Stick'em at the point of entry!

Authors: Toews, Michael; Campbell, James - Jim

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/2006
Publication Date: 12/1/2006
Citation: Toews, M.D., Campbell, J.F. 2006. Stick'em at the point of entry!. 2006. AIB Quarterly 3(4): 7-13.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Food processing facilities, retail stores, warehouses, and other storage structures each have unique construction features, but all have potential routes of entry for insects from the outside. Reducing the ability of insects to enter a facility is a critical component of a pest management program because it focuses on preventing pest infestation problems from occurring in the first place. It is widely known that immigration, and identification and sealing of potential routes of entry, are important, but determining the relative importance of different potential entry points and the impact of different methods of sealing on immigration rates are not as well understood. Here, we discuss how the use of sticky cards placed around potential routes of entry can be used to assess where and when insects are entering structures and evaluate the impact of installing gaskets to reduce immigration. Prevention of pest problems requires a better understanding of pest populations and behavior. Fortunately, relatively simple tools such as glue traps can be used to help provide the necessary information with which to make these management decisions, but the key is to use them effectively.