The Role of Monitoring in Targeted Pest Control: A case study from Insects Limited's research colonies
Written by Samantha Kiever
At Insects Limited, a wide range of insects are maintained for various purposes.
Stored product and museum pest colonies are crucial for our research and product development, aiding in the improvement of monitoring technologies.
Additionally, a selection of “show bugs” serves as educational ambassadors at career fairs and events, inspiring curiosity in young entomologists.
While maintaining over 25 species on site is essential, challenges arise from unwanted invaders who thrive in the same conditions as the insects we keep.
Improved Conditions, New Challenges
Within the growth chamber, many species of stored product and museum pest insects are housed. Typically, when insects from one colony infest another, a simple solution involves relocating adults to fresh, uninfested food. However, following the move to a new building, improvements in rearing conditions led to unforeseen consequences.
Previously, the humidification system for the growth chamber was often out of commission, resulting in humidity levels similar to the lab’s. Insects thrived in these conditions, although rearing colonies quickly was challenging. The transition to a new facility, purpose built to accommodate Insects Limited’s needs, introduced consistent humidity control through a reverse osmosis system. The growth chamber now maintains a relative humidity of 65-75% relative humidity (RH) a significant improvement from the previous 30-40% RH.
Humidity and temperature readings from Insects Limited's growth chamber
Insects Limited growth chamber with reverse osmosis system for consistent humidity regulation.
This upgrade improved rearing and colony maintenance, reducing stress associated with disposal of insects due to contamination. The ability to replenish colonies quickly meant that surprise bioassays were no longer problematic. Although colonies thrived under the new conditions, the more favorable environment also attracted a tricky invader: mites.
The Mite Invasion: Discovery and Initial Countermeasures
During a routine inspection of the growth chamber, a black carpet beetle colony jar revealed a concerning sight. Initially perceived as a jar of frass, a closer examination revealed that the contents were, in fact, a mass of mites. This infestation had consumed the food and any signs of the beetle colony that had once occupied the jar.
Further investigation revealed that several jars of warehouse and saw-toothed grain beetles were similarly infested. This raised a critical question: how to effectively eliminate mites without harming the insect colonies.
The initial step in addressing the mite infestation involved thorough sanitation. All jars were removed from the growth chamber for cleaning, targeting both visible surfaces and hidden areas within the chamber. Following sanitation, some insects from each colony were relocated to establish new colonies on fresh, uninfested diets, a common practice during routine maintenance. To prevent mites from old colonies finding their way to the new ones, old colony jars were frozen for several days before the substrate was discarded. Additionally, the growth chamber underwent treatment to eliminate any remaining mites that could not be reached during cleaning to prevent reinfestation of new colony jars.
More Preventative Measures for Long Term Mite Management
To bolster preventative measures, a quarter-long colony revamp was implemented. Investing in new containers allowed for simultaneous inspections of all jars, reducing the likelihood that any colonies would remain unchecked for extended periods by ensuring no jars get lost or forgotten about in the back of the chamber. A weekly check-up schedule was established to monitor food consumption, crosscontamination, and mite infestations, ensuring that colonies in need of care could be addressed promptly.
Despite these efforts, challenges persisted. Recent inspections revealed mites clinging to the sides of saw-toothed grain beetle colony jars, with a significant reduction of food occurring within weeks.
To mitigate the spread of mites, jars infested with mites were surrounded by a moat of mineral oil, effectively drowning any escaping mites. Exploring potential methods for removing mites from insects destined for clean jars also became a priority. One promising technique involves shaking the insects in a bag of flour and then sifting out the desired specimens, a method previously cited for the removal of mites from hissing cockroaches.
Mineral oil moat intended to isolate mites to infested jar.
A critical observation made during this process is that infestations are often recognized only when it is too late. Given their diminutive size, mites can go unnoticed until they reach significant numbers. Moving forward, incorporating mite baits into the growth chamber and individual jars will facilitate earlier detection, preventing infestations from spiraling out of control. This approach reinforces the idea that monitoring is foundational to successful IPM. Had proactive measures been implemented sooner, the growth chamber might have remained mite-free.
Monitoring: A Cornerstone of IPM and Conservation
Effective monitoring is essential for addressing mite infestations and preventing colony damage. Mites are so small that without vigilant oversight, they can proliferate unchecked until they become a visible problem. By integrating mite baits into the growth chamber and individual jars, early detection of infestations becomes possible, mitigating the risk of severe disruption to colonies through competition or countermeasures against the mites.
Conserving insect colonies also exemplifies how proper IPM practices and diligent monitoring can protect non-target insects in natural settings. Employing targeted management strategies informed by a strong monitoring program allows us to avoid broad-spectrum interventions, which helps ensure the health of both research colonies and native insect populations.
The principles applied in maintaining research colonies serve as a model for broader conservation efforts. Proper IPM practices—starting with routine monitoring and extending to strategic exclusion and targeted interventions—provide vital protection for native insect populations against unnecessary or extreme broad-spectrum treatment. In a world where awareness of our environmental impact is mounting, prioritizing targeted control over indiscriminate measures stands as both a responsibility and a necessity that can only be achieved through making pest control decisions with the knowledge and insight that effective monitoring can provide.
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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.
