid singularly or in clusters often attached to the grain deposited on the outside of the kernels and the larvae bore into the kernel, only leaving as adult Beetles.
The Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) Are the type of Beetle that commonly infest stored grains such as Rice Wheat and Corn. They are reddish brown in colour with elongated snouts that can be used to burrow into grain. They cause damage to grain making them unsuitable for consumption. They contaminate food products with their faeces, and they can be very difficult to control once an infestation has taken hold. It is important to inspect stored food products regularly and to discard any infested items. Keeping storage areas clean and free from spilled food and debris can also help to prevent infestations. Properly sealing food products in airtight containers and storing them in cool dry areas can also help to prevent the pests from gaining a foothold.
Prevention and Control Measures
In most cases as pest control operators, we are often called upon to deal with the pest once the client or homeowner has discovered the infestation. Before any treatment can be undertaken, it is essential that an extensive survey/inspection be carried out to ascertain the level of the infestation and the type of pest you are dealing with. Typically, in a domestic premises infestations may be found in food packages in the pantry or old rat bait in the ceiling or sub-floor area. Stored product pest control generally require an integrated approach such as sanitation, hygiene practices and the use of pheromone traps and chemical application that will bring the problem under control quickly.
There are a range of insecticide formulations that have proven to be very successful as part of the integrated approach to treat and control stored product pests including the Indian Meal Moth, the Granary Weevil, Lesser Grain Borer and the Rice Weevil amongst others.
Temprid™ 75 is a highly effective treatment solution due to its dual-action formula, combining imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin. It provides broad-spectrum control, targeting a wide range of commonly found stored grain pests. With its long-lasting residual effect, Temprid 75 forms a protective barrier that continues to eliminate pests even after initial treatment.
Suspend Flexx® is highly effective, reliable solution for the treatment of stored product pests due to its powerful active ingredient, deltamethrin. Providing long-lasting residual activity, Suspend Flexx adheres to surfaces, and offers broad-spectrum control, effectively eliminating a wide range of pests.
Aqua-K-Othrine® has revolutionised oil and solvent treatments by using a water-base that can remain active in the air for periods long enough to flush and kill stored product pests, using less than 1% hydrocarbons to propel the product.
To find out more information about Envu’s products and services, reach out to our team.
Always read the label before use.
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