Author
 |
Arthur, Franklin |
|
Submitted to: Journal of Pest Science
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/2012 Publication Date: 9/1/2012 Citation: Arthur, F.H. 2012. Aerosols and contact insecticides as alternatives to methyl bromide in flour mills, food production facilities, and food warehouses. Journal of Pest Science. 85(3): 323-329. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10340-012-0439-9. Interpretive Summary: The fumigant methyl bromide (MB) is being phased out of production and usage to control stored product insects in the United States and other countries throughout the world. Residual surface treatments with contact insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) and aerosol applications are receiving increased attention for incorporation into management programs that historically relied on MB fumigations. This review focuses on recent research with contact insecticides and aerosols for controlling stored product insects in structures, and how they can be viewed as options for control to alleviate concerns regarding the phase-out and reduced availability of MB for structural fumigations. Technical Abstract: The fumigant methyl bromide (MB) is being phased out of production and usage to control stored product insects in flour and rice mills, as well as feed and food production plants, in the United States (US) and other developed countries throughout the world. A phase-out schedule has also been established for undeveloped countries, under a delayed timeline compared to the one established for developed countries. Whole-plant alternatives to MB treatment, such as the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (SF) and heat, can be used in place of MB, but they have some limitations as well, which will be briefly discussed in this review. Hence, residual surface treatments with contact insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) and aerosol applications are receiving increased attention for incorporation into management programs that historically relied on MB fumigations. This review will focus on recent research with contact insecticides and aerosols for controlling stored product insects in structures, and how they can be viewed as options for control to alleviate concerns regarding the phase-out and reduced availability of MB for structural fumigations. A brief discussion of emerging pest species or groups, and how they can be controlled with surface treatments and aerosols, is also included in the review. |
