"Start with the Insect First!" - The Cornerstone of Integrated Pest Management for Stored Product Insects
By Ethan Estabrook, BCE
In the grand narrative of food security, pests play the part of the uninvited guests. Given the pressing global challenge to feed an ever-growing population, the 'Start with the insect first' approach is crucial. This approach holds particular importance when it comes to stored product insects, the quiet underminers of our collective food security efforts.
A Bite into Our Food Supplies
Stored product insects account for significant losses in post-harvest stages. They feed on, breed in, and contaminate stored food, resulting in significant quality and quantity losses. From grain to dried fruits, no stored food product is truly safe from their insidious damage. Therefore, understanding and managing these pests effectively is key to safeguarding our food supplies and feeding a hungry world.
Figure 1. Insect damage to wheat over 128 days. Photo Credit: Edmond Bonjour, Oklahoma State University Extension
Proper Pest Identification: Know Your Enemy
An integral part of 'Starting with the insect first' is proper pest identification. Knowing your adversary's identity allows you to understand its behavior, life cycle, and food preferences. Different insects pose different threats and require different management approaches. Misidentification can lead to ineffective treatments and unnecessary costs. Thus, correctly identifying the pest is the foundation of successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Figure 2. Red flour beetle and rice weevil on kernels of wheat.
Pest Behavior and Life Cycle: The Pest's Playbook
Knowing an insect's behavior and life cycle provides insight into its weak points, which can be exploited for effective management. For instance, understanding an insect's breeding season or its attraction to certain food products can inform when and where to apply treatments. This understanding can significantly improve treatment effectiveness and efficiency.
Pest Treatment Effectiveness: The Right Tool for the Job
Choosing the right treatment for the right insect is paramount. Treatments vary in effectiveness based on the pest's identity, life stage, and other factors. Thus, starting with the insect first ensures that the most effective treatments are utilized, reducing unnecessary treatments and minimizing potential impacts on non-target organisms.
Pest Monitoring and Evaluation: Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Pests Closer
Continual monitoring and evaluation of pest populations and treatment effectiveness are essential components of IPM. Regular monitoring allows for early pest detection and intervention, preventing large-scale infestations. Evaluating the success of treatments ensures resources are not wasted on ineffective methods, while providing valuable data for future pest management.
Figure 3. Remote pheromone monitoring device called the SightTrap from Insects Limited. Photo Credit: Ethan Estabrook
Feeding a Hungry World: Every Grain Counts
Every successful intervention against stored product insects is a step towards food security. By preserving the integrity of our stored food products, we ensure that more food reaches the plates of those who need it. This is the broader goal of 'Starting with the insect first' - it is not just about managing pests, but about protecting food to help feed a hungry world.
The 'Start with the pest first' approach forms the backbone of effective IPM for stored product insects. It reminds us that each pest management journey begins with understanding the pest. Let's continue to build our knowledge and skills in IPM, and contribute to the global effort to feed our growing world.
Figure 4. Lesser grain borer damage to wheat over 6 months. Photo Credit: Ethan Estabrook, Insects Limited
Insects Limited, an Insect Pheromone Company
Insects Limited, Inc. researches, tests, develops, manufactures and distributes pheromones and trapping systems for insects in a global marketplace. The highly qualified staff also can assist with consultation, areas of expert witness, training presentations and grant writing.
Insects Limited, Inc. specializes in a unique niche of pest control that provides mainstream products and services to protect stored food, grain, museum collections, tobacco, timber and fiber worldwide. Please take some time to view these products and services in our web store.
